Searching for the best 125 motorcycle for a beginner biker | MCN Review

[@losslessification]

Keep Joseph in front of the camera he had some really stong points on the bikes, and looked very easy on camera. My GF learnt to ride on a 125R and we both love it, Poor build quality (electrical gremlins, 3 thermostat leaks dealer repaired each time and a gearbox with horrendous backlash after 6k miles). But riding the back lanes with that little engine fizzing at 9k is just brilliant fun.

[@Geshmaal]

It is crazy that the 125R suffers these issues despite being so expensive! This wasn't the case with bikes like the CG125 or Varadero and Shadow 125s was it?

[@NickDring]

Bought my son a new zontes 125 u naked as learner about 18mths ago. So far so good no problems. Great value.

[@IAmSwordless-]

put anti-rust spray on all the bolts. Zontes bolts are notorious for rusting.

[@TechnikMeister2]

I am a motorcycle courier in Sydney Australia. The bike capacity of choice is the 125 and scooters just don't do the job because there are many motorways that require you to do 90-100kph in stretches. The most important requirements are fuel range, decent seat, carrying capacity and stone reliability. And only the Honda CB125E and the newer CB125F have them all. Given regular oil changes and chain adjustments, these bikes will do 100,000kms. They have the lowest running costs and lowest spare parts cost of any bike on the market and with courier costs on paper thin margins, they take the cigar. Others may be faster and flashier, but at A$3k new and older beaters still worth A$2k, they also have the highest retained value.

[@ADAM00717]

I can vouch for Zontes after having ridden it for 12000 miles in a year since purchase and zero issues.

[@ianwarren]

I’m in my 50’s not a youth but my bike a year ago was a 125 (Suzuki GSX-S) having just passed my full License. Really good to see Joseph and his views on a bunch of these! Would be fascinating to see how he progresses on his 400 and beyond as he gets his full license. For a youth he presents his thoughts well and would make a good series of reviews to see him work his way up! I’ve had a CBR650R all year and done 6,000 amazing miles and have just bought a Ducati Panigale V2 as I am lucky enough to have a son who’s ex BSB racer and lots of good instruction! I will follow his career at MCN behind and in front of the camera!

[@djaybeetoo]

Glad i took my test before the current insanity in Bike licences

[@rowanspencer1861]

One of my favorite videos from MCN, would love to see more from Joe! I've moved on from 125s to A2s and would love another video from him looking at A2 bikes etc next.

[@JamesBond-gv8yd]

Fantic 125 caballero scrambler is very good. I testrode the honda, liked it, but found it less comfy. The Fantic is really good quality. Very good driving behaviour on and off road. I ride it off road regularly and I find it copes well on fairly rough terrain, it’s a true scrambler. I have now driven over 6000 km on it in 8 months, love it. Exceptional motorcycle if you ask me.

[@tonycooper4141]

Wringing the bikes neck through every gear change like a GP legend....just to keep up with traffic....ACE!

[@ianwarren]

You definitely get to extract every ounce of performance and manage your speed through corners to avoid another long slow acceleration! Glad to have had a year on mr CBR650R since and looking forward to my Ducati Panigale V2 this year though!

[@tonycooper4141]

I fear that soon you will be forced to "leave it in third gear all the time". Best wishes.

[@nockianlifter661]

All 125 are light and fun so it’s hard to justify the high price of the Fantic over anything else except for style.

[@wearealllost8907]

The zontes g1 weight 160 kg and have a 20L fuel tank

[@RikkyTang]

I enjoyed the video and Jospeh looks like a natural in front of the camera! Thanks for helping me get back up to speed with 125's!

[@MrAdambinnie]

What a superbly presented and relevant video - Joseph's a legend behind the camera, the quality of this channel has gone through the roof recently, and he's equally good in front too.

[@Rlindagem]

Great video MCN, giving the opportunity for your videographer to get involved and testing some bikes will pay big time in all future work he does with you and for us viewers as well. Great work Joseph very well articulate opinions and great presence on camera. 5 Star video MCN hope to see more of Joseph on both sides of the camera.

[@corujariousa]

Most new riders want to get the most powerful motorcycle they can afford, which of course tend to lead to disasters. After many years riding motorcycles, I keep enjoying whenever I have the chance to use a 125cc. They are so light, nimble and give lots of fun for little money.

