The 125cc Chinese-built motorcycle market has exploded over the years, with manufacturers offering more varied and stylish models than ever before, and quite honestly it comes as no surprise.

The topic of affordability has become ever so important especially within the present day, with many people out there not having the biggest budget to play with when it comes to buying their first 125cc bike.

This being said, in our list today we are going to be looking at the top 10 best 125cc motorcycles from Chinese manufacturers for 2025…

Kicking off our top ten today we have this stunning little retro-styled offering from Keeway, the RK-V 125 C.

According to Keeway, the RK-V 125 comes equipped with all of the necessary latest technology. This includes advanced suspension, disc brakes, as well as a torquey 125cc thumper V-Twin engine (10.5hp) with EFI and TLI ignition - spread across a 6-speed gearbox.

By no means is this the most powerful 125cc on this list, however, the reason why it deserves a spot really comes down to the 60s-inspired styling. Featuring retro-modern instrumentation, a distinctive headlight, a 19L teardrop fuel tank, and a contoured seat suited for a relaxed riding position.

Lastly, onto the price, and for 2025 you will be able to pick yourself up a brand new Keeway RK-V 125cc for just £3,499.

In ninth we have the Benelli Leoncino, one of the BikeMatters Teams’ favourite models!

Coming equipped with a 125cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke SOHC engine, the Leoncino is capable of producing a power output of 12.8 hp (9.4 kW) at 9500 rpm and 10 Nm of torque at 8500 rpm - making for excellently low fuel consumption.

In terms of tech, you will find a digital panel dash, 35mm USD front forks and rear mono shocks, CBS Breaking system, as well as 17" aluminium alloy rims mount 110/80-R17 and 130/70-R17 tyres, all to maximise road safety.

Something we really liked about the Leoncino 125 when we had it in for review had to be the road presence and styling. The visuals are fantastic, really nailing the neo-retro vibe that has been all the rage in recent years. Benelli has done a great job maintaining the same Italian street bike style the larger models have.

If you like the look of this 125, you can pick yourself up a brand new Leoncino from the Benelli website for £2,799.

Sitting at number eight is the AJS Bilston 125...

The reason why AJS is making an appearance on our top ten today is that whilst AJS bikes are still sold by the UK firm, they are made and manufactured overseas in China. The Bilston 125 is one of AJS’ newer additions to their lineup, giving the ultimate retro look to a typical 125-roadster.

Inside this neat little bike, we have a 124cc 4-stroke, air-cooled engine that is capable of reaching a claimed speed of 60mph (according to the AJS website) and 11.4hp.

Again, this is not necessarily the fastest model, nor is it the most tech or spec-heavy model featured on our list today, however, if you’re looking for an affordable (£2,349 retro-styled motorbike within the 125cc class - this might be the one for you!

Up next and sitting in seventh we have the FB Mondial Ubbiali 125 (a model we have reviewed here at BikeMatters)…

For £3,299, the Ubbiali comes packed with a 124.2cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke DOHC engine that pumps out 13.4 horsepower at 9,750rpm as well as a six-speed gearbox and a twin-shotgun exhaust signed by Leo Vince (that looks great I must say).

Onto tech now and well, other than ABS and sequential indicators, there isn’t any. The switchgear is very basic too, missing out on things like hazard lights or a dipper switch, which is disappointing. Personally, I would like to see full safety switchgear in this new era of 125s, however, we might have to wait a little while longer.

FB Mondial themselves say that this new edition of the HPS line has been designed with maximum driving pleasure, especially in slow city traffic and quick trips out of town in mind - arguably perfect for those commuting to and from work.

All in all, the Ubbiali really is one of the best-looking 125s on the market right now and it sits at a pretty reasonable price point, what more could you want?

Moving onto number six, we have arguably one of the most upcoming and popular 125cc Chinese motorcycles of the present day - the Sur-Ron Light Bee.

