YAMAHA RD 125LC (1981-1986) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha RD 125LC was a motorcycle relaunched in 1982 as a new model and continued production until 1987. The new bike was fitted with a two-stroke single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a smaller displacement than its predecessor.

The RD 125LC model was pretty popular in countries with a small displacement limit for beginner riders, including England and Switzerland. Compared with other 125cc of the time, the RD 125LC had a more modern and sporty look and was ahead of the competition in performance.

In the visual department, the bike had standard features, such as a rectangular headlight, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, a single exhaust system with a silencer mounted on the right side, and five double-spoke aluminum wheels.

It packed a 32 mm telescopic fork on the front for suspension and a 245 mm brake disc for stopping power. The rear end was handled by a six-way-adjustable monocross linkage on the rear and a 130 mm drum braking unit.

As for performance, the 1981 Yamaha RD 125LC had its soul brought to life by a 123cc two-stroke single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine fed by a carburetor, delivering 20 hp with maximum strength at 9,500 rpm and 16 Nm (12 lb-ft) torque at 9,250 rpm.

A six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch handled the bike's power and was sent to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the bike to 130 kph (81 mph).