The 10 Best 125cc Motorcycles

Motorcycles with engine capacity from 100cc to 150cc are the most popular category that sees extreme demand for them worldwide because of their low prices and many other benefits. But before you can choose the right bike, you need to know which are the best 125cc motorcycles on the market.

The 10 best 125cc motorcycles are:

Kawasaki Z125 PRO
Suzuki GSX-S125
Honda Monkey
Yamaha Zuma 125
Honda Trail 125
Kawasaki Ninja 125
Honda CBR125R
Lexmoto ZSB 125 Euro 5
BD125-10
DF110RS

The motorcycles listed above are the best available in this engine capacity. We have included a few value-for-money bikes that nobody else will tell you about, so keep reading to find out all you need to know on the best 125cc bikes you can buy with your hard-earned money.

Who Should Buy A 125cc Motorcycle?

125cc motorcycles are probably the closest thing to a universal bike that anyone can ride. Their engine capacity makes them suitable for just about any task that the rider can think of, and these motorcycles are perfect for beginners because of its low weight and limited power.

With these as your first motorcycle, the beginner can learn the nuances of riding and get some experience before progressing to a larger bike. Their low fuel consumption, coupled with high reliability and minimal maintenance renders them suitable for commuting to work, using as a delivery bike, or for recreational riders who use their bikes to go on weekend journeys or for long joyrides in the country.

What To Look For In A 125cc Motorcycle

What Do You Need?

What is your reason for buying a 125cc motorcycle? This is the question you need to answer before deciding on which motorcycle you want to buy, as it will influence the decision. Not all 125cc bikes are suited for any type of rider although some of them are. If the bike is going to carry two people, then you need a bike with the best power spec you can get at a price you are willing to pay.

Wheel Size

Commuters, recreational riders, and beginners can choose any bike that has sufficient power to carry two people. Beginners need to beware of mini bikes with small wheels and short wheelbases, as they are not as stable as bikes with bigger wheels. Small wheels do have their advantages, but are not suitable for beginners or as a first bike.

The Price

Many 125cc motorcycles have similar features, so check the prices as well because they vary a lot. There can be big differences in price between two similar bikes made by different manufacturers, so you can get a good deal if you look around.

How Fast Are 125cc Motorcycles?

The typical top speed of a 125cc motorcycle ranges between 60 mph (90 kph) to about 75 mph (120 kph). If speed is important to you then consider buying a motorcycle of a higher engine capacity, as 125cc bikes won’t be the most comfortable to ride at their top speeds.

The two main factors that affect speed are weight and aerodynamic drag. Weight is the single biggest factor that reduces speed, so don’t expect the same acceleration when carrying a pillion rider as well. A strong headwind will significantly reduce the bike’s top speed.

1. Kawasaki Z125 PRO

The Kawasaki Z125 PRO uses a microprocessor to control the fuel pump, headlight, and ignition. As the rider opens the throttle, the microprocessor turns off the electricity supply to other functions which increases fuel efficiency. This motorcycle is available in various colors: Metallic Flat Spark Black, Pearl Robotic White/Candy Plasma Blue, and Pearl Shining Yellow.

Apart from an analog tachometer, the LCD display has all the other readouts in digital format and is mounted above the LED headlight. Its power is low at about 9 HP, with small 12-inch wheels. The wheel rims are alloy with disc brakes fitted on both wheels. Its power output is sufficient for one person, but it’s going to struggle when transporting two people up an incline.

PROS:

Reasonably priced
Available in three colors
Both wheels have disc brakes

CONS:

Low power
Small pillion seat

2. Suzuki GSX-S125

The Suzuki GSX-S125 has the most impressive set of features on this list. One of the few 125cc bikes that uses a double overhead crankshaft, the liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine cranks out an impressive 14.75 HP that can power the bike to its top speed of 73 mph (117 kph). It is available in Pearl White/Aura Yellow, Metallic Triton Blue, or Titan Black.

The LED headlight has separate LEDs for the low beam and high beam, and its color LCD instrument panel is mounted on top of it. All instruments are digital including the tachometer, coolant temperature, oil change indicator, fuel consumption indicator, and gear position. For this engine size, most bikes have four gears, but this one has six.

