BMW S 1000 RR vs Yamaha YZF-R125
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The BMW S 1000 RR and Yamaha YZF-R125 are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Yamaha YZF-R125 undercuts the BMW S 1000 RR by about $12,396, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the BMW S 1000 RR leads on power with 210 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pick
Yamaha
Yamaha YZF-R125The verdict
The BMW S 1000 RR edges it overall at 9.3/10, but the Yamaha YZF-R125 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Yamaha YZF-R125
A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.
BMW S 1000 RR
210 hp and 1.07 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha YZF-R125
Our 8/10 at $5,499, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha YZF-R125
144 kg with an 825 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
BMW S 1000 RR
Our top score in this matchup at 9.3/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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BMW S 1000 RR vs Yamaha YZF-R125: your questions answered
Which is faster, the BMW S 1000 RR or the Yamaha YZF-R125?
The BMW S 1000 RR makes the most power at 210 hp and 113 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the BMW S 1000 RR or the Yamaha YZF-R125?
The Yamaha YZF-R125 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,499.
Which is lighter, the BMW S 1000 RR or the Yamaha YZF-R125?
The Yamaha YZF-R125 is the lightest at 144 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the BMW S 1000 RR or the Yamaha YZF-R125?
For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha YZF-R125: A2-legal, 15 hp and 144 kg make it the most approachable of the group.