Best 125cc Motorbikes in 2025

Riding your first 125cc motorbike is an exciting journey. In 2025, 125cc motorcycles remain the most popular choice for beginners, city commuters, and riders seeking affordable fun worldwide. These bikes are learner-legal in most countries, fuel-efficient, and versatile enough for urban commuting, short trips, or weekend leisure rides.

This global guide covers the top 125cc motorbikes of 2025, shares real-world riding impressions, compares specifications and pricing across regions, discusses running costs, and offers buying advice to help you make an informed decision regardless of your location.

How Fast is a 125cc Motorcycle?

Why Choose a 125cc Motorbike?

• Beginner-Friendly: Most countries allow riders to use a 125cc with a learner or A1 license.
• Affordable: Low purchase price, insurance, and fuel costs.
• Practical: Easy to handle in traffic and for short rides.
• Fun & Stylish: Balanced power, agility, and modern design.
• Stepping Stone: Perfect for progressing to larger bikes.

125cc motorcycles are not only for beginners—they’re practical and low-maintenance machines suitable for commuting, leisure, or light touring anywhere in the world.

Global Licensing Overview

Region	Minimum Age	License Type	Notes
Europe	16–18	A1 or CBT	Limits may vary by country, usually 11 kW max (15 hp)
USA	16+	Motorcycle License	Varies by state; some states allow 125cc with a learner permit
India	16+	Motorbike License	Popular for beginners and city commuters
Japan	16+	Light Motorcycle License	125cc and below allowed for light license holders
Australia	16+	Learner Permit	L-plate restrictions apply

Top 10 Best 125cc Motorbikes in 2025 (Global)

1. Honda CB125F – Best Overall Beginner Bike

Specs: 10.9 hp | 117 kg | Fuel Economy ~189 mpg | Price: $3,800 / €3,500 / £3,200 | TFT display, Honda RoadSync, Idle Stop system

Riding Impression: Easy to handle in city and light traffic, highly reliable.

Pros: Extremely fuel-efficient, low-maintenance, comfortable

Cons: Basic styling, less sporty

Best For: Beginners and commuters worldwide

2. Yamaha RayZR – Lightweight Urban Scooter

Specs: 8 hp | 99 kg | ~$3,000 / €2,700 / £2,500 | CBS brakes, Start & Stop, MyRide app

Riding Impression: Extremely agile in congested city areas, easy parking.

Pros: Budget-friendly, light, urban agile

Cons: Limited comfort for long rides

Best For: Students and city commuters globally

3. Honda PCX 125 – Premium Commuter Scooter

Specs: 12.3 hp | 130 kg | ~$4,500 / €4,100 / £3,700 | ABS, under-seat storage, Idling Stop

Riding Impression: Comfortable for daily commuting, ample storage.

Pros: Comfortable, stylish, practical

Cons: Higher purchase price, heavier than smaller scooters

Best For: Urban commuters seeking convenience and style

4. KTM Duke 125 – Sporty Naked Bike

Specs: 15 hp | 139 kg | ~$6,000 / €5,500 / £5,000 | TFT dash, WP suspension, ABS

Riding Impression: Fun, agile, responsive, great handling.

Pros: Sporty styling, advanced tech

Cons: Expensive, insurance higher

Best For: Sport-oriented young riders

5. Husqvarna Svartpilen / Vitpilen 125 – Stylish Urban Choice

Specs: 15 hp | 146 kg | ~$6,200 / €5,700 / £5,200 | KTM engine, Scandinavian design

Riding Impression: Eye-catching design, comfortable upright seating.

Pros: Stylish, reliable, distinctive

Cons: Niche aesthetic, higher price

Best For: Riders who want standout style

6. Aprilia RS 125 – Mini Sports Bike

Specs: 15 hp | 144 kg | ~$6,100 / €5,600 / £5,100 | ABS, traction control, TFT dash

Riding Impression: Small superbike feel, aggressive riding position.

