Top 10 Best 125cc Motorcycles (2024 Update)
Once you finish your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), here are the best learner-legal 125cc motorcycles to consider.
1. Honda CB125R (Typical Honda Build Quality With a Modern Vibe)
The most complete A1 learner motorcycle on the market, the CB125R is part of Honda’s Neo Cafe family of motorbikes, and it ticks a lot of boxes for what you want in a beginner motorcycle.
It packs a state-of-the-art LCD display, power, premium tech equipment, all-around LED lighting, Showa BPF forks, and a top speed of 70mph together in a ridiculously stylish silhouette.
Overall, this bike is a beginner-friendly, well-built machine that you can ride with pride as you sharpen your skills for the next level.
Honda CB125R Specs
| Engine: | 124.9cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder |
| Fuel Tank: | 10.1L |
| Seat Height: | 816mm |
| Weight: | 139kg |
| Price: | £4,599 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to ride | There are a few faster 125cc bikes |
| Incredibly stylish looks | |
| Excellent fuel economy |
2. Yamaha XSR125 (Neo-Retro Perfection)
The heritage of the XSR 125 lies in Yamaha’s Faster Sons Styling movement. The larger XSR700 and XSR900 models mainly influence the bike’s design.
Like both bikes, it perfectly merges retro design features and iconography with modern technology.
Its headlight and taillights are a perfect example. Their distinct round shape channels a seventies aesthetic perfectly blended with up-to-date LED technology.
The bike is very well put together, and as a first-time rider, you can go for it if you want something that exudes youthful exuberance and stands out in a jam-packed category.
Yamaha XSR125 Specs
| Engine: | 124cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder |
| Fuel Tank: | 11L |
| Seat Height: | 815mm |
| Weight: | 140kg |
| Price: | £4,395 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Retro styling | No under-seat storage |
| Tech laden | Premium pricing |
| Sprightly engine |
3. KTM 125 Duke (The Thrill Seeker’s Urban Rider)
For thrill-seeking beginners, one typical question is floating in their heads: Which street bike is the fastest 125cc out there?
The KTM 125 Duke may just be the answer to that question. It is one of the fastest 125cc machines, with a top speed of 75 mph.
It is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the sixth gear is there to help you switch from an already impressive fifth-gear pace to overdrive for an adrenaline-fueled ride.
Speed, agility, safety, and fuel efficiency are the defining features of this motorbike. These qualities make it one of the most dynamic 125cc options for young riders.
The KTM 125 Duke is a lightweight, fast, naked bike, and you will need protective gear to shield yourself from the wind at high speeds. Read our article on the best motorcycle gear for beginners to get some inspiration.
KTM 125 Duke Specs
| Engine: | 124.7cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder |
| Fuel Tank: | 13.4L |
| Seat Height: | 830mm |
| Weight: | 139kg |
| Price: | £4.499 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Great looks | The latest Yamaha MT 125 is faster |
| Speed | |
| Excellent performance |
4. Yamaha R125 (The Ultimate 125cc Supersport Riding Experience)
The new R125 takes most of its cues from the Yamaha R7.
The genetic code of the more powerful 689cc R7 is visible in the design, technical features and speed of the R125.
The bike is full-sized with a delta box frame that provides stability at top speeds. It is equipped with traction control to keep you nimble. And its hearty engine outputs 15hp for a top speed of 75mph.
Just like the MT 125, it utilises Yamaha’s VVA system for more efficient performance. Also, with a fuel economy of 134.5mpg, you get a tank range of roughly 300 miles.
Yamaha R125 Specs
| Engine: | 125cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC single-cylinder |
| Fuel Tank: | 11L |
| Seat Height: | 820mm |
| Weight: | 144kg |
| Price: | £5,300 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Great looks | There are cheaper, capable alternatives |
| Excellent performance | |
| Traction control |
5. Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 (Superb Agility and Rugged Design in a Compact Package)
The Svartpilen 125 is the little brother of the bigger Svartpilen 401 and 701, but it retains the core qualities that make them such great machines. It is incredibly nimble and yet makes you feel in complete control as you navigate your way around town.
At its core is the KTM’s latest 125cc engine that it shares with the KTM Duke 125 bike upon Husqvarna’s acquisition by KTM. The engine smoothly outputs the maximum power allowed at the A1 licence level in a controlled manner to ensure the thrills you get don’t exceed your riding abilities.
This fun, rugged, and stunning package makes it one of the best beginner motorcycles on the market.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 Specs
| Engine: | 125cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder |
| Fuel Tank: | 9.5L |
| Seat Height: | 835mm |
| Weight: | 146kg (dry weight) |
| Price: | £3,999 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Impressive agility and cornering chops | The seat’s ergonomics could be better |
| Robust tech features | Subpar LCD dashboard |
| Stunning looks |
6. Lexmoto LXR125 (Sports Styling in a Very Affordable Package)
There is a reason why the LXR125 is one of the best-selling sports bikes in the UK. There is undoubtedly the fact that it’s much cheaper than most other alternatives in its class. Still, it also has big bike proportions, adequate power, and looks that aren’t inferior to any other 125cc motorbike on the market.
