If you’re thinking about picking up a 125cc bike, you’ve honestly chosen the perfect time. The new line-up for the year is looking better than ever. Brands are really stepping up their game with cooler designs, better features, and more choices all around.

Whether you want something cheap to zip around town, a little head-turner with style, or just a fun everyday ride, there’s definitely a 125 out there that’ll suit you.

In this blog, we’re running through ten of our favourite picks for 2026, so let’s jump straight in!

Kicking it off is the Keeway Superlight 125, which is a sleek cruiser-style motorcycle, known for its ‘big bike’ looks, and according to the Keeway website, has become one of the best-selling 125 cruisers in the UK. 

It's got a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine delivering 10.6hp at 9,000rpm. And with 16-inch front and 15-inch rear alloy wheels, you’re in for a smooth riding experience, joined with front and rear disc brakes to keep a safe stopping power.

The 15L fuel tank has a range of over 110mpg. In terms of suspension, you’ll find RWU forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. At just 134kg, it's not only a smooth ride but super easy to handle too. Priced at £2,349, it’s a pretty reasonable price point for its capability and its looks. 

Next in line is the Voge R 125, so let's talk about it. With its bold, naked styling. It’s powered by a single-cylinder, 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine producing 14.7 hp and 12 Nm of torque.

What’s cool about this one is how it blends sporty style with beginner-friendly usability. It’s built on a steel trellis frame with upside-down forks up front and a mono shock at the back, which not only looks sharp but helps keep the handling responsive and confident.

Weighing in at 136 kg, it’s easy to manage for newer riders or those who don’t want a heavy ride, and the 795 mm seat height keeps it comfy and accessible. This one comes in at £2,799, again a budget-friendly price point.

Another standout in the 2026 125cc lineup is the Zontes ZT125-C, a cruiser-styled machine that blends classic looks with some genuinely modern tech. It’s powered by a water-cooled, fuel-injected engine offering 14.4hp. 

The ZT125-C’s low 700 mm seat height and 153 kg weight inspire confidence in slower manoeuvres for most riders, and that custom-inspired silhouette gives it more presence than your average 125.

It’s also packed with features you wouldn’t always expect at this price point, Bosch dual-channel ABS, full LED lighting, a digital LCD dash, USB charging socket, tyre pressure monitoring, and a keyless control system for added convenience and security.

All for £2,899, it’s a serious contender for 2026, and not to forget its very reasonably sized fuel tank in comparison to others in its class.

In seventh, we have the Aprilia RS 125, a race-inspired bike that again brings another genuine big-bike feel to the 125cc class. The Aprilia RS 125 takes design inspiration from the sharp, aggressive styling of its larger sibling, the RS 660. Its liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine delivers performance for its size, with 15hp and 11.4Nm of torque. 

With a reasonably lightweight chassis, adjustable suspension, and Bosch dual-channel ABS, the RS 125 feels confident and precise. You also get premium touches like full LED lighting, a modern digital dash, and optional MIA connectivity features.

It has an under-seat compartment that can hold an 8-inch tablet, so decent and suitable for charging your phone or keeping some personal belongings inside. Sitting at the sportier end of the 125 spectrum, the RS 125 comes in at £5,380. 

A Kawasaki Z family member makes it onto our list, the Z125. This has that super naked styling, with its aggressive Z bodywork. In terms of performance, it has a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 14.7hp and 11.7Nm of torque.

The Z125 features lightweight 17-inch wheels, a telescopic front forks and adjustable rear suspension, paired with independent sport ABS for a smooth, controlled ride. With an 11L fuel tank, it's not as big as others in the list; however still a reasonable size.

Priced at £4,299, it's a reasonable price and extremely stylish. 

Making our way down the list, we have the Benelli BN125. This is an Italian-designed new compact naked bike. It has a single cylinder, air-cooled engine with a maximum power of 11.1hp and 10Nm of torque.

