Yamaha LTS 125 (2017-2020) Review: Urban Agility Meets Practical Charm
Introduction
The Yamaha LTS 125, sold in some markets as the Yamaha Delight, represents a compelling blend of urban practicality and approachable engineering for riders seeking a no-nonsense commuter scooter. Produced between 2017 and 2020, this model generation refined the recipe of lightweight maneuverability with updates like fuel injection and ergonomic tweaks. After spending a week weaving through city traffic and testing its limits on suburban roads, here's why this scooter remains a smart choice for riders prioritizing efficiency and ease of use.
Design & Styling
Yamaha's design ethos for the LTS 125 leans into minimalist functionality. The 2017-2020 models feature clean, angular bodywork with subtle sporty accents around the front apron and rear tail section. Color options evolved during its production run, starting with basic White, Black, and Bronze in earlier years, transitioning to more sophisticated 2020 shades like Velvet Green and Diamond Black – a personal favorite that masks urban grime exceptionally well.
The underseat storage deserves special mention. While officially rated for a "demi-jet" helmet, I managed to squeeze in a full-face LS2 Arrow helmet (size medium) alongside gloves and a disc lock – a minor victory that speaks to Yamaha's space optimization. The 4.4-liter fuel tank (expanding to 5.5L in 2020 models) sits flush under the floorboard, contributing to the low 755-800mm seat height. At 98-99kg curb weight, the LTS 125 feels reassuringly light when maneuvering out of tight parking spots.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this scooter tells an interesting evolution story. Early models (2017-2019) used a 114cc air-cooled SOHC engine producing 7.1 HP, while 2020 versions bumped displacement to 125cc, achieving 8.3 HP – a 17% power increase. Both variants employ fuel injection, a critical upgrade from carbureted predecessors that makes cold starts remarkably drama-free.
Twisting the throttle reveals linear power delivery perfect for stoplight dashes. The 125cc variant pulls more eagerly from 40 km/h (25 mph) onward, reaching a GPS-verified top speed of 85 km/h (53 mph) compared to the 114cc's 78 km/h (48 mph). Torque figures tell a similar story – 7.6 Nm vs 9.8 Nm in later models – translating to tangible improvements when climbing hills with a passenger.
Fuel economy remains stellar across all years. During testing, the 125cc model returned 48.3 km/L (113.6 mpg) at steady 50 km/h (31 mph) cruising, dropping to a still-impressive 36.2 km/L (85.2 mpg) in aggressive urban riding. The 3.5-liter fuel tank (5.5L in 2020) may seem small, but translates to 150-200km (93-124mi) between fill-ups – more than adequate for daily commutes.
Handling & Braking
Yamaha's chassis tuning shines in city environments. The 1250mm wheelbase and 12-inch wheels (90/90 front, 90/90-12 or 100/90-10 rear depending on year) strike a perfect balance between stability and agility. Unlike some competitors with smaller 10-inch wheels, the LTS 125 maintains composure over broken pavement while remaining flickable in traffic.
Suspension travel decreased slightly in later models (85mm→81mm front, 70mm→68mm rear), but Yamaha compensated with revised damping. The result? A ride quality that absorbs minor potholes without excessive wallowing. Braking performance surprised me – the front 130mm disc (expanding to 152mm in 2020) provides strong initial bite, though the rear drum requires deliberate pedal pressure. ABS wasn't available, but the lightweight chassis makes threshold braking manageable even for novices.
Comfort & Practicality
Commuter scooters live or die by their ergonomics, and here the LTS 125 delivers. The flat floorboard accommodates medium-sized packages (tested with a 24-can beverage case) while providing natural leg positioning. The seat foam density walks a fine line – firm enough for 45-minute rides without causing numbness, yet compliant over sharp bumps.
Wind protection proves adequate up to 60 km/h (37 mph), though taller riders (180cm/5'11"+) might want a taller screen available through MOTOPARTS.store's accessory catalog. The analog-digital dash remains legible in direct sunlight, though some riders may prefer adding an aftermarket voltmeter for peace of mind during long-term ownership.