The Light Bee L1E is an electric 125cc equivalent, coming packed with an air-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor that is capable of reaching speeds of up to 50mph. Coming in just under the legal limit for the 125cc class.

In terms of range, Sur-Ron claim that you will be able to get 60 miles from each (2.5 hour) charge making it an ideal option for those who commute through cities or the surrounding areas for work or visiting friends. Consider that the weight of a Light Bee is just 56 kg, and you’ll begin to see just why they are SO popular.

Onto tech and the Light Bees are pretty scarce, coming equipped with just the basics including an LCD digital speedometer and eco and sport riding modes. By no means will you be getting a super specced-up machine, but you will be getting something that is more than good enough for a 125cc option - all for the price of £4,295

In the middle of the list, we have a stunning little retro-inspired head-turner from Birmingham-based manufacturer, Mutt Motorcycles.

For 2025, you can bag yourself a brand new DRK for £3,995 making it one of the slightly more expensive offerings we will cover in this list. However one well worth considering if you do have a bigger budget to play with when choosing your first 125 bike.

When it comes to design, the DRK showcases a 16L fuel tank, beautiful low-profile seat, LED indicators, stainless steel mudguard brackets, aluminium low-rise bars, rubber grips, twin-shock frame, as well as an all-new liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that pumps out 13hp and 11Nm of torque – making it a big dog in its own right!

I think one of the best parts about the DRK has to be that whilst they are manufactured in China, Mutt has made sure to put the UK vintage stamp on these bikes to offer that little something different and special. Looking at their bikes and the customisable options, you really can make a Mutt your own…

Just missing out on one of the top three spots today is the Voge 125R...

The 125R comes packed with a 124.8cc single-cylinder, DOHC engine that pumps out a rather respectable 14.7hp and 12Nm of torque at 8,000rpm, placing itself near the maximum limits 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.

In at number three and kickstarting our top picks for today we have the £3,499, Kove 125R.

The 125R is Kove's only 125cc street motorcycle, featuring a single-sided swing arm as well as a 124.8cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces a maximum power output of 11kW (14.7hp) at 9500rpm and 12Nm of torque at 8,000rpm - again perfect for those on an A1 licence.

One of the best parts of the Kove 125R for me has got to be the styling. For 2025, this 125 comes in a stunning black/white/red colourway option, allowing the bike to have a serious sporty-naked style road presence!

If you’re looking for a naked-street bike that gives off big bike energy all whilst still staying compliant to the 125cc class - you might want to consider looking at the Zones ZT125-U!

The ZT125-U comes equipped with a 124.7cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is capable of producing 10.8kW power @ 8500rpm and 13Nm of torque @ 7000rpm all driven by the 6-speed drivetrain gearbox.

Onto the tech, and for 2025 the ZT125-U comes equipped with keyless controls, handlebar switchgear, dual-channel Bosch ABS braking system, and automotive-grade LED lights all around the bike.

Overall, the ZT125-U not only looks but performs brilliantly too, praised for its quality and reliability all for the price of £2,999.

Our number one spot today has got to go to the all-new CF Moto 125NK.

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) seen on bikes such as the KTM Duke 125.

Alongside these features, the NK also sports LED lighting all around, 17" alloy wheels, and alumunium dual swing arm (similar to the Kove 125R) as well as piston calipers. I think it is fair to say the 'gap' between Chinese-produced motorcycles compared to the bigger manufacturers out there is starting to close up, and CF Moto has really been the one to make these huge advancements over the last two or so years - and for a percentage of the price too.

Lastly, onto the cost and for 2025, a brand new CF Moto 125NK will take you back around £3,199 - also making it one of the more affordable options on the list too (and who's going to complain about that?).

So there you have it, I hope you enjoyed my rundown of the top ten best Chinese 125cc motorcycles for 2025…

Last but not least, if you do have your very own 125cc motorbike you need to insure - make sure to get a quote direct with Lexham!