[@DaveMurphyEngineer]

Fantastic video! It’s great to see the chemistry between Joseph and Michael working with each other. Joseph has great character and confidence in front of the lens too, being able to deliver his opinions in a thoughtful and confident manner. I’m not in the market for a 125cc bike, but this is still great content. Good luck with the ZXR400 too, those 90’s import 400s are real gems!

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@miatamadness9535]

Got a Zontes G-1 and I love it. Although I will admit the end mirrors do make your hands feel cramped at times but they can be changed.

[@nickrichardson4030]

Yeap the kids good. Nice banter between you both.

[@aps-pictures9335]

Have the Zontes GK and it’s the best naked you can get, with the bonus of being one of the cheapest! Kept mine when I moved to a big bike - love it.

[@wearealllost8907]

Are you happy with the GK? I can't decide the g1 or the GK. Both the same price. Nur some people say, the g1 is better for tall people.

[@The.JZA.]

Adjustable levers should be legally required on every new motorcycle I think. It's so important to have good control over the brakes and clutch and there is such a wide range of hand sizes. I mean, it would cost the manufacturer like $5 to put on adjustable levers but for the owner, it'll cost hundreds unless you are willing to risk it with Chinese aftermarket levers (I wouldn't). My Duke 390 has adjustable levers and it's fantastic. Keep up the good work.

[@AdamHougham]

Best 125 for a beginner is an old one so you don't cry after you drop it! Also you won't lose so much when you sell it on after you pass your test and want something bigger. I'm amazed that people spend 3k+ on something that's barely capable of motorway speeds

[@ianwarren]

Bought a very lightly damaged 1 year old, Cat-N Suzuki GSX-S. £1650 collected it in a trailer £50. Straitened up the handlebars, straitened a brake lever marginally, glass fibre repaired the front fender and a side panel because my son was convinced I would drop it!Never did. A year later did my full license and changed the front fender and side panel for new genuine parts and sold it with 4,000 more miles on it for a profit at £2,100! Paid its own tax and insurance so basically a years free (bar fuel and DIY servicing) riding👍 That’s the cheapest 135 you can buy!

[@wearealllost8907]

😂 😂 That's not that easy!! It was my plan, too. But you found just crap or crap with moon prices. Or 2-3 years old bikes for almost the price of a new one. I tell you the market is insane at 125 bikes. I want to buy a Zontes. Hope the crash bar helps if I go down. 3k and a good insurance is my limit. But a duke or anything else >4,5k. No way! It's insane. 15 years ago, I think the bikes was expensive but now... Puh. It's cheaper to buy a 600er than a 125

[@jeanconspiratist3074]

I'm even more amazed when People pay 9000 euro's for an electric bicycle that reaches 45 km per hour max while peddling.🥴

[@STEALTH1DAN]

I kind agree with you. But instead of a used 125, I would rather a new but cheap Chinese one. Keep it for a while, then get rid of it by selling it or something

[@paulyflyer8154]

I tried that, but found that anything that didn't need 2 weeks work was only about 500 quid cheaper than a brand new one.

[@pungarehu]

Well Micheal, you have some serious competition in the form of Joseph. He is a natural in front of the camera and got to the point quickly and clearly. Plus the dynamic between you both was brilliant. I look forward to seeing more from you both. We really need to see more youngsters on bikes and Joseph is a real breath of fresh air - don’t worry though Neevesy, we still love ya bud!

[@chrisowens3781]

A star in the making he’s going to make a good presenter.

[@lackrobat]

Started commuting on a CB 125r 3 years ago and now I'm on the CB 650r , like the guys said ,biking just gets under your skin.

[@roobanloganathan6498]

I have a Honda Wave 125 n a Honda Future 125. Very comfortable, convenient and easy to ride.

[@mineblock9024]

I almost didn't watch this, because I'm the same age as Neevesy and like him, I rode 125's back in '87, but I really enjoyed the review. We're very accustomed to seeing bike reviews from the perspective of a professional like Neevesy (the No.1 journo), but it would be interesting to see reviews of middleweights and beyond as Joseph gains experience - I thought he did almost as well in front of the camera as he does behind it

[@stuartmacdonald9289]

My learner bike was a Lexmoto Michigan, great little cruiser and a lot of fun to ride.