This British/Chinese motorbike won’t match the performance and specs of the Yamahasand KTMs of this world, but it is reliable, comfortable to ride, and will still let you have some fun when you push it to its full capacity.
Essentially, the Lexmoto LXR125 is what you go for if you need a beginner's sports bike but are unwilling or unable to spend £4000-plus on big-name brands.
Lexmoto LXR125 Specs
| Engine: | 125cc, water-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder |
| Fuel Tank: | 13.5L |
| Seat Height: | 820mm |
| Weight: | 317kg |
| Price: | £2,999 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price tag | Lacks the refinement and power of its Japanese and European rival bikes |
| Stunning looks | A tad too heavy for a beginner motorbike |
| Excellent fuel economy |
7. Aprilia RS125 GP Replica (Italian Heritage and Sports DNA)
This is the only Italian sports bike on this list, and it is designed to provide an unmatched fun experience for younger riders and beginner bikers.
With the legacy of 10 Italian Rider World championships to meet up with, the RS125 is equipped with an aerodynamic aluminium frame optimised for stability and handling, a powerful engine, and a sporty riding position that gives the biker complete control of the machine.
Without a doubt, the Aprilia RS125 lives up to the company’s reputation for building racing championship-quality motorbikes, and it's the ideal machine for beginner riders interested in style and adrenalin-fueled performance.
Aprilia RS125 GP Replica Specs
| Engine: | 124.4cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 1-cylinder |
| Fuel Tank: | 14.5L |
| Seat Height: | 820mm |
| Weight: | 144kg |
| Price: | £4,599 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Stunning looks | Could use a few more tech features |
| Superb handling | Subpar fuel economy |
| Italian craftsmanship |
8. Honda Grom (The Mini Street Bike With an Attitude)
If you are searching the market for a reputable mini street bike that will get you comfortable around town while hitting top speeds of 67 mph when you want to have some fun, look no further than the Honda MSX Grom.
The bike packs quite the attitude. Its new PGM-FI fuel-injected engine is lively and sounds great. An extra fifth gear makes long rides much easier and accelerates well.
Honda also paid a lot of attention to making the bike learner-friendly. Its low 761mm seat height makes it easy to ride, and its small size ensures you can get through traffic confidently.
The MSX Grom’s dynamic nature makes it the perfect bike for beginner and experienced bikers looking for a different, fun bike.
Honda Grom Specs
| Engine: | 124.9cc, air-cooled, 2 valves, single cylinder |
| Fuel Tank: | 6L |
| Seat Height: | 761mm |
| Weight: | 103kg |
| Price: | £3,849 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Great looks | There are cheaper alternatives |
| Fun to ride | Limited tank range |
| Beginner friendly |
9. Benelli TNT125 (Small Bike, Big Fun)
The Tornado 125 mini street bike is all about fun. The bike isn’t as fast or powerful as the other top-rated options, but you wouldn’t consider it when riding it.
It cuts through corners nicely, and switching gears 1 to 5 is seamless. It is also equipped with Benelli’s Combined braking system (CBS), so you can confidently bring it to a stop when you need to.
Like the Benelli BN 125, it is designed in Italy and built in China (the Benneli brand is owned by the Chinese giant Qianjiang). So, it is a lot more reasonably priced when compared to more reputable alternatives like the Honda MSX Grom.
The small-wheeled Tornado 125 is excellent value for money, and you can buy it if you are looking for a fun but more affordable mini bike.
Benelli TNT125 Specs
| Engine: | 125cc, air-cooled, 4 valves, single cylinder |
| Fuel Tank: | 7.2L |
| Seat Height: | 780mm |
| Weight: | 124kg |
| Price: | £2,499 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price tag | Limited tech features |
| Great looks | Average power and speed |
| Learner-friendly seating position |
10. Zontes ZT125 (Style and Performance in an Affordable Package)
What stands out immediately about the Zontes ZT UI 125cc are its looks. It is one of the most detailed 125cc bikes on the market with its aggressive lines, spooked wheels, and dual-purpose 17" CST CM-ADD tyres.
The bike is the latest result of the Chinese company’s design evolution, and its bodywork is so excellent that you would be convinced if someone simply slapped a Honda or any big-name brand badge on it.
It’s probably the best Chinese 125cc bike on the UK market today, and it's an excellent option if you need a sportbike in that class with solid top speed (70mph) and fuel economy (100mpg) without paying £1000 more for a Japanese or European bike.
Zontes ZT125 Specs
| Engine: | 124cc, water-cooled, four strokes |
| Fuel Tank: | 12.5L |
| Seat Height: | 800mm |
| Weight: | 128kg |
| Price: | £3.399 |
| Pros | Cons |
| Competitive price | Lower resale value |
| Fuel efficient | There are more powerful bikes in the class |
Wrapping Up
The bikes in the article can help beginners learn handling and engine control, and some offer a taste of Supersports thrills. Also, don't forget to keep your motorcycle safe from theft by following our top tips.
