If you’re looking for the best new 125cc motorcycle to start your riding career, maybe even with a fresh CBT certificate in hand, look no further. Every new rider will have their first taste of two-wheeled motorcycle freedom on one a 125 cc, and for that alone their value is immense. At the same time, older and/or more experienced riders may still find their frugality and ease of use just as appealing.

All these picks work up to the CBT and A1 licence legal 15 bhp limit, ready to ride when you’re 17 years old and up. We’re also sticking with options that can be picked up new from dealerships in 2025. There's a bonus best-for-budget pick of the bunch at the very end, too.

A slight bit different for the top 4 this year, as we gave our BikeMatters subscribers a chance to place the order of the top 4 – head over to our YouTube channel to vote in future polls – and fortunately I think those that voted got it absolutely spot on!

This list will include some favourites that are still sold new today, plus some brand-new releases and updates for this year. What’s more, luckily a few of these models have larger capacity options if you like the foundations… So, let’s get going!

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£2,919.99	124cc water-cooled single, 14.8 bhp, 11 Nm	164 kg	14 L	780 mm

 

Let’s kick off the list with a couple of budget friendly options – first is what could be a great new option from Lexmoto, particularly for taller riders. You may recognise this one, too, as it heavily resembles the Sinnis T125 (or Terrain) that we’ve reviewed before here at BikeMatters… but that was back when it was an air-cooled motor.

Specs-wise, it looks good, and builds on the Sinnis Terrain by going for the full 14.8 bhp with a cbt, 18 inch front and 17 inch rear wheels with tubeless tyres, 158mm ground clearance and disc brakes front and rear with ABS – though a listed top speed of 62 mph. Standard-fit 42 litres of removable luggage fitted, too. So it looks alright!

A rival option is the Rieju Aventura 125 I rode in 2023. Check that review if you want a bike with this similar 'adventure tourer' style. Another alternative option from Lexmoto that looks particularly nice is the RSS 125 Scrambler for £2759.99 – a bit of a Husqvarna build with a 14bhp single motor.

Anyway, this Lexmoto RX1 looks nice stylistically, though as Lexmoto has a lot of bikes, and often the reliability comes into question, perhaps making resale value a bit of a myth considering the bargain price new from the dealership. But to get yourself on the road in 2025 this could be a good 125cc option. Just keep on top of the regular maintenance – you get a 2-year parts & labour warranty from new.

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£2,499	125cc, 11 bhp, 9.7 Nm	131 kg	16 L	766 mm

Keeway says this is a ‘modern café racer that punches far above its weight class’, tuned ‘for city riding’ with a listed top speed of 60 mph, with 11 bhp and 9.7 Nm at your disposal.

Now, is this really a café racer? The term seems to be a bit loose, with Keeway featuring an upswept exhaust, gaitors on telescopic forks, and an upright riding position with high-position mirrors and high bars – all scrambler features in my mind, as opposed to your stereotypical café racer.

Anyway, the DRLs and LED front headlight look like nice features, with simple but nice central display (with integrated USB). I’d argue this central gauge is even nicer than the ‘premium’ Triumph options found on some of the new models…

ABS is standard with two disc brakes, on a front 18 and rear 17 inch wire-spoked wheel combo. Seat height is a super accessible 131 kg, and the price point starting at £2,499 makes this a good option.

Other Keeways to consider, the cruiser-spec K-Light 125 at the same price point, or the particularly tasty-looking V-Cruise 125 with liquid-cooled V-twin (a rarity in the 125 world – though a rather meagre 12.7 bhp for your £4,499).

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£4,899	125cc liquid-cooled single, 14.7 bhp, 11 Nm	154 kg	13.4 L	800 mm

Fans of BikeMatters will know that we had the KTM Duke 125 in for review last year, and whilst it is a premium and well-equipped machine, its place on this 2025 list is a result of a rather lacklustre performance – despite a 14.7 bhp liquid cooled motor being used.

This was still a very fun bike to ride, with plenty of all-new attitude for the road, 5-inch TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation through smartphone integration, WP Apex suspension with rear shock preload adjust, large 320mm front disc paired to a 240mm rear (with Cornering ABS switchable at the rear via supermoto mode.

As its part of the Duke family that riding fun is distilled down to the smallest form at 125cc – but where it comes undone is the lack of power at the top end – in my review I was really struggling to get the LC4c to power me up to 60 mph, which simply should not be the case at 14.7 bhp. Though at lower speeds and on country roads it really was a blast to ride, and some top spec suspension helped.

Considering some of the other options at a 125 level, and the relatively high price tag for this 125 KTM, it falls back to 8^th place this year from a high position in early 2024 – it was quick-shifting fun, but I think there are better options. Check my review if you want more on the baby Duke, was I a little bit too harsh on it? Let me know your thoughts.

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£4,999	124cc liquid-cooled single, 14.8 bhp, 11 Nm	135 kg	11 L	785 mm

‘A True Streetbike’ say Suzuki, and the lightweight GSX-S 125 is a great little option – one that I enjoyed spending a bit of time on last year. It’s an enjoyable bike to ride, responsive and good fun, particularly with that decent power-to-weight ratio – a combination of CBT-limit-friendly 14.7-ish bhp from the DOHC motor and a low overall 135 kg weight.