Pros: Sporty, great handling, modern tech

Cons: Less comfortable for city, insurance higher

Best For: Sporty beginners and track enthusiasts

7. Yamaha MT-125 / YZF-R125 – Tech-Packed Twins

Specs: 15 hp | 142–144 kg | ~$6,000 / €5,500 / £5,000 | VVA engine, TFT/LCD dash, ABS

Riding Impression: Versatile and responsive, MT upright, R125 sporty.

Pros: High-tech, reliable, style options

Cons: Premium price

Best For: Riders seeking performance with versatility

8. Honda CB125R – Big-Bike Styling

Specs: 13 hp | 126 kg | ~$5,500 / €5,000 / £4,600 | IMU ABS, LED lights

Riding Impression: Modern styling, easy to handle, approachable.

Pros: Stylish, safe, manageable

Cons: Slightly less powerful than competitors

Best For: Beginners wanting style + safety

9. Kawasaki Ninja 125 / Z125 – Sport Heritage

Specs: 15 hp | 148 kg | ~$5,800 / €5,300 / £4,800 | Trellis frame, digital dash, ABS

Riding Impression: Small sporty bike with Kawasaki DNA.

Pros: Sporty design, reliable

Cons: Slightly heavy, higher insurance

Best For: Enthusiasts wanting sporty small bike

10. Suzuki GSX-R125 – Mini Superbike

Specs: 15 hp | 134 kg | ~$5,700 / €5,200 / £4,700 | Keyless ignition, ABS, LED lights

Riding Impression: Compact, sporty, responsive.

Pros: Lightweight, sporty, tech-savvy

Cons: Aggressive riding posture

Best For: Thrill-seekers and supersport fans

High-Quality, Affordable Chinese 125cc Motorbikes

For riders seeking high-quality yet budget-friendly 125cc motorcycles, China offers several reliable manufacturers exporting globally:

• Loncin Motor Co., Ltd. – Produces 125cc street, commuter, and sport motorcycles with reliable engines and parts availability, catering to both domestic and international markets.
• Zongshen Industrial Group – Offers modern and affordable 125cc motorbikes, suitable for beginners and daily commuters.
• Lifan Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. – Known for value-for-money motorcycles, lightweight, fuel-efficient, ideal for city commuting.
• KAMAX Group – Focuses on cub/underbone 125cc motorbikes and scooters, also dirt bikes, multiple configuration options, often used by global brands as OEM.

Tip: Choose export-compliant versions with CE, DOT, or other relevant certifications to ensure legality and safety in your country. These Chinese bikes are excellent cost-effective alternatives for riders worldwide.

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Buying Guide for Global Riders

• Seat height & weight: Lighter bikes easier for beginners.
• Purpose: Urban commuting, leisure, or sporty thrills.
• Running costs: Fuel economy, insurance, maintenance.
• Safety & tech: ABS, traction control, TFT displays.
• Resale value: Honda, Yamaha hold value well globally.
• Long-term plan: Planning to upgrade to bigger bikes?

Real Rider Experiences Worldwide

“Honda CB125F is simple, reliable, perfect for commuting.” – Europe “KTM Duke 125 offers thrill without overwhelming beginners.” – USA “PCX 125 is my go-to for comfort and storage.” – Asia

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Cost & Insurance Insights Globally

• Fuel: 110–190 mpg depending on model and region.
• Maintenance: $130–$300/year.
• Insurance: Budget-friendly for commuters; sportier bikes cost more.
• Tyres & consumables: $130–$250 per set.

Electric Alternatives in 2025

• Honda EM1 e: ~30-mile range, beginner-friendly
• NIU MQi GT Evo: 65 mph top speed, urban commuter
• Super Soco TC Max: Café racer style electric bike

FAQs for Global 125cc Motorbikes Riders

Conclusion

From budget-friendly commuters like the Honda CB125F to sporty thrill machines like the Aprilia RS 125, the 125cc segment in 2025 has options for every rider globally. With detailed specs, real-world impressions, cost insights, and licensing guidance, this guide provides everything you need to make an informed decision anywhere in the world.