The Best 125cc Motorcycles for Learner Riders
If you’ve passed your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate and are working towards a provisional A1 bike licence, you will soon be able to hop onto a 125cc motorcycle. It’s an exciting moment in any rider’s life as it allows you to take on up to 15bhp (11KW) of power.
But as always, there are a lot of options available to choose from, and if you are relatively new to the world of biking, how do you know which is the best 125cc motorcycle for learners? To give you a better idea, we’ve picked out some of the best around.
Aprilia RS125
Thanks to the inclusion of upside-down forks, DOHC, braced swingarm, radial brakes, braided hoses and a maximum speed function, Aprilia are still able to make the best two-stroke 125cc motorcycle around. They’ve managed to include a lot within this build, making it the perfect machine for teenage and learner riders. While it handles exceptionally well, it should also be noted that it does consume a fair amount of fuel.
Lexmoto ZSB 125
This model remains one of the best 125cc motorcycle options around and comes with a very attractive price tag to match. Included in the build are a CBB Balance shaft engine and a digital display, and it meets Euro 4 emission requirements. Also featured is a gear indicator and combined braking, which makes for a smoother, easier ride. Top speed on the Lexmoto ZSB 125 is 56mph, making it ideal for those new to riding who need time to build up their confidence. There are two colours available – blue and grey – two neutral tones that add to the bike’s cool aesthetic.
Bullit Spirit
Another bike often considered by some to be the best 125cc motorcycle with a vintage flair is the Bullit Spirit. It features a four-stroke engine and five-gear transmission, with an available top speed of 65mph. The bike is also light to handle, weighing only 115kg, combined with a max power of 11.5bhp and 10Nm of torque. On a full tank, the Spirit should be able to travel for up to 120 miles. Choose between gold or black and green in terms of colour, and when it comes to being out on the road, the lightweight frame makes it easy to handle and move through traffic.
Suzuki GSX-R125
The Suzuki GSX-R125 has a fuel capacity of 11 litres with 15bhp (11kW) of power thanks to the four-stroke engine. It comes recommended due to the fantastic control it offers, with responsive rear suspension and six-speed transmission all working in harmony for the ultimate road experience. Thanks to the efficient engine it also ensures good fuel economy and decent speeds of up to 72mph. Smart features included in the build are things like keyless ignition and the Suzuki Easy Start System, so you can get going quickly. Just as importantly, the GSX-R125 works just as well for experienced riders as it does for beginners due to smooth aerodynamics that wouldn’t feel out of place on the track.
Yamaha YZF-R125
Whether or not you believe the Yamaha YZF-R125 is the best 125cc motorcycle or not doesn’t detract from its many great features. It’s a sporty design featuring the manufacturer’s Variable Valve Actuation system, which gives smooth acceleration and makes the most out of fuel efficiency, power and torque (11.5Nm), and the rigid frame and low weight add good handling to its list of attributes. Equally as helpful is the fact that you can easily remove the 11-litre fuel tank when performing any sort of maintenance. Top speed is 75mph and it comes with a clear LCD.
Kawasaki Ninja 125
The Kawasaki Ninja series is pretty iconic and this 125cc 4-stroke motorcycle always proves to be a popular choice. Speed-wise you can push up to 70mph through the six-speed transmission with 11.7Nm of torque, giving you a fast and agile experience on the road. You can choose between the standard and SE models, giving a good choice in colours and styling, and each one ensuring you own the ideal gateway bike for learners waiting to secure their full licence. There is also a naked version, the Z125, if you prefer styling and a riding position that is a little less track and a bit more street.
Sinnis Terrain 125
The Terrain 125 from award-winning Sinnis Motorcycles is a low-capacity adventure bike with all the features and presence of a premium explorer. Seen on Adventure Bike TV this stylish workhorse tackles byways and highways with ease and comes as standard with protection bars and fitted luggage. With its learner-legal 11 bhp single cylinder air-cooled engine it opens up the world of adventure bikes to a much wider audience and at an affordable price. Fuel economy is good, and with a seat height of 800mm and a weight of 150kg it is comfortable and easy to ride.
KTM 125 Duke
The KTM 125 Duke delivers a fun supermoto-style experience that not only looks great when you are riding but is also very easy to get to grips with. The latest upgrade in 2017 saw the introduction of a new TFT dash along with revised styling and frame. Now you can purchase with the option to integrate a smartphone with the dash, so you can take calls (obviously not when riding) and listen to music via a Bluetooth headset. All-in-all it’s a 125cc motorcycle more than worthy of your investment, with the spec also including WP suspension.
Honda MSX125
If you want something on the smaller side then the MSX125 should be high up on your list. It has developed something of a cult following and takes its inspiration from Honda’s range of ‘monkey’ bikers from the 60s and 70s. The MSX stands for Mini Street Xtreme and features a low 765mm height seat, 12-inch wheels and a dry weight of 101kg. it’s easy enough to ride and can get up to speeds of 67mph, making it ideal for city life. Other features to look out for include the inverted forks and monoshock rear.
Yamaha MT-125
Finding the best 125cc motorcycle isn’t easy, but it’s fun making your lists and narrowing down your options. Another to include is the Yamaha MT-125, which can offer speeds up to 80mph and 11.5Nm of torque. It’s reasonably practical and straightforward to handle and comes with Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system included. The slipper and gear assist enable the rider to enjoy a smooth ride by switching gears without much hassle and the sport handling makes it a good option for anyone living in or outside of the city.
