The BEST 125cc Motorcycles You Can Buy In 2023! Great for Beginners

[@BikeMatters]

What 125cc Motorcycle would you choose? Let us know in the comments!

[@tjzp]

Surprised Sinnis Terrain 125 is not on the list. This is what I will be picking up.

[@TheDuckman911]

I’ve just gone for the svartpilen 125 and absolutely love it!

[@BikeMatters]

Great choice

[@sonix7119]

IF THEY ALL 4-STROKE = THEN = NONE = COS = FK 4-STROKE = MEANS = 2-STROKE RULES !!!

[@ewganhoff]

One of the bike mags did a comparison of cb125r, xsr, and svartpilen. They said they all accelerated the same and had the same top speed, but the yam did 20 mpg better that the other 2 while being thrashed exactly the same. That would be enough to push me toward the yam.

[@simonwait3664]

I'm a 40 year old bike noob. I have a mortgage, two kids, a wife (and a puppy). When I hit the MANOPAUSE, I decided I wanted some escapism and decided to do a "taster" session at my local bike centre. In short, I absolutely loved it. After much research, and a trip to the Birmingham Bike Live show, I decided to invest in a 2023 Yamaha XSR 125 Legacy. Being 40, I have lived a bit and have weakness in my left leg following a car accident (muscle wastage and drop foot means it looks more like a kids arm than a middle aged blokes leg!). This meant weight was massively important to me. The retro 70's / 80's inspired looks on the Legacy, class leading engine, and the upright seated position all appealed to me. Not to mention the Yamaha man dealer network and reliability. Sure, its expensive for a 125 - I get that, but as a way into (hopefully) a new escape / hobby / lifestyle choice, it ticked all the right boxes for my ability. Over the next two years, I will go for my test and decide where the bike gods (and that pathetic leg) allow me to go next. I love the Royal Enfield 350 classic - but like I said, we will see on the weight situation. Excellent content as always, ride safe everyone. Happy Christmas, and healthy New Year to all guys.

[@BikeMatters]

All the best for your ventures on the XSR, Roger really loved his time reviewing it last year. I hope things go well with the leg, take it steady and let us know how you get on!

[@doubleplusgood3593]

Look for Fantic Caballero 125 ccm Scrambler or flat track.

[@ewganhoff]

Welcome to the family! I'm 40 too, but I've been riding since my 16th birthday when I got my first ped. The XSR looks like a great way to start out. Once you have the experience I don't think your leg will limit you too much in your choice of bike. Plenty of very short but experienced riders get used to riding tall bikes while only ever getting one foot on the ground at a stop. My old buddy was Scottish MX champion for a certain age bracket as a kid, and he is a midget(not technically). On the start line his butt was so far off the seat it looked like it was halfway down the side of the bike, with only his knee hooked over the seat! The Royal Enfield 350s are no doubt decent bikes, but reports say they are no faster than full power 125s like your XSR. If you feel like you can handle more speed and would like to start overtaking easily on the country roads, bikes like the yamaha 300s or Honda 500s will all cruise happily at 80 mph and top the ton when you're feeling fruity. Good luck bud.

[@simonwait3664]

@@ewganhoff Thank pal. Roll on another couple of weeks, let these frosts stop and I can stop admiring it and finally take it out. Ride safe mate. It’s all about the smiles per mile for me.

[@shadowrogueg]

If your legs don't work you can try a scooter. Honda Forza 125 is pretty good.

[@murfie47]

I'm 76, have been riding for 59 years, owning 21 machines in that time including many classics (eg Yamaha SR500, Honda CB400-4, Suzuki GT500). My latest machine is a 2023 Suzuki GSX-S125 ... one of the smallest but THE best bike I've owned.

[@bobwhitton678]

Why do you think it's the best? I'm considering getting a naked I'm 52!and have an r125 sports bike but find it a bit uncomfortable so I'm looking at the gsx s, CBR or an mt not sure which to go for I'm a big guy so need something that's not going to die going up hill with me on it.

