Sharing the same lively parallel-twin engine as the YZF-R25, the Yamaha MT-25 combines everyday comfort, sporty handling and beginner-friendly performance in one well-rounded package.
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Naked bikes are always the go-to solution for those who want the performance of a sportbike but find the ergonomics to be a little too aggressive for their liking or for their body build. Most of the time, riders will find that a naked bike is the more reasonable option, especially if they are intending to use a motorcycle as a daily commuter. Tall people would also find that naked bikes are the safer option because it would lessen the risk of having to deal with wrist and back ache every time they go out for a ride.
There are plenty of naked bikes that are currently on the market today ranging from as small as 150cc upward of 1000cc, or more. One of the most infamous naked bikes that has made a name for itself in the naked bike scene is the Yamaha MT-25. It is positioned in between the smaller MT-15 and the torquey MT-07.
First introduced in June 2015 in Indonesia, the MT-25 is built under the “Street Cheetah” concept, taking the infamous YZF-R25 and completely stripping off the full fairing to create a more upright riding position that would make it agile for city riding. It later got an aggressive face-lift in 2020 adopting the signature “Dark Side of Japan” aesthetic as seen on its larger MT siblings, as well as making its debut in the Malaysian market.
To young riders, they might not be too interested with this bike because it does not have that aggressive or sporty stance that youngsters nowadays are craving for. They might think that this bike is associated with an older demographic and they can never feel a sense of excitement with this bike.
However, looks alone does not justify that statement. For me personally, this bike is able to deliver the same sense of rush that you can get from a sportbike, just in a more upright, comfortable package, and that’s what most people are missing out on.
Engine And Transmission
Powering the MT-25 is a 249cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that pushes out around 35.5 hp at 12,000 rpm and 22.6 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm. Sharing the same engine as its fully-faired sibling, the YZF-R25, the MT-25 delivers an engaging riding experience, just with a more upright and comfortable riding position.
What I liked most about the MT-25 is how approachable the power delivery feels. It doesn’t make you want to hold on to the handlebars for dear life. Instead, the power builds up gradually and smoothly, allowing you to get accustomed to the bike’s character without feeling overwhelmed.
I can easily see why this motorcycle is often recommended to riders moving up from smaller-capacity bikes or even beginner riders, as it strikes a nice balance between being exciting and confidence-inspiring.
As the revs climb, the engine begins to show its aggressive side. It feels eager to rev, rewarding you with stronger acceleration higher up in the rev range while still remaining smooth and predictable throughout. The performance is very similar to the YZF-R25, so you still get that sporty character and enjoyable acceleration, just with the added comfort of a naked bike’s ergonomics.
Power is delivered through a six-speed gearbox paired with a wet multi-disc clutch. Gear changes feel smooth, while the clutch itself is light enough that riding through traffic never became tiring. Combined with the engine’s refined power delivery, the MT-25 feels equally at home weaving through city streets as it does stretching its legs on the open road.
Design & Features
The Yamaha MT-25 follows the same design philosophy as the rest of the MT family, blending aggressive styling with a clean and understated appearance. Eventhough it isn’t too flashy, there’s no mistaking it for anything other than an MT. The rear end does look familiar since it is the shares the same rear end with the YZF-R25, while the front adopts Yamaha’s signature MT styling that has become synonymous with the brand’s naked bike lineup.
One of the highlights of the front end is the pair of LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). They give the bike a sharp, almost predatory expression that perfectly complements its streetfighter-inspired character.
Combined with the large, sculpted fuel tank, the MT-25 has a muscular stance that makes it look bigger than its 250cc displacement might suggest. Personally, I think Yamaha has done a great job of giving the bike enough visual presence without making it look overly complicated.
Sitting in front of the rider is a fully digital LCD instrument panel. It may not be as high-tech as the TFT displays found on some newer motorcycles, I found it to be surprisingly easy to read. Even during the day, the display remained clear, and at night, all the information was presented in a crisp and easy-to-read layout.
When it comes to rider aids, the MT-25 keeps things simple. It comes equipped with dual-channel ABS, which is always a welcome feature, especially for newer riders or those who frequently ride in unpredictable weather. It may not have a long list of electronic assists, but for a motorcycle in this segment, I think Yamaha has included the features that matter the most, and not features that may not be a necessity most of the time.
Riding Experience
The first thing I noticed after getting on the Yamaha MT-25 was that it felt slightly heavier than I had expected. I’ve also asked a few friends who have also ridden the bike, they shared the same opinion. Compared to some other motorcycles in the 250cc naked bike segment, the MT-25 does have a slightly weightier feel, especially at low speeds.
Due to that, I wasn’t immediately confident when it comes to slow-speed maneuvers. Whether it was making U-turns or navigating around tight parking areas, I found myself being a little more cautious during the first few rides.
