Top 10 Best 125cc Scooters (2023)
There is a wide variety of 125cc scooters available on the market.
Whether you need a reliable scooter for courier deliveries, daily urban commutes, or you are a thrill-seeker looking for a sporty, adventure scooter, there is a perfect two-wheeler out there for you.
This article will focus on the best-selling 125cc scooters on the market. The list includes any type of two-wheeler you may need.
1. Honda PCX 125 (comfort, elite performance, and reliability)
2022 Sales: 3,943 bikes
The PCX 125 starts off our list at number 1, and deservedly so, it is one of the top-three best scooters on the market.
When you realise that the “PC” in the two-wheeler’s name stands for “Personal Comfort,” you start to pay attention to how much effort Honda put into making it a very comfortable scooter.
It is a “sit-in” scooter with a relaxed riding position that gives you a great view of the road around you. The Honda PCX 125 is also equipped with LED lighting, start-stop technology, an LCD, torque control, a USB port, and generous under-seat storage.
The Euro 5 engine produces roughly 12.3 horsepower which will get you a top speed of 67 mph — making it one of the fastest scooters in its class. You get all that and the assurance of Honda’s reputation for reliability.
The scooter’s popularity means you must protect it from bike thieves, and we recently covered how Honda scooters top the list of the most stolen motorcycle brands in London in one of our recent articles (worth a read when you are done with this guide).
Honda PCX 125 (2023) Specs
| Engine: 125cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, water-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 8.1L |
| Max Power: 12.3 horsepower |
| Seat Height: 764mm |
| Weight: 130kg |
| Price: £3,599 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Excellent ergonomics | Limited wind protection |
| Great styling | |
| Superb, frugal Euro 5 engine | |
| Excellent tech |
2. Honda Vision (fuel economy and style)
2022 Sales: 3,347 bikes
This Honda scooter is built for fuel efficiency and reliability rather than performance.
The advanced fuel injection system, air-cooled engine, and Combined Braking System (CBS) help to deliver a balance between wallet-friendly fuel economy and performance.
The latest model of the scooter looks good too and every detail has been considered to ensure excellent build quality. There is increased comfort and larger storage space.
What’s more, at around £2,799 new, it's good value for money, little wonder why it sells in such great numbers.
Honda Vision (2023) Specs
| Engine: 125cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 4.9L |
| Max Power: 8.3 horsepower |
| Seat Height: 785mm |
| Weight: 100kg |
| Price: £2,799 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Fuel Efficient | Low Seat |
| Stylish | No USB socket |
| Lightweight |
3. Yamaha NMAX (the all-rounder)
2022 Sales: 1,907 bikes
The NMAX is not just a great-looking two-wheeler, it is also a scooter for all occasions.
That is, it performs just as well in the city as it does on the motorway when you want to push it to its limits.
It's such a versatile machine because its engine runs variable valve actuation which improves engine efficiency. It also ensures better handling and acceleration.
The 12.2 horsepower produced by the engine doesn’t lag far behind the most powerful scooters in the class, and with a 7.1-litre tank, you will get around 300km on a full tank.
Lots of high-tech features come as standard, including keyless ignition, start-stop tech, generous under-seat storage, LCD, LED lighting, and more.
Yamaha NMAX 125 (2023) Spec
| Engine: 125cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 7.1L |
| Max Power: 12.2 horsepower |
| Seat Height: 765mm |
| Weight: 131kg |
| Price: £3,295 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Great Engine | Limited Storage Space |
| Versatile | No USB socket |
| Advanced Technology |
4. Honda SH 125 (the daily urban commuter)
2022 Sales: 1,810 bikes
This machine is everything you want in a city scooter.
It has excellent handling,16 inch wheels for stability, and is compact enough that you can easily squeeze into the tiniest gaps in busy traffic.
The scooter also has excellent tech features.
It's equipped with start-stop tech, LCD, LED lighting, a USB charging port, and the Honda smart key.
The 125cc engine underneath that compact exterior outputs 12.9 horsepower, enough for a top speed of 65mph.
Honda SH 125 Spec
| Engine: 125cc, single cylinder, SOHC 4-stroke, liquid-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 5.6L |
| Max Power: 12.2 horsepower |
| Seat Height: 765mm |
| Weight: 118kg |
| Price: £3,049 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Great urban commuter | Minimal pillion space |
| Lightweight | Dates design |
| Great engine |
5. SYM Jet 125 (high performance and style on a budget)
2022 Sales: 1,103 bikes
The Jet 125 is SYM’s attempt to compete with top-rated scooters in the same class, like the PCX and NMAX. We believe they did a decent job.
The scooter’s aggressive lines ensure it’s quite the looker. Throw in full LED lighting, keyless ignition, LCD, comfortable seating, and an auto dimmer for visibility, you get a top-range 125cc two-wheeler on a tight budget.
This Chinese scooter perfectly balances advanced engineering with affordability and that’s why it has remained one of the best-selling scooters in its class for over a decade.
SYM Jet 125 Spec
| Engine: 124.6cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 7.5L |
| Max Power: 7.5kw @ 8500rpm |
| Seat Height: 770mm |
| Weight: 128kg |
| Price: £3,049 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Stylish looks | Lacks ABS |
| Decent performance |
6. Yamaha XMAX 125 (class-leading speed)
2022 Sales: 732 bikes
If this were an article about the fastest 125cc scooters on the market, the Yamaha XMAX will be right at the top of the list.