[@murfie47]

@@bobwhitton678 The three bikes you mention all have very similar performance specs. The reasons that I went for the GSX-S125 were (i) Most comfortable riding position (I'm 6'1" and 100 Kg) (ii) No Honda dealer was interested in a deal (iii) The Suzuki dealership is local to me (iii) The swap deal I was offered (iv) Low cost of initial service (v) Best looking naked 125 but of course that is subjective (v) Smooth gearbox and very practical gear ratios and (vi) I've owned many Suzuki bikes and none have let me down whereas I have had issues with other Japanese makes.

[@jobe5450]

I have the Gsx-s 125 2018 model, 43 thousand miles and still running strong, great bike

[@BlokeOnAMotorbike]

I bought a Sinnis Hoodlum in April. ZERO regrets.

[@colinglen4505]

Modern bikes look extremely hi tech, however, my admiration for the styling always comes to a sudden halt the moment my senses are assaulted by the dreadful gap between body and back wheel. It looks like the wheel isn't a part of the bike. Horrible development in style in my opinion.

[@The_Rebel666]

Looks like drag bikes

[@davinadavidson9062]

That’s for suspension space

[@handlesarefeckinstupid]

Yes, they are bigger for bigger people so you aren't crunched up and copy the superbike look.

[@sebastianbolt7886]

I hear you and personally agree, however bikes and their styling today retro especially included are what cars used to be in yesteryear. All cars are styled boringly basically the same, whearas bikes have the ongoing spectacular styling generation after generation. Love your post.

[@2e0bgb]

I'm 64 and am a lifelong biker..The April is rs125 looks awesome to me, that would be my pick of the bunch,, but they all look great !!!!! Good video, Thank You.

[@TeezerDriz]

I'd pick the Honda CB125R, add a Puig touring screen and a centre stand.

[@FloriTravels]

I rode the lenght of Thailand with a Yamaha 125-GT (10,000km journey overall), it was fun to ride and I didn´t experience any issues.

[@gruffbikerdude1206]

You won't get many problems with a Yam. Best engine out there.

[@FloriTravels]

@@gruffbikerdude1206 awesome!

[@Atomicvex06]

​@@gruffbikerdude1206 Tell that to my 14 year old Yamaha Aerox 😂

[@keztrucker7478]

Happy zontes ZT125U owner here , I can tell you it's a great bike 40 years of riding bikes of all capacities and for a superlight commuter/ fun bike it's unbeatable. Price style speed chuckable, with grezt tech fit and finish it's got it all. 70mph slipper clutch keyless start to bosch injection nice build quality and at 6ft tall and 14 + stone I look fine no L plates obviously and I'm nodded at by the big boys all the time behind my dark visor they probably think I'm 17 or a fresh nubie ha ha and not a grandfather who owns several big bikes 😁

[@WillHoll4399]

I’m a really big fan of Cruiser and Bobber bikes. They just look a lot cooler to me and especially with some of the designs with them. Like legit the Keeway bikes look so nice and are also so affordable

[@brianconnor1810]

Although chinese bikes get a hard time there is no denying they are the best looking 125 bikes out there. The Japanese bike manufacturers will have to take notice their being caught up to and overtaking in 125 bike sales.

[@LeeKirkman88]

Best 125 bike for size and touring. Reliability and capable of high milage. Is the Honda Varadero. Seen them with 80k on the clock! Shame that Honda does not produce it anymore. The gear changes and clutch are silky smooth you can change gear with one finger.

[@A_n_y_t_i_m_e]

Varadero is 👌

[@TheOmniscientAtheist]

I've got one coming in a few days, 2005 carb model

[@LeeKirkman88]

@@TheOmniscientAtheist hope you get as much enjoyment as i have out of it. They are great bikes.

[@tylerbarnes9673]

I've had a few 125s over the years and my tip would be to look at internal arrangements as 125s have less space and trying to get to the battery can be very difficult. My current Zontes G1 is brilliant and beautiful but the internal arrangement sucks (I bought it anyway cos I'm an idiot lol)

[@imfudginbhundist6260]

So which 125 would you recommend. I want to get a bike to travel to school and back.

[@kiwiplayer1291]

Can’t wait for my XSR 125 Legacy 💯🔥🤩 I’ll get it in February ^^

[@BeastModeMTB]

did u buy it and is it any good? what colour did u go for?