The new BN 125 features a steel-tube trellis frame that keeps it agile and easy to handle. It’s equipped with front and rear disc brakes with ABS for confident stopping performance, along with upside-down front forks and a rear swingarm suspension for a stable, controlled ride.

One of its standout features is its mega-low fuel consumption, giving you around 138 miles per gallon, so ideal for those needing a fuel-efficient ride and perfect for commuting. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can get your hands on this for only £2,599. 

The Lexmoto LXR 125 E55 is another model sure to turn heads in 2026, with its aggressive stance and sharp, sporty styling. Power comes from a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 14.2 hp and 11.5 Nm of torque, giving it a top speed of around 72 mph.

It’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and CBS for a reliable stopping power, but nothing spec-savvy. It has telescopic front fork[AW2.1]s and a rear monoshock suspension setup for a balanced, controlled ride.

If you’re craving the thrills, this one is a top option in terms of power, precision and style. And the best part about it has to be its budget-friendly price of £2,579!

Onto the top three, and in third place, we have the KTM 125 Duke. This boasts the latest generation LC4c engines, with a single cylinder, 4-stroke engine producing 14.7hp and 11.5 Nm of torque. It has a lower seat height and great frame geometry, for ease of cornering, stability and handling. As well as this, its frame is designed not only to enhance its looks but also its agility. 

The 125 Duke features lightweight wheels paired with grippy Michelin tyres for a smooth, confident ride. It’s equipped with a WP APEX front fork and an adjustable rear piston shock absorber for refined suspension performance, along with ABS for reliable stopping power.

With that classic bold KTM style, it's a naked bike with character, and it even has a 5-inch TFT display and smartphone connectivity, making it even more sleek and practical. Currently, the 2025 model is selling for £4,399. 

Coming in second place is the Yamaha MT-125, another naked-style motorcycle to join the party.

This compact, sporty option features a slim, aggressive chassis that not only looks dynamic but also creates an engaging, forward-leaning riding position.

Power comes from a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine equipped with Yamaha’s variable valve actuation system, delivering smooth and responsive performance across the rev range for 15hp and 11.5nm of torque.

The MT-125 also embraces modern tech with a 5-inch TFT display and enhanced smartphone connectivity through the MyRide app. From managing calls and texts to navigating city streets, it's all made easier. Plus, the assist and slipper clutch makes shifting light and effortless.

Handling is another strong point. Thanks to its supersport-inspired Deltabox frame and aluminium swingarm, the MT-125 feels agile and precise. Premium upside-down forks, traction control, a radial-mount caliper, and a large front disc all work together to deliver a smooth, confident, and incredibly safe riding experience.

The MT-125 is priced at £5,300, a little pricier than some others on the list however with Yamaha can you really complain? 

Claiming the top spot today is the Honda CB125R, a bike that brings a raw, stripped-back aesthetic to the 125cc class.

As the smaller sibling of the CB650R and CB300R, it carries the same iconic Neo Sports Café styling. Compact, modern, and unmistakably Honda. Its liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine produces 14.7 hp and 11.6 Nm of torque.

Honda didn’t hold back on suspension quality either. The CB125R features premium Showa forks with a larger-sized piston, absorbing bumps with ease to keep every ride smooth and comfortable. Safety is just as impressive, thanks to a 2-channel ABS system managed by an IMU, ensuring balanced, confidence-inspiring braking no matter the weather conditions.

Visually, the bike is every bit as modern as it feels. The 5-inch TFT display provides all essential information at a glance, while the sleek LED lighting setup gives the CB125R a sharp, standout presence on the road.

For 2026, this one comes in at £4,799, for the style, performance and spec, it's an absolute no-brainer in my eyes and definitely earns its place in this list.

That wraps up our top choices for 2026. Are you planning to place an order for one of these bikes? If so, or if you already have your bike waiting to go, don’t forget about Insurance. You can get a motorbike quote directly with Lexham today!