Whether you’re just starting out, riding on a CBT, or simply want a bike that’s cheap to run and full of character, the naked 125 class has loads to offer. 

So, if you’re on the hunt this year, you’re in the right place, because in this blog, we’ve rounded up the top 10 best 125cc naked bikes you can buy right now. So let’s get into it!

The Peugeot PM-01 starts off our top 10. This has a racy futuristic look, and its power comes from its single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 14hp and 11nm of torque.

On the road, the PM-01 offers confident, predictable handling. It balances practicality and comfort really well, helped by features like LED lighting, a digital display, USD front forks and rear monoshock suspension, and dual-channel ABS for added braking confidence.

If you’re looking for a well-built 125 with strong styling, a trusted brand name, and sensible running costs, the Peugeot PM-01 is a solid choice, all for £2,999. 

 

The Lexmoto LS-Z 125 is a solid all-rounder in the 125cc naked scene for 2026. Simple, reliable, and no-nonsense. With its clean, naked styling and upright riding position, it’s well managed, delivering smooth power with 14.7hp and 11.5nm of torque. 

This bike has a lightweight frame for responsive handling, making each ride confident, also thanks to its ABS braking and inverted front forks paired with a rear monoshock.

If you’re after a capable, budget-friendly 125 that’s fun to ride, easy to live with, and perfect for everyday use, the Lexmoto LS-Z 125 is definitely worth a look.

For £2,319, it’s a great choice if you want a straightforward bike with plenty of attitude, again without breaking the bank.

 

Bringing a different flavour to the 125cc scene is the Zontes ZT125-G1, with its sleek street scrambler-inspired design and surprisingly premium tech for the class. It’s got a liquid-cooled engine delivering 14.4hp and 13nm of torque.

What makes the G1 stand out, besides its LED lighting and LCD display, is its features like Bosch EFI and dual-channel ABS, a 20-litre fuel tank, and even a slipper-style clutch, which give it a confident, grown-up vibe that’s not always expected in a 125.

If you’re looking for something more speccy and fun to ride and you’re happy to spend a tad more, then the ZT125-G1 is definitely up there. You can expect to pay about £3,199.

 

Next in line is the Suzuki GSX-S125, which is one of the standout naked bikes thanks to its sporty looks, punchy engine and strong brand reputation. It’s got a DOHC liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces around 15hp, giving it a bit more oomph than many rivals in traffic while still being super approachable for newer riders.

What really makes the GSX-S125 fun is how well-rounded it feels. The lightweight chassis and compact size make it nippy and agile. It has lightweight Bosch ABS, and also handy bits like Suzuki’s easy-start system and a shutter key lock system for added security.

While it sits at a slightly higher price point than some budget options at £4,999, its quality feel and performance make it worth considering when you want something that’s both fun and capable. 

 

The Fantic Stealth 125 is yet another 125 that really doesn’t feel like a small bike thanks to its aggressive and modern styling.

The Stealth feels sharp and confident, the handling is sporty without being intimidating, and the riding position strikes a nice balance between comfortable and fun. You also get a decent level of kit for a 125, including a colour TFT display, LED lights, and dual-channel ABS, which all help it feel a bit more premium than average. Up front, USD forks add a solid feel while the rear preload adjustment keeps things easy to handle.

If you want a 125 that looks cool, feels exciting to ride, and has more of a sportsbike feel, then the Fantic Stealth 125 is a great shout. It’s not the cheapest option out there, at £4,999, but if you’re happy to pay a bit extra for style and performance, it’s definitely worth considering. 

 

Moving through the list, at number five is the Honda MSX125 which is a compact yet bold naked bike that combines distinctive mini-streetfighter styling with practical everyday performance. It’s powered by a lively air-cooled, single-cylinder engine delivering brisk performance giving you 9.7hp and 10.8Nm of torque, a little less powerful than some rivals on this list; however, still just enough for what you need it for. 

The MSX125 features LED lighting, an easy-to-read LCD dashboard, and a steel mono-backbone frame that gives it sure-footed handling despite its small size. With chunky tyres on 12-inch wheels, USD front forks, rear monoshock suspension, and IMU-controlled ABS braking, it offers confidence-inspiring control in city traffic and around town.

Its low seat height and incredibly lightweight chassis make it accessible to newer riders while retaining enough character to please experienced riders looking for a compact, stylish ride. 

 

Up in fourth place, we have the Benelli BN125, which is yet another fun, compact Italian-designed naked motorcycle, ideal for new riders and urban commuting. It’s powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled BMT series engine that delivers 11.1hp and 10 Nm of torque.

The bike rides on a steel trellis frame with upside-down front forks and a rear swingarm with preload-adjustable shock, giving it nimble manoeuvrability through traffic. Braking is handled by disc brakes with ABS, and its modern styling includes a clear digital dashboard for essential ride info. 

One of the bike’s biggest advantages is its great fuel efficiency, which makes it a smart choice for daily commuting and keeping running costs low. It’s also very affordable, with a price tag of just £2,599, making it an appealing option for riders on a budget.

 

Kicking off our top three is the Aprilia Tuono 125, with a single-cylinder liquid-cooling engine, producing 15hp and 11.4Nm peak torque, placing it high in terms of performance for this category. Aprilia states this is the only Italian 125cc with an aluminium frame, making it notable for its performance and handling to fit its more sporty design inspired by the larger Tuono 660. As you’d expect from Aprilia the Tuono 125 really is a great looking small motorcycle with a striking aesthetic.

It’s equipped with upside-down forks, dual-channel ABS, and traction control, offering a reassuring level of safety and stability. Its upright, comfortable riding position inspires confidence, especially for newer riders or those navigating city traffic. Practicality hasn't been overlooked either, with a generously sized fuel tank and a surprisingly spacious under-seat compartment designed to hold an 8 inch tablet, adding to its everyday usability.

At £4,975, the Tuono 125 is priced a bit higher than some of its rivals. However, its striking design, strong performance and high-level components help justify the premium price tag. That said, there are more affordable alternatives on the market offering similar features. 

 

In second place has to be the Yamaha MT-125, a bike that continues to set the benchmark for premium performance in the naked 125cc class. Power comes from Yamaha’s liquid-cooled, single-cylinder VVA engine, producing 14.7hp and 11.5Nm of torque.

High-end components are a big part of the MT-125’s appeal, with upside-down front forks, a lightweight Deltabox frame, and dual-channel ABS all contributing to sharp handling and confident braking. It also comes with traction control, adding an extra layer of reassurance.

Practical touches like LED lighting, a modern TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and solid fuel efficiency help round out its everyday usability.

With a price tag of £5,300, it does make it the most expensive option on our list; however, its combination of top tech, strong performance, premium build quality, and Yamaha’s reputation for reliability makes it hard not to love. 

 

Stealing first place has to be the QJMotor SRK 125 S! This stylish little naked bike's all about value and personality. With aggressive streetbike looks and a compact, rider-friendly stance it comes equipped with a liquid-cooled engine that provides 14.7hp and 12.1nm of torque.

With precise and sporty handling, it's an enjoyable ride, and what really stands out is how it blends practicality with style and comfort. It comes with a 5-inch TFT display, tyre pressure monitoring, and dual-channel ABS for powerful braking. 

If you’re after a capable 125 that’s affordable and enjoyable without being over the top, the SRK 125 S is worth a look,  especially if you’re on a tighter budget but still want something with some attitude. You can pick one of these up for £2,499!

 

There you have a list of ten seriously cool naked bikes, hopefully there’s one in there for you! If you are in need of insurance, make sure to get a bike insurance quote with Lexham today!