[@vineshowns]

The most fun I've had riding is on a Yamaha YBX 125 5 speed with minor mods. Beast, absolute magical beast

[@Lena_765_]

I learned how to ride on a honda grom here in Germany and I can only reccomend it for getting arround town. Yes you´ll look a bit goofy on it, even if you are not too tall (175 cm) but it is super fun.

[@JagoTFC]

Came back to this video because I've finally decided that looks will be the driving factor for my purchase and my ultimate triad of bikes will be Zontes G1/GK, CB 125 R and Husqvarna Vitpilen/Svartpilen. Which are somewhat transferable to the bigger engines. Probably the 401 would be my forever bike. I'm still gathering the money and making up my mind about insurance and taxes. I gotta weight where to burn the cash, my car is a tuned mk5 GTI so she needs lots of love.

[@Bob-ts2tu]

In the mid 1980's when working at PC dealerships, IBM had a slogan that said 'no one ever got fired for buying IBM'. I'd transpose that philosopy & idea to a Honda, (more or less any Honda), they may not always be the most exciting machines but they know how to do just about everything right, whatever it is you are looking for. IMHO the 125R is a great bike, but saving £1600 or thereabouts & going for a 125F makes more beginner sense, as it's common to move up to bigger bikes after dipping your toe for a year anyway. Maybe it's the yorkshire in me, but id rather have the cash, less depreciation, better MPG, and a machine that's a bit easier to sell anyday as the performance difference between the two is minimal. I also think you could have included a sub 2.5k catagory, maybe showing how the odd chinese bike like a sinnis holds up, as beginners and price go hand in hand, with a 6k bike for a newbie pushing it a tad too far IMHO

[@handsfree1000]

Who’s going to film the photographer? .😮

[@donaldhonaker5231]

it would be the scrambler for me. i love the style and the option to be off road or street with those tires

[@abhinavsingh388]

Thank you Joseph and MCN for a great review. It’s definitely helped me as I am in the market to buy a bike for my daughter who is new to riding and this will be her first bike.

[@denisg4288]

Hi I had both the Zontes and the Honda for a year. Both great bikes. I slightly preferred the Zontes for the reason Neevsey did. I found the bike quality equal to the Honda (one year). The gearbox on the Honda wasn’t great. Zontes gearbox was smooth as F…. at least on the one I had. Unfortunately the resale price of the Zontes takes a dip because people just don’t trust Chinese bikes. I think Zontes are at the premium end if Chinese bikes. Den

[@robbiepemberton]

Just bought a Zontes G1 having had a YZF R125 previously. I love the zontes.

[@denisg4288]

@@robbiepemberton hope you enjoy it. I thought it looked brilliant.

[@robbiepemberton]

@@denisg4288 It's a keeper mate. Added a puig screen and mida heated grips. Will add a full shad luggage kit soon to turn it into a great little tourer. Getting about 100mpg out of it and it's a hoot to ride.

[@catslife5501]

I was riding a 125 in 1960, almost too long back to remember. Would LOVE to get hold of an Aprilia 125 two stroke.

[@neilmalcolmreed]

Cracking review by the young lad..... Get him on the mid range bikes now.....

[@merseamoto]

Great video for the new rider, and agree with other comments that maybe Joseph should be in front of the camera more often. Maybe an A2 bike test/review next and a new licence holder with a slightly bigger budget to tempt him. 😁 Keep up the great vlogs.

[@Slow.Ride.]

Great vid, thx. I am interested in buying the Fantic Caballero. After watching this video, I thought that I might be the type of person that the 125 Caballero would suit. I started riding in my 50s and ride a W400 now. At my age, I will not be going up any further in CCs since I started riding so late in life. I am actually looking for a second, smaller, lighter bike that can take me around the city and to do short , fun rides. For now the 400 does the longer rides and mountainous terrain. Over 50, many riders are going back to smaller bikes, the cost won't break the bank for some, and a 125 generally won't get you into too much trouble....maybe :) The major issue is that the parts have to be imported and many mechanics here do not want to touch it if the bike needs major repairs (especially electronics). So, I'm still a maybe but a strong maybe.

[@danielould1756]

I’ve got the caballero 125 flat track version it looks and feels like a bigger bike like they said. It’s so good

[@MuhammadMohsin6060]

I bought YBRG 2 years ago what a great experience

[@poc329]

What a nice lad Joseph is. Presents very well. Watch your back Neevsey. Lol

[@tommycallum]

Great review and a big help - thanks guys.