Its steel-tube frame contributes to its above-average weight of 293 lbs (133 kg). It features advanced electronic fuel injection claimed to improve fuel efficiency. This is achieved by monitoring the throttle, engine power, and intake air pressure to adjust the throttle response. A catalytic converter helps the bike to meet Euro 4 emission standards.

PROS:

Brilliant looks
Suzuki Easy Start System, Shutter-Key Lock and Hazard Light Switch
LED headlight and tail light

CONS:

Pretty pricey
Small seat for the pillion passenger

3. Honda Monkey

The Honda Monkey is available in Banana Yellow and Pearl Black. This bike is a throwback to the classic design first manufactured in 1968. Retro enthusiasts will love its old-style headlight with the round speedometer mounted on top of it. It boasts excellent fuel efficiency at a claimed 155 mpg, with electronic ignition and electronic fuel injection.

The retro dome headlight houses an LED, as does the tail light. Marketed as a mini-bike, its 12-inch wheels combined with its short wheelbase make it very responsive. Fat tires fitted on its alloy wheels provide extra stability, with disc brakes and ABS as standard.

This bike is designed to carry only one person, and there are no footpegs for a pillion rider. The thick-cushioned seat is very comfortable, although the bike is cramped for taller riders. Both front and rear suspension are excellent with long travel shock absorbers.

PROS:

Retro look
Both wheels have disc brakes with ABS
Very comfortable seating for the rider

CONS:

An expensive bike
Short wheelbase
Small 12-inch wheels

4. Yamaha Zuma 125

The Yamaha Zuma 125 is available in Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Black. This isn’t a motorcycle, but a scooter with 12-inch wheels. Ideal for use as a commuter bike or for goods delivery, it has plenty of storage space under the seat which very few bikes can boast of. Seating space for the rider and a pillion passenger is liberal.

The scooter has a center stand with a side stand and a lockable ignition switch cover that makes it easy to secure it. There are no gears, but a V-belt automatic transmission with a centrifugal clutch makes for easy acceleration. The engine uses Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation that changes the valve timing as the rpm changes, resulting in linear acceleration and strong torque.

A digital LCD screen on top of its LED headlight displays the fuel gauge and other instrument readouts, and disc brakes on both wheels provide enough stopping power.

PROS:

Reasonably priced
Disc brakes on both wheels
Comfortable seating for the rider and pillion rider

CONS:

No ABS
Small 12-inch wheels

5. Honda Trail 125

This bike is an upgrade from the Trail 110 designed more for riding on dirt trails. Its four-speed gearbox is driven by a semi-automatic transmission so that gear changes can be performed from the heel-toe shifter without using a clutch. The heel-toe shifter is more commonly seen on Cruiser class motorcycles. The Honda Trail 125 is available in only one color; Glowing Red.

The bike is designed to carry only one person, and behind the rider’s seat a sturdy luggage rack is fitted which is large enough to transport crates or other goods rated at over 44 lbs (20 kg). The bike is best used as a commuter bike or as a delivery bike. Although both wheels are fitted with Nissin disc brakes, only the front wheel has ABS.

The bike is equipped with a center stand that comes in handy when a crate is on the luggage rack, and a side stand. Although Honda has not specified its top speed, its 9 HP of power is enough to get to about 55 mph (88 kph) on a good road.

PROS:

Semi-automatic transmission with heel-toe shifter
Both wheels have Nissin disc brakes
Very comfortable seat

CONS:

High price
Spoked wheels

6. Kawasaki Ninja 125

The Ninja series from Kawasaki is famous for its performance over decades and this bike is no different. The engine is a high performer, modified from the Kawasaki Ninja 250, so there’s no doubt about its performance and reliability. The Kawasaki Ninja 125 is available in Ebony, Lime Green, and Pearl Blizzard White.

It’s of the few bikes on this list with a full fairing, although the windscreen is a bit low. The Ninja 125 has alloy wheels with disc brakes and ABS. A color LCD instrument panel with all-digital readouts is fitted on top of the headlight that uses a bulb instead of an LED. Typical of many sports bikes, the rider’s seat is comfortable, but the pillion seat is quite small.

Ideal for speed lovers, the Ninja 125 has the highest power output of all the motorcycles we have looked at so far, which isn’t surprising for a Ninja series bike. Commuters will find this worthwhile as it has very respectable fuel consumption of 106 mpg.