[@mxson_175]

The zontes g1 scrambler is great, loved mine til I got hit by a van

[@BikeMatters]

Sorry to hear, that hope all is OK

[@SlapshodWingnut]

I'm 47, doing my CBT in early Feb. I went to Birmingham this year and sat on all the 125s, really liking the R125 and GXS125. I'm probably going to go for a Zontes though, because the realist in me wants to get some riding experience before spending big money on something that arguably will likely get dropped... I've got 30 years of driving experience, and firmly believe you need experience before you get something expensive. That being said, I really like the R7, so who knows. In a year, I might have one of those as my first big bike 😆

[@revdrstu]

True speak 47 here and feeling the vibe, I'll check out the Zontes have you looked at the Benelli TNT? Just curios.

[@SlapshodWingnut]

@@revdrstu went for a GSXR125 in the end. She's very nimble, I can flat foot her easily, and the inner 15 year old is happy lol

[@nesto9889]

​@@SlapshodWingnut how tall are you/what's your inseam if I may ask?

[@SlapshodWingnut]

@@nesto9889 Sure, I'm 5'10" with a 30" inseam.

[@gordonwalker7792]

Hello well I've had a few bikes over the years including the Honda CB250RS, the CB125RS was from new!! Hope I can get this one back on the road in time.... ....🙂👍

[@BikeMatters]

Awesome stuff, we have faith you will Gordon! 😄

[@kryptonkx-personaluse-3826]

nice picks. Overall, my top 3 is: 3. Duke 125 2. MT 125 1. CB 125

[@buja098]

duke xDDD, replace duke with z125

[@basedpatriotLT]

​​@@buja098 why z?

[@buja098]

@@basedpatriotLT its one year ago, i think, he was right. Duke is one of the best 125ccm motorcycles.

[@basedpatriotLT]

@@buja098 still curious why did you think z was better back then

[@buja098]

@@basedpatriotLT i dunno, forget about it haha

[@simonmcourt]

Sadly prices very high.Owned a rd125 lc was cheap..R1600.00 brand new in 1986..Super fast and reliable too.

[@ScratchyBaws]

Very high prices and a lot slower than the RD's of the 80's.

[@lb2084]

Interesting but I'd rather have a classic 2 stoke . Cagiva mito 125 aprilia rs125 or a yamaha rd125lc😂

[@ScratchyBaws]

£5.2K for a 125cc bike that isn't a patch on the bike's wee rode in the 80's. Didn't realise they go so slow nowadays. I wouldn't fork out that ridiculous price for something that only goes 60mph even if it does 100+ mpg. I was shocked when a friend turned up on his new Chinese 125 bike and said it goes about 56mph, we nearly got to those speeds on our old 50cc's down a steep hill in the 80's and that was without kits. How times have changed.

[@handlesarefeckinstupid]

Yeah old 2 strokes were powerful, but they needed constant rebuilding and emissions are a thing.

[@romangalich8733]

Fantastic compilation, thank you!

[@PersonManManManMan]

Great pics here and good info

[@BikeMatters]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@2e0bgb]

Excellent video with some very good information, Thank you

[@TheOmniscientAtheist]

2005 Honda XL Varadero 125

[@chillievans]

Rode a HONDA CBF125 13 years ago when i was a youngster. Now im 30 i want to get back into bikes. Never been interested in "fast" bikes (dont really trust myself!) But the 125 is ideal for my commute. Looking at the YAMAHA XSR125. Love the style of it. Is there a similer atyle bike on a 250ish CC?

[@ExotiqWRLD]

Are all these bikes available trident in the uk at 17 on a cbt

[@rocketfludy2873]

Would like to see a lost of 125s that are cheap to insure. If 125ccs were cheap for new drivers, these would be options however, not many 17 year olds have that amount of money to spend on insurance

[@Alig-jx9mc]

Still way better to insure than a car tbh

[@BikeMatters]

We have a series of budget videos coming soon, watch this space!

