A 125cc motorcycle is one of the most economical modes of transport you can find and makes for a great commuter or urban run-around. As long as you are aged 17 or older, all you need is a CBT licence to ride one of these on the road.
In this blog we are going to be running through the top 10 best 125 naked bikes, making for the perfect all-rounders. All combining comfort, style, and performance and do it at a (mostly) affordable price.
So without further ado, let’s get into it…
10. Voge 125R | Price: £2,799
2025 Voge 125R
Starting off the list today, we have the Voge 125R!
The 125R has a 125cc single-cylinder, DHC engine that produces a rather respectable 14.7hp and 12Nm of torque at 8,000rpm, which is the maximum speed allowed for an A1 licence.
Pair that performance with its lightweight 136kg nature, and you have a fantastic lightweight and easy-to-manoeuvre 125 - perfect for beginner riders.
In terms of tech, you will find an LED dual headlight and taillight, coloured LCD instrument panel, upside-down fork suspension, and Bosch ABS all as standard - which is pretty nice for a 125, especially when you consider it costs just £2,799.
2025 Voge 125R Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Runs well at low speeds, easy to manoeuvre
- Fantastic combination of power and style for the money
Cons:
- In terms of reliability, there are still some question marks for Voge
9. KTM 125 Duke | Price: £4,899
2025 KTM 125 Duke
In at ninth, we have a BikeMatters tried and tested - the KTM 125 Duke.
At the beating heart of the Duke, you will find a 125cc (14.7hp) liquid-cooled engine that can reach a top speed of 75mph, as well as a rather impressive 117 MPG. This means all thanks to the brilliant 13.4 litre fuel tank, you can expect to cover around 340 miles on a full tank.
Moving onto the spec, the Duke has got a 320mm disc up front & 230mm disc to the rear, with Bosch ABS. And for tech, we see a TFT display, LED headlight and optional LED turn signals (available for an eye-watering £380), all wrapped in a classic KTM colourway with black and orange or white and orange.
All in all, the KTM Duke is currently priced at £4,899 for 2025 - and for that price, I’d argue you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck!
2025 KTM 125 Duke Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent overall performance
- Fun to ride
Cons:
- Optional extras are pricey
- Whilst its got the TFT dash, the rest of the tech is light
8. Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 | Price: £4,899
2025 Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
Onto eighth and we have the wonderful European offering - the £4,899 Husqvarna Svartpilen 125.
Starting with the styling, and it is one of the best-looking 125s ever made. With its rugged design and neo-retro styling, it perfectly blends new and old into a hot pot of tasty but subtle visuals.
As we move onto the tech, the Svartpilen packs a large 320mm single disc up front and 230mm disc to the rear combined with ByBre calipers and Bosch ABS. We also see WP Apex telescopic forks, 17” spoked wheels, Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres, and a whopping 150-wide rear - combine that with the 152kg weight and this feels like a big bike.
Lastly, onto what’s powering the Svartpilen, you will find a 125cc, four-stroke engine cranking out 14.7 horsepower, also capable of reaching speeds of up to 75 mph - sitting at the top end of what is allowed for the A1 class!
Pros:
- Gorgeous looks
- Big bike proportions
Cons:
- On the heavier side
- Small fuel tank
7. Fantic Stealth 125 | Price: £4,999
2025 Fantic Stealth
Sitting at seventh, we have a brand new bike for 2025, the Fantic Stealth.
The Fantic Stealth adopts a bold design and impressive performance. Its sleek, minimalist styling, complemented by its sharp, aggressive lines and stance, makes it a show-stopping model. The Minarelli single-cylinder engine has advanced technical solutions delivering smooth acceleration for a responsive ride.
Its fuel tank is positioned close to the center of gravity, with the heaviest part of the exhaust being underneath the engine to centralise the mass effectively. If you’re eager to take on some twists and bends during your ride, don’t worry, as the cornering ABS and traction control are also readily available. It also comes equipped with a slipper clutch, reducing lever effort and preventing rear wheel lock-up during those downshifts, which is great for new riders.
On the style side of things, the Stealth features a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and full LED lights, adding to its eye-catching and modern vibe. All of this is available to snatch up for £4,999…could it be yours?
2025 Fantic Stealth Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful for its class
- Rugged design
Cons:
- Reliability & Performance is unknown at this time
6. Kawasaki Z125 | Price: £4,299
2025 Kawasaki Z125
In at sixth, we have the Kawasaki Z125, a bike that has made it up the list a few places for 2025…
Utilising a 125cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a six-speed gearbox, the Z125 produces 14.7 horsepower, very similar to many models we have included on our top 10 today. Of course, however, this is respectable, especially due to the A1 power limitations.
In terms of tech, in true Kawasaki fashion, they have kept it dialled back to basics, only featuring a simple digital dash and LED lighting. To put it into perspective, when we compare these features against some of the Chinese models such as the CF Moto 125 NK and Voge 125R, you do start to question if Kawasaki is doing enough to keep up with the competition.
Moving onto the price for 2025, the Kawasaki Z125 will cost you £4,299. So no it is not the cheapest on this list, however, you do have to remind yourself that you will be paying for the Kawasaki reliability and brand.
2025 Kawasaki Z125 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Japanese reliability
- Great looks
Cons:
- Lacking in tech
- Doesn’t have the best real-world economy
5. Aprilia Tuono 125 | Price: £4,530
2025 Aprilia Tuono 125
In the middle of our list today we have the Aprilia Tuono 125 - a bike that combines unique style and modern technology.