PROS:

Great looking bike
Disc brakes on both wheels with dual ABS
17-inch wheels

CONS:

Quite pricey
Small seat for the pillion passenger

7. Honda CBR125R

Probably the best looking of all the bikes we have looked at so far, the CBR125R has some excellent features as well. The Showa USD front fork is normally found only on higher-priced bikes, and its DOHC can churn out sufficient power to transport two people fairly easily.

Both wheels have bronze-colored alloy rims with disc brakes and ABS as standard. The headlight, tail light, and indicators are all LED, and a color LCD instrument console provides digital readouts. Fuel consumption isn’t the highest on this list, but it’s still very respectable. The seat is comfortable with sufficient space for two people.

Six gears on this motorcycle ensure that there is a suitable gear for any power requirement, especially when carrying two people. This bike is ideal for all, from the commuters and the beginner riders to the recreational riders too, as it has something for everyone. The only drawback is the high price.

PROS:

Outstanding looks
Both wheels have disc brakes with ABS
Comfortable seating for the rider and pillion rider

CONS:

Quite expensive

8. Lexmoto ZSB 125 Euro 5

Available in either blue or grey, the Lexmoto ZSB is manufactured by a Chinese company and sold by Lexmoto, based in Exeter, UK. Another model from Lexmoto, the LXR 125, now discontinued, was the most registered bike in the UK in 2020.

With plenty of space to seat two people comfortably, and a luggage rack as well, it would make an ideal commuter bike or a first bike for a beginner rider. The gear shift pattern is different to most road bikes in that it is one down and four up, but other systems are standard. The front suspension is a telescopic fork, and the rear suspension is made up of twin shock absorbers.

Matt black alloy wheels are fitted with one hydraulic disc brake on the front wheel without ABS, while the rear wheel uses a drum brake. At 11.5 HP, the power output is enough to transport two people comfortably, and its maximum load is specified at 606 lbs (275 kg.

PROS:

Decent price
Available in multiple colors
Comfortable seating for two people

CONS:

No ABS
Rear wheel drum brake

9. BD125-10

The BD 125-10 is sold by Red Fox Powersports, and it’s available in red, blue, black, or white. It is also called the Boom motorcycle, type 125-10. Red Fox Powersports has been in business since 2004, and their factory and office is located in Southern California.

Some of its features can rival reputed motorcycles whose prices are 3 to 4 times its price. The engine can output a respectable 11 HP. With disc brakes on both wheels and an inverted front fork suspension, this bike can compete with the big names on equal terms. Slightly similar in looks to the Honda Grom, this mini bike is value for money.

PROS:

Excellent looks
Very reasonable price
Disc brakes on both wheels

CONS:

No service center
No ABS
Small 12-inch wheels

10. DF110RS

The DF 110RS is manufactured by Dongfang in China and sold by Red Fox Powersports, whose office and factory are located in Southern California. In business since 2004, Red Fox Powersports ships the bike partially assembled with minimal skill required to fit on the handle, battery, and mirrors.

Considering its incredibly low price, this bike is quite amazing value for money. At one-fifth the price, it isn’t realistic to expect the same quality as a Suzuki motorcycle, or a Honda, but it can make an attractive choice for those on a budget.

PROS:

Very low price
Disc brakes on both wheels
Excellent looks

CONS:

No service center
Designed for one person

Are 125cc Bikes Good For Beginners?

125cc bikes are good for beginners as they are lightweight and low power. A big disadvantage they have is their thin tires, so be extra careful when riding on wet and slippery roads. For a beginner, learning how to accelerate is the first priority, and low power is ideal as it is easier to control.

Can You Use A 125cc Motorcycle On The Highway?

You can use a 125cc motorcycle on the highway after you have enough experience riding one. In the UK, the single carriageway speed limit is 60 mph (96 kph), and on a dual carriageway, the speed limit is 70 mph (112 kph). The speed limit for motorcycles in the US varies by state.

Final Thoughts

125cc motorcycles are among the most versatile bikes available, as they are used for all sorts of purposes. Extremely popular, and highly in demand all over the world, these bikes have carved out a name for themselves because of their low cost, high fuel efficiency, and low maintenance.