It is that time again when we will be running down another top 10 of the best 125cc motorcycles available for the UK market, and this time we will be focusing on sports bikes…

As usual, I will try to include a wide range of models so that we will have you covered, whatever your budget or taste. Let’s get into it!

Lexmoto LXR 125

Kickstarting our top ten today, we have one of our returners from last year's list, the Lexmoto LXR 125…

The LXR was crowned the most registered sportsbike of 2020 according to Lexmoto, and it’s clear to see why. Starting with styling, the LXR sports looks great, thanks to the aerodynamic full fairing, stainless steel exhaust, and 17-inch wheels front and rear - giving you all the big bike feels!

At the heart of the LXR, you will find a 125cc, Euro 5 liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, putting out a respectable 12.5hp. So no, it isn’t going to pump out the most ponies, however, it still can match up with some of its other competitors such as the Ninja or R125.

Priced at just £2,999 brand new, though we can see on the Lexmoto website that the 2024 versions are currently marked at £2,579.99. Overall, this is an extremely economical sports bike that looks pretty tasty too.

On the other hand, if you do fancy a 125 with slightly higher spec then check out the LXR SE with Upside Down Forks, Aluminium swingarm, and full-colour TFT display.

Aprilia Tuono 125

Number nine goes to this neat little offering from Aprilia, the Tuono 125!

The Tuono 125's heart is a 125cc DOHC four-valve engine, which produces a maximum output of 15hp and 11.2Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. This makes it one of the top-performing sports bikes in this category.

Moving onto the spec, the Tuono 125 features LED headlights, dual-channel ABS with an anti-roll-over system, and an LCD instrument panel, all standard. It’s not the most tech-heavy, however, I think for a 125 it has plenty enough for a new rider to feel comfortable with.

Lastly, on to the price: In 2025, you will be looking at paying £4,530 for a brand new Tuono, which is nicely in the middle of the budget. As this is dubbed more of a ‘Sports Naked’ than a true sports bike, I thought it would make a great option for number 9.

Image Credit: Deviant Art

Moving onto eighth we have a brand new model for 2025 - the CF Moto 125 R.

There isn’t a huge amount of information about this bike online as of yet, despite us searching low and high. However, the reason why I wanted to give this bike a place on our list today really comes down to the fact the CF Moto is fast becoming a serious contender against the likes of Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki.

Packed with some great spec such as a TFT 5-inch dash, ABS, an aluminium swingarm, and adjustable suspension all as standard. All for an affordable, budget-friendly price tag.

I guess we will have to wait to see whether/when this bike materialises, however when it does - it will be interesting to see how it performs!

Lexmoto LXS 125

In seventh we have another offering from Lexmoto - the LXS.

The LXS has been a top seller within the 125 class since its release, and it is clear to see why. The bike looks great, coming packed with twin LED headlights, clean lines, petal disc brakes and two bold colourway options including a grey and fluorescent yellow and then a black and blue option - the yellow being a personal favourite.

Onto the engine and the LXS comes equipped with a trusty 125cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine that is capable of reaching top speeds of up to 69mph and 13.8hp, sitting very close to the top end of what is allowed on an A1 licence (and packing a few more ponies than its LXR sibling).

Whilst we await the pricing for the 2025 model, you will be able to pick yourself up a 2024 model for £2,579 - just in case you're interested!

Suzuki GSX-R125

The sixth spot goes to the Suzuki GSX-R125…

Suzuki has gone a similar route to Kawasaki and kept the tech features to a minimum, allowing the price to stay a few hundred cheaper than some of its rivals. This being said it does have ABS, keyless ignition, and an easy start feature - but that is about all.

What it does have though, is an extremely low wet weight (134kg) which, combined with a 14.8hp single-cylinder DOHC engine, gives it one of the best power-to-weight ratios and mpg in its class. So, if you dig the supersport riding style and looks, this could still make a great town commuter, with plenty of pep for some fun on the back roads too.

A brand new Suzuki GSX-R125 will cost you £4,199 in 2025, also making this one of the more affordable offerings we mention on this list!

Kawasaki Ninja 125

Sitting at fifth is the Kawasaki Ninja 125 - another returner from last year's list!