[@johnjackson2349]

I was i was looking at a zontes as my first bike but heard some horror stories about engine lights coming on after 50miles and frame rusting after 6 months. In the end i bought the cb125r and dont regret spending more, it feels solid and is alot of fun to ride, i use it to commute to work and even when looking for a bigger bike i cant see myself trading it in. It does commute work perfectly getting over 100mpg (as all 125cc bikes should)

[@whiterabbit7104]

Drove over 15k km with my zontes125 held up like a dime didn’t regret my purchase for a bit

[@tmoosy]

I've enjoyed my cb125f, doesn't half struggle up hill though

[@drdoolittle5724]

Starters will really appreciate this production - even though I'm the other end of the conveyor belt even i like to see what is available and also groan at the superb engineering served up today! Having said that, my first 1960's ride was a Honda Benly twin 125 which compared to everything else on the market was way ahead! It would be good if Neevsy slipped in one of those into a newbees test just to see how it compared!!!

[@goespear]

Great video guys, thank you.

[@Latvianization]

sad that yamaha xsr 125 was not included, probably would make final decision much harder

[@JDMz]

Yep. And the mt125 too.

[@SteveM-ly7oy]

Hmmm. Wasn't sure about your comments about age. I am 54. I've never even sat on a motorbike. But I would love to learn to ride one. And then buy a 125, because I am not interested in speed outright and only interested in the city and country roads outside it. What do you think? Yamaha XSR125?

[@beanwithbaconmegarocket]

Great video, guys!

[@Yenaldooshi138]

Caballero’s the holy grail of 125….. Puts it in 3rd place 💀

[@valicourt]

Agree! But he made up for it saying he would buy the 500 version.

[@fizzy49cc]

Shame they got rid of 250cc learner bikes (earl 8o's). Because even non bikers could buy a cheap CD175 or TS250 & use it as a commuter bike or even a bit of touring. I use a cheap old 650 Honda custom for work which is overkill really. But if I was a learner I'd get a car cos a 125 with my height & weight would struggle on open roads. Its not about speed but the grunt to keep up with traffic & even some motorway work. The old CB250RS or Superdream are probably no faster than the bikes tested but make more sense to me. Mopeds are even more daft & dangerous. It's almost like the rules are there to makes it so dangerous it discourages biking. LOL

[@megasoctopuslegionofcake6248]

@@T77489 Aye, but now 2 strokes are gone the bikes are more sane.

[@max_moss]

Wish you guys had put the brand and model on screen. I'm a newbie and I dont recognize the brands that easily.

[@markjones336]

I have a Skyteam dax&a new Honda monkey.The skyteam is a better bike!Better brakes,handling,has a gear indicator &clock!Linked brakes that work really well,&a rear luggage rack!The Honda has a fantastic seat,&a 5th gear.Bur value for money goes to the skyteam dax!

[@MichaelClarkeWhittet]

I think you might have missed a trick on the budgets here... my first bike I spent £1500 new. No way I would have shelled out this much when I was getting into biking

[@letni9506]

I like the XSR125. Think it looks really nice. But i think most who buy these 4 and 5k leaner bikes will lose a lot of money and wish they'd bought a more boring looking old Yamaha or Honda. I bought a ybr 125 and still lost a lot of money. Once you pass your test you'll want something that can go quicker up hills.

[@shadowred1980]

Great job.

[@AndrewGibson22]

I was also riding 125s in 1987 also (Kawasaki AR125 22bhp) yet I am the target market as Im going to get back into 2 wheels (never did the test) so now researching 125's. Any suggestions for a 14 stone 53 yr old living in hilly rural countryside (apart from loosing weight)???

[@revilo9725]

Im buying a herald brat 125 for my 1st bike. Looks so good but very slow. Under 3k brand new though

[@strodey123]

Great insights. As someone whose early 30s, would you recommend a 125 for a year or so, or going straight to the DAS and skipping a 125?

[@AbdullahAlMukul-p5x]

Hi, I recently moved to the UK from Bangladesh for my master's degree, I have a bike and a licence back in my home country. I was thinking about buying a bike. I'm 25 years old. Can I buy a 250cc bike and get a licence here or I have to buy 125 cc bike first?

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Skip to 6:15

[@the529ers]

New rider here with a Zontes 125, absolutely loving it so far

[@davidleonard8369]

Are any of them sold in the USA?

