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Edition:
Yamaha RD 125 Twin - [1973]
This edition of the Yamaha RD 125 Twin is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1973. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1974 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV and the 1973 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV.This particular Yamaha RD 125 has a 124cc Air cooled, Four stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Suzuki GS 500 E - [1989]
The 1973 RD 125 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E and the 1966 Norton Dunstall 750. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the RD 125's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1967 Suzuki T 125 Two Stroke | 1967cc.1986 Kawasaki AR 125 Single Cylinder | 1986cc.
Weighing in at 115 kgs (253 lbs) this makes the Yamaha RD 125 Twin in the same weight category as the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom or the 2024 Honda CB 300 F Twister, give or take 50kg.
The 1973 Yamaha RD 125 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]
In terms of power the 124cc 10 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 17 bhp (12 kW) @ 8500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm].
The Reed Valve Four stroke unit throws out torque of 9.4 lb-ft (12.7 Nm) @ 8000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm] and the 2024 Honda CB 500 Hornet [31.7 lb-ft (42.9 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha RD 125 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2004 Honda VT 750 C Shadow Aero has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1973 Yamaha RD 125 Twin.
The 1973 Yamaha RD 125 Twin has a Power to weight ratio of 147.8 bhp per ton and 81.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1973 RD 125 competing with the 2004 Honda VT 750 C Shadow Aero [172.6 bhp\ton] and the 2006 Honda VT 750 C Shadow Ace [172.6 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Yamaha RD 125 generating around 81.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2012 Suzuki VL 250 LC Intruder [106.6 lb-ft per ton] and the 2005 Suzuki VL 250 LC Intruder [106.6 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 25.0 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 25.6 secs, this makes the Yamaha RD 125 Twin similar in acceleration to the 1993 Suzuki GN 250 ET (25.0 secs) and the 1990 Kawasaki GTO 125 Single Cylinder (25.0 secs). This Yamaha RD 125 Twin also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1973 Yamaha RD 125 Twin and the 1977 Yamaha RD 125 Twin
When talking about the performance of the 1973 Yamaha RD 125 Twin on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 18.2 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1977 Yamaha RD 125 Twin (18.2 secs) and the 1978 Yamaha RD 125 Twin (18.2 secs).
The 1973 version of the Yamaha RD 125 Twin has a maximum speed of 81mph.
Top Speed of the 1973 RD 125 equals the 2007 Honda FMX 650 Supermoto
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1973 Yamaha RD 125 Twin then how about a 2007 Honda FMX 650 Supermoto (92 mph) and the 2005 Honda FMX 650 Supermoto (92 mph).
