In 1980, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha DT 125MX, a dual-purpose motorcycle with a moto-crosser style, delivering the comfort and manoeuvrability of a first-class roadster.
The Yamaha DT 125 was an enduro motorcycle that debuted in 1974 as the DT 125A. The DT suffix indicated a two-stroke off-road-style design with features such as a raised exhaust system, a cross members handlebar, universal tires, and enough ground clearance.
In the visual department, the bike was fitted with standard features, such as a round headlight up front with two instrument gauges mounted on top, a high-mounted front fender, a one-piece dual seat, a side stand, and wire-spoke wheels with mixed tires.
The bike was built around a tubular semi-double-cradle steel frame with a telescopic fork on the front, delivering 160 mm of travel, and a Mono-Cross suspension system on the rear, providing 115 mm of travel.
The braking performance was still handled by a drum braking unit on both front and rear wheels, like on previous models, delivering optimum stopping power.
In the performance department, the 1980 Yamaha DT 125MX had installed a 123cc four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine that delivered an output power of 14 hp with a peak force at 6,500 rpm and 15 Nm (11 lb-ft) torque at 6,000 rpm.
The power produced by the engine was transferred to a six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch, spinning the rear wheel through a final chain drive, reaching a top speed of 119 kph (74 mph).