Yamaha DT 125 E – 1980 Specifications and Reviews, The 1980 Yamaha DT 125 E is part of Yamaha’s legendary DT series, which was well-known for its dual-purpose capabilities, combining off-road performance with street usability. Here’s a detailed look at its specifications and some user reviews.
1980 Yamaha DT 125 E Specifications:
- Engine:
- Type: Air-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
- Displacement: 123cc
- Bore x Stroke: 56 mm x 50 mm
- Compression Ratio: 6.6:1
- Maximum Power: Around 13 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Carburetor: Mikuni VM24SS
- Ignition: CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
- Starting System: Kick start
- Transmission:
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual transmission
- Final Drive: Chain
- Chassis and Suspension:
- Frame: Steel tubular frame
- Front Suspension: Telescopic fork with 180 mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Dual shock absorbers with 110 mm travel
- Front Brake: Drum brake
- Rear Brake: Drum brake
- Wheels & Tires:
- Front Wheel: 21-inch
- Rear Wheel: 18-inch
- Tires: Dual-purpose tires for both on-road and off-road riding
- Dimensions:
- Length: 2,110 mm
- Width: 880 mm
- Height: 1,115 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,370 mm
- Ground Clearance: 245 mm
- Dry Weight: ~108 kg
- Fuel Capacity: 8.5 liters
- Performance:
- Top Speed: Approximately 100-105 km/h (varies with rider weight and conditions)
- Fuel Economy: Around 35-40 km/L
1980 Yamaha DT 125 E Features and Design:
- The DT 125 E was built to be a versatile bike, capable of handling both on-road commuting and off-road adventures.
- Its lightweight design and 2-stroke engine made it nimble and responsive, perfect for riders looking for a balance between city riding and off-road capability.
- It also came equipped with Yamaha’s Autolube system, which meant that the oil and fuel were mixed automatically, making maintenance easier.
1980 Yamaha DT 125 E Reviews and Legacy:
- Off-road Capability: Riders praised the DT 125 E for its excellent off-road performance, especially in rough and challenging terrains. Its high ground clearance and long-travel suspension made it well-suited for trails, gravel, and dirt roads.
- Lightweight and Easy Handling: Many users appreciated the bike’s lightweight design, which made it easy to maneuver, especially for beginner riders. The bike was seen as a great entry-level dual-sport motorcycle due to its manageable power and forgiving handling.
- Engine Performance: The 2-stroke engine provided a punchy power delivery, which riders loved for its quick acceleration. However, being a 2-stroke, it required more frequent maintenance compared to 4-stroke engines.
- Maintenance: The DT 125 E was known for being relatively easy to maintain, with readily available parts and simple mechanical components. The Yamaha Autolube system reduced the hassle of pre-mixing oil with fuel, which was a bonus for riders.
- Comfort and Street Riding: Although the bike was primarily geared towards off-road, it was comfortable enough for short commutes. The seat was not designed for long rides, but for its class, it provided decent comfort.
- Fuel Efficiency: The 2-stroke engine provided decent fuel economy for the time, making it an affordable option for riders looking for both fun and practicality.
Conclusion:
The 1980 Yamaha DT 125 E is fondly remembered as a reliable, versatile, and fun dual-sport motorcycle. It catered to both on-road and off-road enthusiasts, making it a favorite for riders who needed a bike that could handle multiple environments. The bike’s lightweight frame, robust 2-stroke engine, and ease of maintenance kept it popular among riders long after its initial release.
