Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Honda MTX125R
75/100 Overall
70 On the road80 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda MTX125R vs Yamaha DT125LC
Honda MTX125R scores 75/100 overall against Yamaha DT125LC on 77/100. On the road: 70–68. As classics: 80–85. Overall result: Yamaha DT125LC.
Photo: Jybumaat · Public domain
Yamaha DT125LC
77/100 Overall
68 On the road85 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda MTX125R | Yamaha DT125LC | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 7 | Honda MTX125R |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha DT125LC |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha DT125LC |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 9 | Level |
Choose the Honda MTX125R if…
you want Honda reliability with tall trail-bike styling, lively two-stroke performance and genuine 1980s nostalgia.
Choose the Yamaha DT125LC if…
you want a lively trail-style 125 with strong 1980s appeal, useful road ability and proper two-stroke character.
Background
History
Honda MTX125R
The Honda MTX125R was produced from 1983–1989 and used a 124cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha DT125LC
The Yamaha DT125LC was produced from 1982–1988 and used a 123cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for collector appeal, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda MTX125R
- Its production span in this library runs from 1983 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 124cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, reliability.
Yamaha DT125LC
- Its production span in this library runs from 1982 to 1988.
- The recorded engine description is: 123cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are collector appeal, character, styling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda MTX125R
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda MTX125R. Its library score for character is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Yamaha DT125LC
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha DT125LC. Its library score for collector appeal is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda MTX125R
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Yamaha DT125LC
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda MTX125R
Rivals to the Yamaha DT125LC
Final result
The verdict
Honda MTX125R wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Yamaha DT125LC wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha DT125LC takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.