I found there to be plenty of space in the 785mm seat, surprising for an otherwise small bike, and the tech on offer is pretty raw. Admittedly there is the latest Bosch ABS 10 base unit featured, Suzuki’s east start system for firing it up, and advanced electronic fuel injection – but the dash is a relatively basic LCD unit as opposed to a snazzy TFT version seen elsewhere. Though the engine felt very fun to ride with, so that’s a huge positive.

The price-tag is getting up there with the top models if after a brand new model, but at least you get a good few colour options in 2025 – 5, in fact. A big pro here is the quoted 117 mpg from an 11-litre tank (around 400 miles per fill-up, if that's right!).

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£4,899	125cc liquid-cooled single, 14.8 bhp, 11 Nm	151 kg	13 L	820 mm

Both this Svartpilen and the Vitpilen, the two arrows, are well worth considering in this 125cc space. As a quick note, the differences are basically urban roadster with cast wheels for the Vitpilen, or a tad more scrambler for the Svartpilen with wire spokes and semi-knobbly Scorpion Rally STR tyres (and both are the same price). I’ll opt for the Svartpilen on this occasion, as it just looks that little bit more… versatile and smart, with added screen and tank rack for no extra money.

A slight reservation here is that the very same LC4c motor is used from the Duke 125, the motor that struggled at the top end – so I’d imagine that this would be very much the same bike, but in a scrambler guise.

Even then, the spec is good -  two power settings, Street and Rain (always quite interesting for a 125cc), ByBre brake calipers on front and rear discs with Bosch 9.8 Cornering ABS, WP Apex suspension with 150mm of travel, 5” TFT dash with smartphone integration, a 6-speed gearbox with standard-fit quick-shifter… it’s a good spec!

Chief for me, here, is the style – and though it does come at a relatively high price tag, it’s one of the better looking 125 bikes on this list in my opinion, and for 125cc machines often the real distinguishing characteristic is the style!

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£4,780	124cc liquid-cooled single, 14.8 bhp, 11.2 Nm	144 kg	14.5 L	810 mm

Over to Italy, and there are a few tasty options from Aprilia if you’ve got a 125 on your mind – the RS and Tuono 125, plus the SX & RX 125 supermoto/enduro duo. I’ve opted for the Tuono 125 this time around, but any of these will be great.

But, the Tuono, an Italian designed and built streetfighter with some 2025 updates and notable features – new colours (Viper Yellow looks superb), Euro5+ engine compliance with DOHC and 4 valves, traction control, Bosch ABS with anti-rollover, an aluminium frame, and 144 kg kerb weight.

Tuonos, over the RS, are all about performance but with that added functionality, a more upright ride with handling at its core. Plus, I think this bike will net you the most street cred by anyone who knows a thing or two about bikes – namely from its association with the superb Tuono V4, impressive Tuono 660, and new Tuono 457.

Yes, this 125 does still have the CBT-limit 14.7 bhp and 11.2 Nm of torque, with a weight of 144 kg, but it has the Tuono potential for decent fun to ride. One downside could be the digital LCD instrumentation rather than TFT display, if that bothers you - though it still shows fuel consumption figures, remaining mileage, engine temperature, and can be paired to your phone with Aprilia MIU.

Funnily enough, I did review a RS 125 GP with its quickshifter quite a few years ago. You could go for the current-gen RS 125 GP Replica as well, full adrenaline!

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£5,299	125cc liquid-cooled single, 14.7 bhp, 11 Nm (TBC)	TBA kg	TBA L	TBA mm

This looks like a top-spec machine for 2025, though we’re still awaiting the final spec list to confirm just how good it’ll be. We all saw it at Motorcycle Live in 2024, and it really does look impressive – with some true sports bike heritage. There’s also the Stealth 125 on the same framework if you’d prefer a naked version, or even the Caballero 125 for a good option – or the supermoto XMF 125 / enduro XEF 125!

Fantic has reportedly sourced this 4-stroke motor as seen in the Yamaha MT and R125 – the Minarelli-built single cylinder with a maximum 14.8 bhp for CBT riders, accompanied by ByBre braking power, decent USD suspension and an overall true sports vibe that isn’t directly from the dominant Japanese market.

The only issue, and the reason it’s not making the top 3, is that this is all on potential – full specs are yet to be confirmed, and it could end up being a bit of a damp squib that weighs in at over 175kg – and is equally heavy on the wallet. I doubt that’ll be the case, but we have to wait and see before we give it a top 3 spot.

Until then, the potential and style here carry this to 4^th place. What are you thinking the final spec will look like? Is it a dark horse, or is the price a little bit too much when compared to the tried and tested rivals on the list?