However, that didn’t last long. The more time I spent with the bike, the more I understood how it behaved, and before long, everything started to feel much more natural. It was simply a matter of getting used to its characteristics.
Riding around the city was generally an enjoyable experience, although I did notice one small drawback. The standard side mirrors are quite long, so filtering through traffic can sometimes be a little tricky, especially when squeezing between cars in tighter gaps.
There were a few moments where I found myself paying extra attention to avoid clipping a car’s mirror. Personally, I think a set of aftermarket mirrors would easily solve this issue without affecting the bike’s overall practicality.
Out on the highway, however, the MT-25 really begins to shine. The parallel-twin engine feels smooth and refined, while the upright riding position makes longer journeys much more comfortable than a fully-faired sportbike.
Of course, being a naked motorcycle, you’re going to experience plenty of wind blasting on to you once the speed picks up. But that’s simply part of owning a naked bike, and it’s something I quickly got used to after spending more time on the road.
Overall, the MT-25 was a motorcycle that required a little time to understand. It felt slightly intimidating during the first ride, but as the mileage added up, my confidence grew just as quickly. Once I adapted to its weight and handling characteristics, the bike became incredibly rewarding to ride, making it equally enjoyable for daily commuting and weekend rides.
Handling & Braking
The Yamaha MT-25 comes equipped with a suspension setup that’s well suited to both everyday riding and spirited weekend runs. Up front, it features upside-down (USD) forks, while the rear is supported by a preload-adjustable monoshock.
Throughout my time with the bike, the suspension struck a nice balance between comfort and sportiness. It was able to soak up any imperfections on city roads, yet firm enough to keep the bike feeling composed when the pace picked up.
One aspect that genuinely surprised me was how enjoyable the MT-25 was through corners. The chassis feels well balanced, and it allowed me to lean into bends with absolute confidence. Whether it was sweeping corners or tighter turns, the suspension provided plenty of support and feedback, making every corner a rewarding experience.
Braking duties are handled by a 298 mm hydraulic front disc paired with a two-piston caliper, while the rear uses a 220 mm hydraulic disc with a single-piston caliper. Stopping power felt progressive and more than adequate for a motorcycle in this class, giving me confidence whether I was slowing down from highway speeds or dealing with stop-and-go city traffic.
The MT-25 also comes standard with dual-channel ABS, and I’m glad Yamaha included it. There were a couple of occasions during my time with the bike where the ABS intervened, and it did exactly what it was supposed to do.
It’s one of those features that you hope you’ll never need, but when you do, you’ll be thankful it’s there. For newer riders especially, it adds an extra layer of confidence and safety without taking away any of the fun.
Verdict
Overall, the Yamaha MT-25 is a motorcycle that successfully blends everyday practicality with an engaging riding experience. It may not be the most powerful motorcycle in the 250cc segment, but it doesn’t need to be. Instead, it focuses on delivering smooth performance, predictable handling and an upright riding position that makes it easy to live with every single day.
What impressed me the most was how approachable the bike became over time. I’ll admit, it felt slightly intimidating during my first ride because of its weight, especially at low speeds.
However, once I spent more time with it and understood its characteristics, the MT-25 quickly became a motorcycle that felt natural and confidence-inspiring. It’s one of those bikes that rewards you the more you ride it.
The parallel-twin engine offers enough performance to put a smile on your face without ever feeling overwhelming, while the features it has adds a premium touch to the overall package. Whether you’re filtering through city traffic, commuting to work or heading out for a weekend ride, the MT-25 feels more than capable of handling it all.
After spending time with the Yamaha MT-25, it’s easy to understand why it continues to be one of the more popular choices in the quarter-litre naked bike segment. It delivers the same entertaining engine as the YZF-R25 but wraps it in a more comfortable and practical package, making it a great all-rounder for Malaysian roads.
If you’re looking for a used Yamaha MT-25, you’ll find plenty of well-maintained units available at iMotorbike. Visit the iMotorbike website or drop by your nearest showroom to explore the available models and experience the MT-25 for yourself.
Yamaha MT-25 Specifications
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 249cc Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, Parallel-Twin, DOHC, 8-valve
- Max Power: 35 horsepower at 12,000 rpm
- Max Torque: 22.6 Nm Torque at 10,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multi-disc
Chassis & Suspension
- Frame: Lightweight, diamond-type steel frame
- Front Suspension: Inverted (upside-down) front forks
- Rear Suspension: Preload-adjustable rear monoshock
- Front Brakes: Single 298mm floating hydraulic disc with a 2-piston caliper and ABS
- Rear Brakes: Single 220mm hydraulic disc with a 1-piston caliper and ABS
- Tires: 110/70-ZR17 (front), 140/70-ZR17 (rear)
Dimensions & Electronics
- Wet Weight: 167 kg
- Seat Height: 780 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 14 Liters
- Electronics: Fully digital LCD meter panel, Dual-Channel ABS
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