Its new, lightweight dynamic makes this bike the perfect match for new riders, and the new dimensions of the front have been reduced for a compact and agile ride.
A great part of the Tunono is the quick shift feature, the electric system monitors torque whilst the gear is engaged, meaning the rider can upshift without using the clutch. Again, this makes it a great choice for new riders.
Alongside this, you have the sports advanced dual channel ABS, paired with the anti-rollover system, ensuring you’re safer when coming to a halt. Feel free to ride at ease with this one, and whilst it's sitting at £4,530, it would be rude not to…
2025 Aprilia Tuono 125 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great top speed
- Fantastic looks
Cons:
- Not the best fuel economy
- Light on tech
4. Suzuki GSX-S125 | Price: £4,999
2025 Suzuki GSX-S125 Pros and Cons
Just missing out on a top spot is the Suzuki GSX-S125, delivering high performance and a truly dependable ride overall.
Up for the busy city commutes, you’re in for a satisfying ride with this one. The sporty torque and fuel economy make for a zippy, yet efficient journey, meaning you can travel further without having to worry about the constant need to fill up.
The GSX-S is incredibly lightweight, not only to fit its street/sporty aesthetic but also to make it a safe, easy-handled ride. Equipped with the latest Bosch ABS, which is in fact the lightest and most compact on the market and allows for the best braking performance. In addition to this, the light aluminum wheels make for easy handling, and the slim design accentuates the aggressive style - also available in multiple colour options to suit your taste.
The Suzuki GSX-S125 is ready to take your commute to the next level, all for the price of £4,999.
2025 Suzuki GSX-S125 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great power-to-weight ratio
- Lots of colour options
Cons:
- Could have LED lighting throughout
- Looks are a little bland (in my opinion)
3. Honda CB125R | Price: £4,699
2025 Honda CB125R
Taking the first of the top three spots, we have this lovely little neo sports - the Honda CB125R!
Powering the CB125R, you will find a 125cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a six-speed gearbox, capable of producing a rather respectable 14.7 horsepower alongside Honda’s typical economy averages a brilliant 128 MPG, and with its 10.1-litre fuel tank, you’ll see an expected 280 miles on a full tank.
The CB125R has also got a 296mm single disc up front, a 220mm disc to the rear, ABS, Showa USD telescopic forks and a monoshock, 17” wheels front and back, and a solid 150 wide rear tyre. The seat height is 816mm, and it has an ultra-low weight of 130kg, boasting one of the best power-to-weight ratios on this list.
Whilst tech is basic for the £4,699 price tag, something I do like about the CB125R is the host of colour choices available, coming in Matte Grey Metallic, matte jeans blue, Reef Sea Blue, Pearl Cool White and Pearl Splendor Red - with my personal favourite being the reef Blue option.
2025 Honda CB125R Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Honda reliability
- Stunning looks
Cons:
- Light on tech
2. CF Moto 125 NK | Price: £3,199
2025 CF Moto 125 NK
Our second spot today has got to go to the all-new CF Moto 125NK.
First debuted at EICMA 2024, the new 125NK’s power is rated at 14.4 bhp at 10,500 rpm and 10.2 nm at 8,500 rpm – weighing 142kg wet. These power figures, plus the overall spec on offer, place it quite high against the premium options from Japan.
Onto styling and the 125NK is a stunning naked-styled 125, featuring a compact design and modern electronics such as the 5-inch TFT screen, USB sockets, ABS, and traction control.
Lastly, on the cost: In 2025, a brand new CF Moto 125NK will cost around £3,199.
2025 CF Moto 125 NK Pros and Cons
Pros:
- CF Moto is fast becoming a ‘go-to’ manufacturer
- It looks great, and it's affordable
Cons:
- Details are still very scarce in terms of reliability etc as it's brand new.
1. Yamaha MT125 | Price: £5,250
2025 Yamaha MT 125
Crowned as our number one, we have the Yamaha MT125 - a reliable yet well-loved bike within the 125cc community!
Why, I hear you ask? Well, let me tell you. Coming equipped with a Euro 5+ 125cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with a six-speed gearbox putting out 14.7 horsepower, you will see speeds pushing 80mph. Another great thing about the MT is the mighty 134mpg and 10-litre fuel tank, allowing for an estimated 290 miles in range.
For 2025, alongside the updated engine, you will also find improved Bluetooth connectivity, a turn-by-turn navigation system, and a new take on the aggressive next-generation MT design.
Another area of the MT I like is the tech. For the £5,250 price tag, you will see a 5” TFT display, LED headlight, traction control to keep you upright, and an assist and slipper clutch to keep things nice and smooth.
So, if you are looking to buy yourself a brand new MT125 for 2025, you can pick this bad boy up in three different colourways, including Ice Storm, Icon Blue, and Tech Black.
2025 Yamaha MT125 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent performance
- Fantastic fuel economy
- Loaded with tech
Cons:
- Premium price tag
The Last Stop!
So, there you have it, here are my top 10 best 125cc naked bikes for 2025.
Do you agree that The Yamaha MT125 deserved the top spot, or perhaps you thought another bike was worthy of this position? Let us know in the comments below!
Last but not least, Lexham Insurance are specialist in motorcycle insurance, so if you have your very own naked 125cc to insure, be sure to check out Lexham's motorcycle insurance directly!
