Eyeing up your first 125cc ride? There’s no shortage of brilliant options, from ever-reliable Hondas and Yamahas to sporty KTMs and Lexmotos. To help you find what you’re looking for, whether that’s affordability, practicality or performance, we discuss our top picks from the best brands aimed at motorbikes for learners.
Why choose a 125cc motorbike as a beginner?
There’s no need to pass a full motorcycle test with a 125cc motorbike. You only need to pass a compulsory basic training course (CBT) to start riding. But that’s not everything; below are more ways a 125cc motorbike can be great bikes for learners.
- They’re often cheaper than larger motorcycles: 125cc motorbikes typically cost much less than high-powered models. While the latter can set you back £3500 and over, you can usually find a 125cc option for well under.
- They’re often more affordable to insure: Slower top speeds and reduced power often mean 125cc bikes are cheaper to insure. It’s worth noting that how much you pay for insurance also depends on factors like age, riding history, storage location, and bike value.
- They’re often cheaper to run than a car: These bikes are fuel-efficient, typically returning between 70-100mpg . A full tank only sets you back around £15, and annual road tax is just £24*. Better still, MOTs cost around £30 per year, and new bikes are exempt from an MOT for the first three years.
As of July 2025*
Things to consider when choosing a 125cc bike
Consider these factors to help you choose your perfect first ride:
- Budget: Set a realistic budget for your purchase. As well as the upfront cost, consider ongoing expenses such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Bear in mind that a higher initial cost may save you money in the long run if the bike is more reliable and less prone to breaking down.
- Seat height and comfort: Ensure you can sit on the bike with both of your feet comfortably touching the ground. Having a bike that’s too heavy or too tall can be difficult to control, particularly for beginners.
- Engine type: 125cc bikes have either a two-stroke or a four-stroke engine. However, the majority of learners have four-stroke engines. This is because they’re generally easier to control, maintain and offer better fuel-efficiency.
- Reliability and maintenance: Choosing a reliable, well known manufacturer (such as Suzuki and Honda) can reduce the chances of frequent breakdowns and maintenance costs. Consider reading reviews from owners and experts to help you make an informed decision.
- Take a test drive: It’s always best to take a bike for a spin before making a decision. Pay close attention to how comfortable the bike feels, and how it brakes, accelerates, and handles corners.
Our top picks of motorbikes for learners
To help you choose your ideal first bike, we’ve rounded up our top picks with their pros, cons, and who they might be best for:
Honda CB125F
Advantages:
- Price point: The Honda CB125F is competitively priced, with newer iterations typically priced around the £3,000 mark.
- Fuel-efficient: According to Honda,this bike is brilliant at saving fuel , achieving an impressive 151.1mpg.
- Maintenance: Honda’s parts are widely available, which helps support lower maintenance and repair costs.
- Features: The latest models come equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT display to illuminate gear position, fuel economy, and more. They boast Bluetooth connectivity, too.
- Reliability: Honda’s bikes are renowned for long-term durability, with many users reporting minimal issues over long stretches of riding.
Disadvantages:
- Durability: Some users have issues on the bike’s metal and chrome parts, particularly the exhaust.
- Performance: A 10bhp engine offers enough power for city riding, but it can feel a little lacklustre on longer rides.
- Comfort: Some users have reported discomfort on longer journeys because of the bike’s firm seat.
Best for: If you’re after a fuss-free, competitively priced and reliable commuter bike that’s easy to own and maintain.
Yamaha YS125
Pros:
- Cheap to run: The YS125 boasts fuel-efficiency of over 100mpg and falls into the low insurance group.
- Comfortable ride: An upright riding position and soft suspension mean it’s comfortable ride for city trips.
- Easy to handle: Ideal for learners, the bike’s lightweight 129kg build is easy to control.
- Great build quality: The YS125 is a 125cc bike that’s well put together, feeling sturdy behind the handlebars.
- Strong resale value: Yamaha are well-known for being reliable. This bike will typically hold its value compared to some other 125s.
Cons:
- Power: With limited performance above 55mph, the YS125 isn’t built for high speeds and can struggle uphill.
- Basic: The YS125 lives life on the basic side, with no digital dashboard, gear indicator or USB ports.
- Functional: This bike sports a plain, functional aesthetic, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for something sporty.
Best for: If you want a comfortable, reliable all-rounder for commuting and short trips.
KTM Duke 125
Advantages:
- Premium feel: The Duke 125 looks the part with a premium, modern design, complemented with a TFT display, LED lighting and ABS features.
- Fun to ride: A lightweight frame and responsive handling make it a blast for riding sharp corners and cruising around windy roads.
- Fuel-efficient: It’s relatively cheap to run, with fuel efficiency of 70-80mpg. It should last you around 150-200 miles before you need to refuel.
Disadvantages:
- Higher price tag: Although its fuel economy is decent, it will still cost you more than many other learner bikes, both in upfront and running costs.