[@Annie-cd6ue]

@@Alig-jx9mc cars are more expensive to insure

[@GodspeedChris]

You missed out on the new Honda Dax 125. Surely something different? 👍

[@johnmarrs7781]

One thing i would be interested to know are lights, i finish work quite late at night. I had a duke 125 before I crashed it and fked myself up bit the lights on it were fantastic, low beam was still good enough to drive home in the dark high beam was epic light up everything. However you hear absolutely nothing about how good lights are on any reviews would be a good thing to add in as not everyone drives during the day....... Just a suggestion

[@JamesSmith-ir2es]

You can only get them in the UK? Im in germany and cant get lexmoto sinnis etc

[@1Life4Passion]

Ach schade 😕

[@NeoArch]

i actually got a QJ motor skv 125 its a cruiser bike for 3.6k with 14.9 horse power but honestly u are not getting 125 for soeed so i went with obvious choice comfort. god damn this cruiser bike is bomb

[@BikeMatters]

Thanks for the comment!

[@revdrstu]

Thank you, as a 47 year old with 30 years of driving exp I am looking to get onto two wheels, yeah I can jump on a 50cc but I'd feel like I am 16 again lol. Gonna get a 125 and CBT with my 21 year old son and after a short time complete direct access and give him the 125, thinking of Lexmoto for obvious reasons what do you think about the Benelli TNT?

[@BikeMatters]

The TNT is a handy and fun little bike but ultimately on the smaller side. Lexmoto may offer some larger proportions if you are going onto DA. Thanks for the comment!

[@stephen.sg2088]

Haha, I'm 16 and literally looking for a 125cc.

[@Leyvin]

I have the Benelli Leoncino 125 for the past year now... and I'd argue it's often overlooked. Might be worth having a look...

[@zhoujustin1954]

i didn't get it, so the tuono has better aerodynamic than rs125? Which one is faster/swifter pls let me now

[@iammehedi1651]

Loved your video

[@BikeMatters]

Thank you!

[@Sean-Govaerts]

just be aware with the kawasaki z125 if you are a bit taller, the tiny front farings might start digging into your knees like they did for me, now i also have very long legs so that might be just me but just a good thing to know

[@21ninpo]

any opinions on the keeway RKF 125?

[@1Life4Passion]

Other than bad brakes and not that high quality it's actually pretty good. I like the TRACTION CONTROL and the ABS it has, the way it looks and the biggest thing of course is the amazing low price

[@nicolaitand5902]

Super informative 👌 thanks Zuperrrr

[@carlarthur4442]

Great reviews 👌 thanks 👌 😊

[@BikeMatters]

Thanks for watching!

[@adambikes]

love the content! please more!

[@paulmorris3613]

I appreciate bike makers want bikes to look faster than they really go,, but how about an everyday bike that no one is tempted to steal and it reliable to go for months years as a basic runaround, As an oldrer rider I didn't need a showy bike just a good basic real bike one without descending to a Honda Cub or equivalent?

[@fatman7467]

Great picks 👍

[@adrian-qr6zk]

What's with all the Chinese and Indian bikes??

[@jakeberry893]

Hyosung gt125r biggest and nicest sounding v twin

[@tony-ce7qp]

thank you i love the Yamaha sr 125

[@justanotherf2ppotatogamer61]

for the whopping price tags i would rather buy underbone bikes that's way cheaper and more powerful since to me these 125 cc bikes is kinda expensive but i think they're beautiful

[@BikeMatters]

The spec modern day 125s pack is incredible compared to what they used to be like, they are costly that's for sure, but some of the spec isn't far off A2 bikes, just a smaller engine.

[@notatroll8744]

Buying a 125cc could be the biggest regret. Wait for some time and get yourself A2 license and buy 400cc. At the same price of Japanese 125cc you could get Ninja 400 , R3 , RC390 for slightly more. Chinese 125cc are better to buy as beginner cause they are cheaper and easier to learn or buy yourself a second hand 125

[@odinilse7519]

Here, you have to have ur A1 licence for three years before being able to get ur A2 licence. Wich means you dont really have a choise if you dont want to wait till ur 21 to ride!

[@dirkbrachmann8548]

What about the Zontes 125 GK??? thats the New Model from 2022/2023..the ZT 125 G1 is old !?

[@BikeMatters]

It takes a place on our Best Naked 125s for 2023! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2XHlH-XrZiMhpo&ab_channel=BikeMatters

[@coeurdelion8517]

Magnificent video

[@BikeMatters]

Thank you very much!

[@Nine_883]

I don’t see most of these in the US. We have the Grom and the Kawasaki 125 that is basically the same thing, but most of these I didn’t know existed.

