Yamaha YTX 125: Know its alternatives

The Yamaha YTX 125 was developed especially for the Philippines for the specific purpose of pulling sidecars. Therefore Yamaha YTX 125’s price is kept low while delivering a rugged bike with just enough power and features to keep it attractive.

The YTX 125’s engine is an air-cooled 125 cc single cylinder that produces 8 hp of peak power and 10.2 Nm of torque. It has a reinforced chassis that is made to handle the stresses of pulling a sidecar for extended periods every day. Being priced just under Php 50000, Yamaha YTX dealers have never seen a drop in demand for this bike. However, if you don’t like the price or its 4-speed transmission, you might want something else. Thankfully, there is no lack of choice for the discerning businessman in the Philippines’ motorcycle market. Here are some of the best alternatives to the Yamaha YTX 125.

Kawasaki CT150

Coming from Kawasaki’s Indian connection Bajaj, the CT150 was a very successful bike in India. In India, it did well mainly because of its low price. Kawasaki has not fiddled with that formula in the Philippines either and priced the bike at just Php 51900. This is only slightly higher than the YTX 125’s price and the smaller CT 125 which sells for Php 49900. For the CT150, Kawasaki offers a 4-valve, SOHC engine that produces 11.84 hp at 7500 rpm and torque of 12.26 Nm at 5000 rpm. Being a larger engine the power is obviously higher than the YTX 125. But the best part has to be the high mileage. The bike can achieve 50 kmpl in city and can up to 58 kmpl on highways.

With an 11-litre fuel tank, the Kawasaki CT 150 can last a long time between fuel fill-ups. Like the Yamaha, it too uses a 4-speed transmission. The CT 150 is rugged and built for rural use with high ground clearance and a large flat rear carrier. Kawasaki has given it a capable suspension setup with 31 mm telescopic front forks and quad SNS 125 mm and 100 mm rear shock absorbers. It indeed is a very viable alternative for the Yamaha.

Honda TMX 125 Alpha

On a more level playing field with the Yamaha YTX 125 is the Honda TMX 125 Alpha. Much like its popular bigger brother, the TMX 150 Supremo is also built with rough rural use in mind. Powering the Honda TMX 125 is a 125 cc OHV air-cooled and carbureted engine producing 9.6 hp and 9.28 Nm of torque. Being smaller capacity, it also enjoys high mileage figures of 60 kmpl in city and a massive 75 kmpl on highways. It comes with a 5-speed gearbox, something sorely missing from the YTX 125 specifications.

This lightweight bike is well suited for rough rural roads with 157 mm ground clearance, 18-inch wheels and a provision to attach a second rear suspension. Like the Yamaha, the TMX 125 Alpha is also modified with a side car collar for easy attachment. It also comes with a large flat rear carrier for carrying cargo. Priced at Php 50900, it is a very strong rival to the Yamaha YTX 125.

Skygo King 150

The Skygo King 150 is yet another alternative to the YTX 125 albeit with a bigger 150 cc engine. The Skygo King 150 build on the popularity and the reputation of the Skygo Wizard 125. Developed specifically for businesses, it shares a lot of design elements with the Honda TMX 125 Alpha. Powering it is a 144.6 cc air-cooled engine that churns out 12.7 hp and 10 Nm of torque. This too comes with a 5-speed transmission and weighs 101 kg. The company has given it both electric and kick start options, a gear position indicator, 17-inch wheels, and a flat rear carrier. Factory fitted with mounting points for side-car, this is a much cheaper alternative to the Yamaha YTX 125 at just Php 40000.

Apart from these, there are bigger bikes like the Kawasaki Barako II and the Honda TMX 150 Supremo that bring up the more expensive end of the range. Nevertheless, no matter what you want for your business, your needs will be very well catered by any of these very capable bikes.