Its engine outputs 14hp and 12Nm to give it a top speed of 80mph. It rides like a sporty motorcycle, and it is a machine you will always want to ride on the motorway.
The scooter is also equipped with all the bells and whistles. There are dual LED lights, traction control, keyless ignition, ABS, and a large storage compartment.
It offers the ideal balance of performance, looks, and functionality.
Yamaha XMAX Spec
| Engine: 124cc, SOHC single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 13L |
| Max Power: 14 horsepower |
| Seat Height: 795mm |
| Weight: 175kg |
| Price: £4,995 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Excellent handling | Heavier than most other options on this list |
| Impressive speed | |
| Large storage | |
| Great brakes |
7. Lexmoto Aura 125 (the learner-friendly scooter)
2022 Sales: 506 bikes
Sitting at number seven on our list, we have another Chinese offering, the Lexmoto Aura.
A capable and affordable scooter that will get you from point A to B during your daily commute within the city.
It comes with decent specs too. It's not on the same level as the best 125cc scooters out there, but you still get LED lighting, a USB port, keyless ignition, and standard under-seat storage space.
The Euro 5-compliant engine produces 9.7hp and you get good fuel economy at just over 80 mpg. It also costs a lot less than most of the other scooters on this list.
All of the above makes it an excellent scooter for introducing a new rider into the exciting world of two-wheel transport.
Lexmoto Aura 125 Spec
| Engine: 124cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 8L |
| Max Power: 9.7 horsepower |
| Seat Height: 755mm |
| Weight: 134kg |
| Price: £2,739 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Looks OK | Reduced resale value |
| Decent specs | No ABS |
| Budget price | Mid-range engine |
| Great brakes |
8. Piaggio Liberty 125 (big-wheeled practicality)
2022 Sales: 454 bikes
Big-wheeled scooters are often recommended to new riders because they offer better stability which is crucial for a newbie that is just learning how to navigate potholes and bumps.
However, that reassurance often comes at the expense of looks. To put it bluntly, there are way too many big-wheelers out there that are not visually attractive.
The Piaggio Liberty bucks this trend. It is stylish, ergonomically excellent, and packs adequate power.
The engine runs on I-get green technology to ensure low fuel consumption and minimal running costs. It is essentially an all-around slick city scooter.
Piaggio Liberty 125 Spec
| Engine: 124cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, I-get, air-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 6L |
| Max Power: 10.72 horsepower |
| Seat Height: 790mm |
| Weight: 124kg |
| Price: £2,800 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Fuel efficient engine | Basic specs |
| Big wheel stability and comfort | Limited storage space |
| Excellent urban commuter |
9. Lexmoto Titan 125 (the budget scooter)
2022 Sales: 414 bikes
At £2000, it is the cheapest scooter on this list. This doesn’t mean it's an unreliable machine, it is a decent city two-wheeler.
It is a twist-and-go scooter with a combined braking system, a large seat, a generous under-seat storage compartment, and good looks. It's lightweight also makes it easily manoeuvrable.
The Titan 125 is not in the same league as every other scooter on this list in terms of performance, handling, and high-tech features, but it is a solid two-wheeler available at a relatively affordable price point.
Lexmoto Titan 125 Spec
| Engine: 125cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 5.5L |
| Max Power: 7.2 horsepower |
| Seat Height: 780mm |
| Weight: 118kg |
| Price: £1,999 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Bargain price | Few high-tech features |
| Large under seat storage space | Under-powered engine |
| Fuel economy |
10. Aprilia SR GT 125 (the urban adventure scooter)
2022 Sales: 383 bikes
This is the two-wheeler you buy if you are looking for a sporty Italian 125cc scooter.
Equipped with the powerful but fuel-efficient I-get engine that outputs 14.7hp, as well as excellent brakes and decent suspension, it is a versatile and fun scooter to ride.
It is built to make riding fun, and the twin-spar frame is made with aluminium to reduce its weight and ensure better handling.
Thrill-seekers will absolutely love its dynamic performance.
The SR GT 125 also has a sporty look that ensures it will always stand out on the road and in the parking lot.
All the high-tech features you need are included in the package. LED lighting, start-stop tech, LCD dash, traction control, USB ports, and more.
Aprilia SR GT 125 Spec
| Engine: 125cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, I-get, liquid-cooled |
| Fuel Tank: 9L |
| Max Power: 14.7horsepower |
| Seat Height: 799mm |
| Weight: 144kg |
| Price: £3,800 |
| PROS | CONS |
| Superb handling | Small storage compartment |
| Excellent engine | |
| Good looks |
The Bottom Line
There is a reason why each scooter on this list is raking in revenues for its manufacturer, it's because they are all capable machines.
Performance varies and each ride has its strengths and weaknesses. So, the right scooter for you will depend on the type of riding you want to do and your budget.
Whatever your choice may be, protecting your scooter from miscreants must be a high-priority goal for you. The threat of bike theft is very real and we are all lucky that there are excellent anti-theft systems like the EasyBlock wheel lock on the market.
The lock is easy to use (just two seconds to activate and deactivate it), and it is custom-made for each scooter model. You will get a resilient scooter security system that is built specifically for your motorcycle.
Check Out Our Website to Learn More about EasyBlock.