- Tall seat height: At around 830mm, shorter riders may find it challenging to balance and manoeuvre the bike at first.
Best for: If you want a sporty, performance-led 125cc with high-spec parts and future upgrade potential.
Lexmoto LXR 125
Advantages:
- Affordability: At around £2,600 *, the LXR 125 is one of the cheapest 125cc bikes on the market.
- Sporty and stylish: You’ll stand out on the roads, thanks to the bike’s aggressive, sporty design.
- Premium features: It’s packed with premium features, such as a 6-speed gearbox and a digital dashboard.
- Powerful engine: The liquid-cooled engine delivers smooth on-road power and impressive acceleration.
As of July 2025*.
Disadvantages:
- Reliability: Some owners have with the electrical system.
- Heaviness: The bike weighs more than other 125ccs at 167kg, which may impact handling and performance.
Best for: If you’re a budget-conscious learner who’s after a sporty ride and premium features.
Aprilia Tuono 125
Advantages:
- Stylish: Channelling the larger Aprilia Tuono V4, the Tuono 125 offers a sharp, aggressive design.
- Engine: A free-revving engine pulls well, particularly at higher RPMs, and is a fun ride for more experienced learners.
- Comfortable riding position: The upright, relaxed riding posture is suitable for both city riding and longer weekend trips.
Disadvantages:
- Price point: When bought new, it’s one of the most expensive 125cc bikes on the market, at around £4,900*.
- Running costs: As a European bike with premium parts, servicing and replacement components can cost more than Japanese alternatives like the Honda CB125R.
- Not ideal for complete beginners: Despite the comfortable seating, the sharp handling and responsive engine might feel too lively for someone brand new to riding.
Best for: If you’re looking for a sporty, high-spec European bike and don’t mind forking out a bit more.
*As of July 2025.
Suzuki GSX-R125
Advantages:
- Moto GP styling: The GSX-R125 boasts a sharp, aggressive design that’s much-loved for its MotoGP-inspired styling.
- Lightweight and nimble: Its low weight makes it easy to handle, especially in city traffic.
- Great fuel economy: The bike has impressive fuel-efficiency, with some riders reporting over 70mpg.
- Affordable price point: The GSX-R125 is often priced lower than its competitors, such as the Yamaha
Disadvantages:
- Compact size: This bike is more compact than some of its competitors, which may not suit taller riders.
- Hard seat: Some users have reported that the seat is too hard and uncomfortable, which could prove challenging on longer trips.
- Limited connectivity: It’s not equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, unlike some other 125cc bikes.
Best for: If you’re looking for a sporty ride with punchy performance and track-style handling.
As of July 2025*.
Sinnis Terrain 125
Advantages:
- Adventure styling: The Sinnis Terrain 125 sports a rugged, adventure look with a tall frame, windscreen, crash bars, and pannier options available.
- Comfortable riding: An upright, relaxed posture makes it great for commuting and longer rides.
- Decent performance: With a modest 11-12hp, it’s easy to handle for newer riders.
Disadvantages:
- Not the best on faster roads: Its modest horsepower means this bike is better suited to city B-road commuting, and not motorways and A-roads.
- Tall seat height: At around 800-820mm, shorter riders may find it a bit of a challenge, especially uphill or with luggage.
- Slower than sportier 125s: It’s heavier than most 125s (at 162kg), so acceleration and speed can suffer.
Best for: If you want a practical learner bike for commuting and weekend trips.
Rieju Century 125
Advantages:
- High-quality components: The Rieju Century 125 features upside-down forks, LED lighting, and Bosch fuel injection, which is advanced compared to some 125s.
- Decent performance: Powered by a liquid-cooled 4-valve engine, it offers lively acceleration for its class.
- Lightweight and agile: This bike is light and boasts nimble handling, perfect for city riding and twisty B-roads.
Disadvantages:
- Pricey for a 125: The Century 125 tends to be pricier than some 125s like Lexmoto or Sinnis.
- Less practical than some: Unlike other commuter or adventure 125s, the Century doesn’t offer luggage options or weather protection.
- Smaller dealer network: Parts availability and servicing may be more difficult in the UK because of Rieju limited dealer coverage.
Best for: If you appreciate vintage aesthetics and want a practical, easy-to-maintain bike for city rides.
Stay safe on the roads with specialist insurance from Devitt
You’ve picked your perfect learner bike; the next job is to sort motorbike insurance. After all, it’s a legal requirement and driving without it could lead to penalty fines, points, and potentially losing your license.
We’ve been arranging motorbike insurance for UK riders since 1936. Our cover is built to suit all types of riders, wherever your bike takes you. We can offer cover for classic bikes, custom builds, scooters, superbikes and more, plus optional extras like breakdown cover, legal expenses and helmet and leathers protection. Call us on 0345 872 3614 or fill in our online form to get a quote.