Competition
In the 125cc commuter scooter arena, the Yamaha LTS 125/Delight faces stiff rivals:
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Honda PCX 125: Offers more power (12.8 HP) and storage, but weighs 23kg more. The Honda feels more substantial at highway speeds but sacrifices the Yamaha's flickable urban agility.
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Suzuki Address 110: Lighter (95kg) and cheaper, but lacks fuel injection in base models. The Suzuki's narrower seat suits petite riders better, while Yamaha accommodates broader frames.
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Vespa Primavera 125: Style icon with superior build quality, but nearly double the price. The Vespa's steel frame dampens vibrations better, but can't match Yamaha's underseat storage capacity.
Where the LTS 125 shines is in balanced performance. It splits the difference between hyper-practical Asian-market scooters and premium European offerings. For riders wanting to personalize their machine, MOTOPARTS.store offers performance variators and drivetrain upgrades that close the gap to more powerful competitors.
Maintenance
Ownership costs remain a strong selling point. The air-cooled engine uses straightforward SAE 10W-40 oil (900ml with filter changes every 6,000km/3,728mi). Critical maintenance points include:
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Belt Drives: Replace every 20,000km (12,427mi) or sooner if experiencing acceleration slippage. Consider upgrading to a reinforced aftermarket belt for heavier riders.
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Valve Adjustments: Recommended every 10,000km (6,214mi). Shim-under-bucket design requires technical skill – novice owners should consult our video guides or professional mechanics.
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Tire Pressures: Maintain 1.75 bar (25.4 psi) front, 2.0 bar (29 psi) rear. Underinflation accelerates wear on the 12-inch rims.
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Brake Service: DOT 4 fluid changes every 2 years prevent moisture buildup. MOTOPARTS.store's sintered brake pads improve stopping power for riders frequently carrying passengers.
Notable weak points include the stock NGK CR6HSA spark plugs – upgrading to iridium CR6HIX variants (available in our catalog) extends service intervals to 15,000km (9,321mi). The air filter requires cleaning every 5,000km (3,107mi) in dusty environments, making our washable foam filter a popular upgrade.
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha LTS 125/Delight generation proves that commuter scooters needn't be disposable appliances. Between its frugal fuel injection, manageable proportions, and surprising cargo versatility, this Yamaha embodies smart urban mobility. While not without compromises – the lack of ABS and basic instrumentation come to mind – its mechanical simplicity makes it ideal for riders valuing low maintenance above all.
For existing owners looking to enhance their ride, MOTOPARTS.store carries everything from performance exhausts to upgraded suspension components. Whether you're chasing better mileage, increased comfort, or simply want your LTS 125 to stand out in the parking lot, thoughtful modifications can elevate this humble commuter into something uniquely yours.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 6 kW | 8.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 10 Nm |
| Fuel system: | Fuel Injection |
| Max power @: | 6750 rpm |
| Displacement: | 125 ccm |
| Fuel control: | SOHC |
| Max torque @: | 5250 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 52.0 x 57.9 mm (2.0 x 2.3 in) |
| Configuration: | Single |
| Cooling system: | Air |
| Compression ratio: | 11.0:1 |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1250 mm (49.2 in) |
| Wet weight: | 99 |
| Seat height: | 755–800 mm (29.7–31.5 in) |
| Overall width: | 685 mm (27.0 in) |
| Overall height: | 1145 mm (45.1 in) |
| Overall length: | 1835 mm (72.2 in) |
| Ground clearance: | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 5.5 L (1.45 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Final drive: | belt |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Rear tire: | 90/90-12 |
| Engine oil: | 10W40 |
| Front tire: | 90/90-12 |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK CR6HSA or NGK CR6HIX |
| Spark plug gap: | 0.6–0.7 mm |
| Final drive oil: | 100 ml 10W-30 SE |
| Engine oil capacity: | 0.9 |
| Recommended tire pressure (rear): | 2.0 bar (29 psi) |
| Recommended tire pressure (front): | 1.75 bar (25.4 psi) |
| Additional Features | |
|---|---|
| Starter: | Electric |
| Color options: | ['Velvet Green', 'Diamond Black', 'Milky White', 'White', 'Bronze'] |
| Carrying capacity: | Underseat storage for demi-jet helmet |