[@BikeMatters]

Thanks for the comment!

[@dronefilmsgermany]

I am thinking of buying a Yamaha XSR 125. Are these Chinese ones better than Yamaha?

[@BikeMatters]

Chinese bikes are famously less reliable than the Japanese Yamaha, but that's not to say they aren't worth your time! They are often cheaper if your budget is tighter. The XSR is a spot on 125, and could ride two-up albeit the power will be noticeably reduced. Happy shopping!

[@dronefilmsgermany]

Thanks for the honest opinion. In my case I liked the Yamaha XSR 125 and also the Keeway V-Cruise@@BikeMatters Now it's a hard decision to make which one to get.

[@BikeMatters]

Two good choices, try get a test ride/sit on them!

[@dronefilmsgermany]

@@BikeMatters I finally picked up a XSR125 Legacy. Its beautiful.

[@bengallego9943]

Quic question, will these bikes also arrive in the Philippines? Or in asia?

[@BikeMatters]

No idea, sorry!

[@R1heaven]

The new lexmoto ls n look better than all the other naked 125s

[@chrismeakings9007]

Reliability is awful!

[@rhysstewart2703]

dont buy a zontes zt125u1 mine keeps having issues like key it keeps dyeing my cluch handle has broken after about 2 years and the sidestand sensor broke outright i would recomend going for a honda or some other japanese bike

[@paulcollings5424]

Hello Rhys , I think you must have just been unlucky. I've had mine for 2 years now from new and I can't fault it. The only thing I needed to do was change the fob battery about every 6 months but they're only £2.50 each from RS. I've been out on 120 mile day trips mainly through the lanes but she will hold 70mph on the flat dual carriageway as well if needed.

[@ILoveSpaghetti]

Idk if I should get the honda cb125r or yzf125

[@VinzCassel]

Buy the one that makes your d!ck harder

[@barriewilliams4526]

It's got to be the Suzuki 👍

[@hollywoodjoe3259]

What’s the top speed on these bikes life 50 miles per hour

[@Only1jot]

70/80 for half of them

[@hollywoodjoe3259]

@@Only1jot not bad

[@JDMz]

The mt 2022 125 is £4900. The 2023 model is £5100

[@stefanvandentroost6892]

I mis all the 2strokes.. i want new 2strokes😢 like the cagiva mito.. aprilia rs125.. 2stroke 2 stroke... 2stroke.. 🤣😋

[@rahul369E]

Is this bikes available in india ?

[@steveaga4683]

Where are the cruisers? None on this list! Also, the reason why you buy a 125 is so you can get on the road cheaply until you qualify for a larger bike! Most of these are simply too expensive. Even the cheaper ones have rocketed in price since a year ago....some as much as 80% more! It makes biking difficult to get into.

[@BikeMatters]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. There is a separate video for cruisers, also this list is aimed at the best 125s, not cheapest. We have many videos out there but also working on some budget options too so watch this space.

[@STEVIEBHOY]

Showa is a subsidiary of Honda 👍

[@gordonwalker7792]

Some great bikes, but getting near 5K for a 125?!?!????? Yes a lot more tech- but my Kawasak AR125 was £819 brand new in '83.A long time ago I know - but they still seem expensive!????( Currently trying to restore a Honda CB125RS-which I also had another one from new........)👍👍.

[@BikeMatters]

It has gotten incredible steep in the 125 pricing world. Exciting stuff with the CB125RS!

[@ptlegend5927]

For me my benda vcruise is the best

[@andrewkennan2897]

125cc 4 stroke bike’s are there for just looks these days, they lack any go, my old 1986 Suzuki RG125cc gamma had 25hp and it’s weight was 96kilos and would leave these hair dryers for dead

[@handlesarefeckinstupid]

What is your point? L plates have a max of 15hp so it would be illegal and get it took off you. Also your 2 stroke would fail emissions and need a rebuild every 500 miles. Things move on mate.

[@JoeMama-bz7op]

Bro the lxr is super unreliable. Breaks down at even a glimpse of rain. Had to get the ecu swapped out 3 times before i ditched the bike entirely.