[@classicandclassymotorcycle]

Great video

[@briansteele2723]

Often scooters like the PCX are faster and can handle dual carriageway better. However I got around to learning and glad the little mash 125 I had put up with my rubbish skills with safely low 11hp! and great around town.

[@JDMz]

The pcx is slow. I think you mean the forza is better for dual carriage way. They will do 70 to 75mph on the flat. Pcx struggles to do 60mph gps.

[@blackburd5]

Can we make a video about his current bike?

[@Fee.1]

What year is that zxr400

[@joewright4195]

2001 L9 model

[@Fee.1]

@@joewright4195 sell it to me

[@evanstewart9919]

Weight answer is Aprilia rs125cc ur welcome xxxx

[@wearealllost8907]

Or the sx. Also the Fantic Supermoto, there a superlight. But yeah

[@scouseman394]

Really want to do me cbt, can I do lessons without this

[@Only1jot]

You don’t need lessons for cbt, you just go do it for one day and you get it

[@bones6978]

Rather get a DT125R or something similar.

[@hatefeulblast]

Greetings MCN

[@jafarfourutan8786]

Honda is the best one

[@loki1066]

Leaning off that fantic😂

[@Ken-yp1dg]

How can you not mention a Yamaha XTZ125? Aren't they half the price of your cheapest bike? Plus you can take them off road or Motard them.

[@dwayneshirley139]

Top video

[@Suatso]

Can anyone tell me what's the brand of the scrambler??

[@valicourt]

Fantic

[@szaesz8190]

at these prices i'de rather go for a 650 straight...

[@motorart4670]

Good video

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks for the visit

[@BrianDias007]

What about an English made bike the Mutt 125s??

[@JDMz]

Don't even bother. It's chinese. You'll spend atleast a month or 2 off the road just for one part. They're really hard to get😂

[@BrianDias007]

@@JDMz I did not know that - I'm new to bikes but was looking at English made UK options

[@mrteletubby75]

@@BrianDias007 The bikes are put together in the UK but mosts of the parts I believe are Chinese

[@jamesball7381]

In Switzerland, you HAVE to ride a 125cc for 2 YEARS before you can get a bigger bike...

[@chriscymru46]

Honda CB125f is a better choice it's over £1000 cheaper then the CB125R and easily does 150 mpg. Realistically the CB125R isn't any faster either just slightly better equipped, but why would you need ABS on such a low capacity bike. Better off saving the thousand pounds and using that to do your big test.

[@grahamgower3736]

I spect more MCN. Both frantic and ZONTES are in by same company with below industry back up. Plenty of awesome bikes out there to compare to the Honda, ones that sell and off decent backup. Money talks

[@joewright4195]

I just chose the bikes I was excited to ride my friend.

[@franksterkb891]

honda = GOAT

[@deadadam666]

spending 5 grand on your first bike , or a 125 is insane .

[@georgeyboy8186]

Not when you consider how insane the 125 market is

[@georgeyboy8186]

Although I do agree to be fair, the 125 market is crazy tho

[@JamesSykes-l8g]

Get a aprilla rs 125 full power

[@MotoWorld777]

why would anyone choose a chinese bike over a honda, japanese or Euro bike?

[@andriucha7254]

I have a fantic caballero 125. I can say that for all the money he has absolutely nothing, why should you pay so much...

[@hugaventure]

👍

[@rolandaskvsat]

Best 125cc bike - KTM DUKE 125. There shouldn't be even a discussion about it

[@wearealllost8907]

But it's not worth that much money

[@asianskywalker]

Most People want a sports bike as a first bike.

[@mathiasrryba]

Unfortunately that's why so many end up dead.

[@bertinfreckmann6553]

Only H U S Q V A R N A RULES !!!

[@Strahinja045]

Pov im 12 and watcing tihis and i wait till i am 15 so i can take drving test for 125cc

[@littleb9298]

if covid isnt a good enough reason for anyone to avoid chinese products "as long as it wont make your life too miserable"... then lets pretend there was no covid in the first place 🤣😂

[@wearealllost8907]

Oh, the zontes is in cooperation with beta and build together in Italy. So of course, many items are from China (which bikes not haha) and finally build together in Italy. The injection and ABS are from Bosch in Germany. So the bike is cheap, make no problems and have a great quality.

[@harryedwards9318]

I mean ….so yeah where on Earth has all of this lingo come from ? Another sheep ?