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£4,699	125cc liquid-cooled single, 14.8 bhp, 11.7 Nm	149 kg	11 L	785 mm

Here’s a sports bike for you – and a good one at that! Kawasaki’s Ninja 125 is steeped in heritage, fitted with a liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valved single-cylinder, with full 14.7 bhp CBT power and relatively punchy 11.7 Nm of torque, derived from the 250cc base engine – meaning you can happily rev it up and pull all the way to the rev limiter without fear of ‘over stressing’ the engine.

A ‘full-size’ yet slim compact trellis frame features, alongside a 37mm telescopic fork and uni-trak linkage rear suspension, front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS – and weighs in at a respectable 149 kg, so all in should be pretty fun out on the road. Though, one BikeMatters commenter on the poll did say “it’s criminal that Kawasaki have gone to the effort of making a liquid cooled sport 125 and gave it right way up forks” which I have to agree with, USD is now the right way up. Look at the Tracer 7 with telescopic forks, it just looks anemic!

Naturally, there is also the Z 125 to consider if you’d prefer a naked bike from Team Green with accompanying upright seating position – but I think there is a certain charm to pushing a sports-based 125 to its limit at full tuck, trying to carry as much speed through successive corners as possible…

The price for this one is pretty reasonable, too, at £4,699 – though some may prefer a TFT display over the all-digital instruments found here. Or am I wrong? Are you not fussed about having a TFT, and would rather save the money? Let me know!

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£4,699	125cc liquid-cooled single, 14.8 bhp, 11.6 Nm	130 kg	10.1 L	816 mm

Over to the big red wing… you knew Honda would be on this list – and there are quite a few good options with 125cc motors, here (the Grom 125, Super Cub, even the CB125F)… but I’ve gone for the CB125R as it has the style, 14.7 bhp peak power from the DOHC 4 valve motor, classic Honda reliability, and all for a very reasonable £4,699.

What’s more, you have a new 5-inch TFT screen, 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston forks, dual channel ABS braking with IMU and Nissin calipers, low overall weight at 130 kg (I think it’ll be good for 70 mph), and even some ‘bold colours’. Shame that the tank is a relatively small 10.1 litres.

One note is that the 2023 model is listed at £4,249, and seems relatively similar as an overall package – so you could grab a bargain and go for a slightly older model that’ll be just as good to ride.

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£5,450	125cc liquid-cooled single, 14.8 bhp, 11.5 Nm	141 kg	11 L	820 mm

At the top is the indominable Yamaha R125 – for good reason. BikeMatters fans voted this one as number 1, and by a decent percentage!

Tech is top, here, Variable Valve Actuation for some greater top end power, an R1-inspired 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, full Euro5+ compliant power for a 125cc at 14.8 bhp and 11.5 Nm of torque with assist-slipper clutch, traction control and ABS, and a relatively decent weight at 141kg.

41mm KYB upside-down forks and a link-type rear suspension features, alongside the Deltabox chassis with aluminium swingarm, ensuring the very best of on-the-road control and agile handling – there’s even a central LED headlight and dual LED ‘position lights’ from the R7, with ‘M’ shaped nose to give you that top-level R feeling.

If you’re a 125cc rider, you’ll certainly know that the R125 tends to be the most sought after of all the bikes out there, though you do pay for it – this is the most expensive option on the list, and among the priciest out there at this capacity (especially brand new, though used options seem to hold their value very well). Other options include the MT 125, and the XSR 125 – both arguably top 3 contenders, too.

If I was riding a 125, I’d probably be after one of these R125s for that sporty R style and attitude – it’s inspired by the M1 MotoGP bike in the cockpit!

Price	Engine and Power	Weight	Tank Size	Seat Height
£2,899 (alloy wheels) £3,199 (spoked wheels)	125cc liquid-cooled single, 14.5 bhp, 13 Nm	160 kg	20 L	795 mm

Zontes seems to be on the up, having been around for a while in the 125cc world, but providing some seriously tempting options that look seriously good for the money.

This is the ZT125-G1, and despite a less than appealing naming convention (all of the model names from Zontes start ZT125-), the overall package here looks decent. Dual channel Bosch ABS on disc brakes front and rear, a scrambler-ish style with knobbly tyres from CST, LED lighting, a huge 20-litre fuel tank, an under-slung exhaust, dual USB ports, aluminium alloy swing arm, and topped off with a high compression ratio SOHC 4 valve liquid-cooled motor and slipper clutch.

Power is quoted as 14.5 bhp, with the highest torque figure on this list at 13 Nm (again quoted, though) with a ‘mass in running order’ of 160 kg. If that’s weighed with a full 20 litre tank, you could just fill only 10 litres to get the weight down a bit.

Now, it may fall a tad short in resale value and potential reliability – though the 2 year warranty from new may help – this could well be a seriously nice option in the bang-for-your-buck category.

So Yamaha takes #1, as it did last year with the MT125, but I’ll have to stress that simply any of these motorcycles on the 2025 125cc list could be a top pick for you as a rider, whatever you’re after. Weekend fun, commuting ease, something to show off to your mates – or all three. The beauty of it is that there are so many more options out there, too.

Hope you enjoyed the top 10 rundown, and head to the BikeMatters YouTube channel for more motorcycle content.