Coming packed with a 14.8hp single-cylinder engine at its heart, the Ninja produces the maximum allowed power for CBT licence holders (14.7hp) and can compete with the best in class when it comes to performance.

However. When it comes to tech, Kawasaki has kept the Ninja dialed back, avoiding some of the fancier tech features and rider aids that other premium brands are using, meaning they can keep the price low. Saying that you still will find ABS brakes and a preload adjustable rear suspension as standard on the Ninja - which many other models don’t have.

All in all, the £4,699 Ninja is a bike that ticks every box and offers high-level performance and build quality while still managing to stay affordable.

Aprilia RS 125

We have the Aprilia RS125, which just missed out on a top-three spot — a bike we have also mentioned on our 125cc bikes for beginners list!

The R125 is arguably one of the most long-standing, recognisable models within the 125 category since it was first introduced to the Aprilia lineup in the 90s. Coming equipped with a trusty 125cc single-cylinder engine, pumping out a solid 15hp and 11.2Nm of torque at 8,000rpm.

It also features some pretty decent spec with a unique aluminium frame, inverted forks, and a radial-mounted brake up front. There is even the option for a quick-shifter but you will have to pay extra for that.

In terms of colourways, the £4,950 RS sports two different variations including the Black Spider (red/grey/black) and White Wonder (white/purple/red), with the White Wonder being a personal favourite - imagine the road presence on that!

KTM RC 125

Kickstarting our top three has got to go to the KTM RC 125!

Last year, the RC 125 saw a pretty big facelift, coming equipped with a new retuned engine (seen in the KTM Duke 125), and an all-new look. And thanks to a new lightweight frame and open hub wheel design, the power-to-weight ratio is much improved and the result is a fantastic 125cc sport bike that competes with the best in the category

However, the engine isn’t the only element that has been inspired by the Duke, it also comes packed with high-quality components such as the WP Apex suspension setup and Bybre brakes with two-channel ABS. Interestingly, the RC 125 gives the option to disengage ABS from the rear wheel to allow for a bit more aggression on the tarmac.

Lastly, onto the price, and for 2025 you will be able to pick yourself up a brand new RC 125 for £5,099. So admittedly, it is one of the more expensive offerings, however, you need to remember you are paying for the KTM name. However, we did see 2024 versions selling for £3,600 at the time of writing.

Fantic Imola 125

Sitting at second we have a brand new model for 2025 - the Fantic Imola 125.

Unveiled back at EICMA a few weeks back (alongside the Stealth), the Imola 125 is powered by a 125cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor produced by Minarelli, putting out 14.7 ponies - the legal limit allowed on an A1 licence.

The reason why I have added the Imola so high on my list today comes down to the design and attention to detail within the styling. The design has been inspired by Fantic recent success within the Moto2 category, this can be seen throughout the side panels and aerodynamic panniers.

Many of the spec and tech details regarding this bike haven’t been announced yet, however we now have a price and for 2025 you can bag yourself an Imola 125 for £5,299!

Yamaha R125

Taking the top spot and sitting at number one on the list has got to be the Yamaha R125.

One of the main ingredients to Yamaha's huge success with their recent 125 motorcycle range is their excellent 14.8hp Euro 5 engine. Utilising Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology, it essentially uses separate valve timings for low and high revs and automatically switches as you accelerate for smooth and constant pull across the entire range - The result feels fantastic.

Coming onto spec, the R125 comes loaded with extra features, including a 5" TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, KYB suspension, a slipper clutch with an optional quick-shifter, and even traction control. Whether you need that much kit on a 125 is down to you to decide but regardless, the R125 is one of the best-performing and best-equipped bikes in the 125cc category.

Whilst it is the most expensive option here at £5,302, you do get what you pay for and it is most definitely one to consider if you have the budget to do so!

So there you have it, here is my rundown of the top 10 best 125cc sportsbikes for 2025.

Do you think the Yamaha R125 deserves the number one spot? And if not what would you put at number one? Feel free to let me know in the comments section below.

Lastly, if you have your very own 125cc motorcycle you need to insure, make sure to get a quote direct with Lexham!