[@thanosa2206]

Yamaha xsr 125

[@davidlawrence942]

Give me a old fashioned two stroke bike it had guts not like these modern bikes which have less power than a hairdryer.

[@porkscratchings5428]

I’d go Suzuki GSX R

[@paulforster6597]

the first 2 are literally the same bikes as Motobi dl 125 strada and dl 125

[@nixx1747]

Best advice I can give to the beginners is to buy the most powerful bike that they can afford.

[@maalikserebryakov]

Why

[@1Life4Passion]

That's sarcasm obviously, you all know what will happen

[@lassydogpie5390]

Wish they made an auto bike

[@dexisss9511]

Lexmoto is terrible, I have a Aura and it just breaks all the time

[@deadadam666]

i dont understand the value on dropping so much money on a bike you are unlikely to keep ..... or is this just one of them rich people things

[@jimi1943]

4 stroke 125 suck my 50cc gaps them in acceleration. Just buy a 125 2t stroke.

[@jb5music]

That's ridiculous. It's a 400 with a 125 cc motor in it. What's next? A Goldwing with an XL 125 motor in it?

[@Abelmolto]

Ya no hay diseñadores todas son iguales

[@graysonjones2145]

WHY GET THIS LOW CC FOR THAT MONEY

[@BikeMatters]

CBT / licence restrictions

[@cazrealist1]

Don't waste your money on a modern four stroke 125 farter , look for a retro two stroke 125 like TZR 125r RGV 125 or the NSR 125 of the 90s or the DT 125 KMX 125 far more fun far quicker and a damn sight better looking than this modern crap

[@robertomagalhaes5962]

meanwhile here in Brazil Honda and Yamaha only sell expensive junk

[@maalikserebryakov]

I hate it when the back wheel is a metre behind the rest of the bije That looks so rtarded and ugly I am poor af and still immediately skip those models.

[@bookah8787]

That's the bike my son is looking at the sx 125 from the bank of dad lol 🤦

[@bookah8787]

Well he got it this morning and I haven't seen him since lol , taller than I was expecting he's 6"1 suits him fine , me not so I'm to big 6"6 266lbs stick with my R1 I think

[@BikeMatters]

Sounds like he is enjoying it! Thanks for the comment.

[@bookah8787]

@@BikeMatters hey man thanks for the video and you could say that lol he's loving it becoming a man 😅

[@bookah8787]

Watched him set off for college he doesn't look out of place it's a tall bike , so new riders who are tall it's a perfect place to start 👍

[@bookah8787]

He has dirt bikes and they are 2 strokes alot quicker than his learner legal bike but I prefer that lol and his mother does , some bad drivers about he won't be racing them on it thankfully

[@nightwolf1963]

How about someone list price in $$ US.Currentcy so we Americans know the price plus shipping because nobody does...

[@solsinclair1909]

In the time you wrote that comment you could have done a GBP-USD conversion of every single price listed here

[@umaryzf]

I mean i love kawasaki

[@geoffsaunderson5766]

And still nothing for the tall rider 🙄

[@maalikserebryakov]

Finally a win for short kings 😎💪🏾

[@denyswoodroffe490]

Nothing Chinese please, I avoid trouble when possible.

[@Jammersito]

Do not buy a Lexmoto, I did, warranties are poo, really cheaply made and even their dealers are getting fed up due to lack of customer and dealer support. Do yourself a favour and pay that little extra for a better make, Please!!

[@kimpedersen7100]

None,they are all 4 stroke.

[@victortourinho875]

A 125cc supersport just doesn't make sense

[@Siesingen]

🍀👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🍀

[@laryangel4082]

U

[@maalikserebryakov]

People say their lexmotos keep falling apart lol Typical china.

[@willwill5595]

Top speed!!! top speed!!! top speed!!! Everything else ise useless crap !!!

[@BikeMatters]

Most will be 60-70 mph. Some may be around 73 mph, usually the ones that are 11 kW or 14.7 bhp :)

[@eddzuki0]

ain’t sinnis a uk company using chinese bikes that are tweaked? they also now offer a 7yr warranty

[@counterserviceintelligence4426]

I WILL NEVER PAY OVER £2.5K FOR A 125 LOL BLOODY RIP OFF!

[@pigace2150]

Very informative. Thanks man