Are you looking to start or continue your riding journey on one of the best 125cc bikes on the market for 2025?  

 In this blog, we’ve rounded up a Top 10 of the Best 125cc Bikes for Beginners, each one rated with our own Beginner Star Rating to help you find the perfect fit for your riding goals in 2025. 

Let’s dive into the list for your ideal first or possibly your next two-wheeled companion… 

Starting us off on our top 10 list is the CFMOTO 125NK, all new for 2025. This compact sports naked bike has got all the modern style, with its two colourways and 5-inch TFT dash paired with Bluetooth connectivity, GPS tracking, and trip data analysis.  

The 125NK is powered by a 124cc DOHC single-cylinder engine delivering 14.4hp and 10.2Nm of torque. Like most on this list the 125NK isn’t too intimating when it comes to weight, as it weighs in at 142kg. It also comes in with a very manageable seat height of 780mm, making it ideal for beginners or riders looking for an easy, confidence-inspiring ride. 

Some features include an upside-down front fork, adjustable monoshock rear suspension, and a full disc brake setup equipped with ABS and traction control, offering solid stopping power and added safety. With its sharp design and nimble handling for its class, the 125NK is perfectly suited for city commuting and short weekend rides. And at just £3,199, it offers excellent value without

compromising on looks or capability. 

Up next is the Aprilia Tuono 125, with a single-cylinder liquid-cooling engine, which produces 15hp and 11.4Nm peak torque, again, placing it highly in terms of performance for this category. This is the perfect mix of fun and performance, and it is, in fact, 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 its 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 £4,930, the Tuono 125 is priced a bit higher than some of its rivals. However, its striking design, strong performance along with it Aprilia name and high-level components help justify the premium price tag. That said, there are more affordable alternatives on the market offering similar features. 

Taking eighth place on the list is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 125. This bike is the perfect mix of classic and modern with its distinctive, rugged styling. It offers an agile yet smooth ride with a single-cylinder 4-stroke engine producing 14.7hp. 

This is another lightweight ride with narrow bodywork allowing for agile riding, and the WP APEX suspension should make for a smooth ride. Alongside this, its Brembo brakes make sure you stop efficiently and safely. Practicality is also considered, with a standard luggage rack integrated into the fuel tank, perfect for carrying personal belongings on the go. 

Thanks to the Easy Shift system, you can change gears without using the clutch, making the ride smoother and more enjoyable. It also comes equipped with Street and Rain riding modes, along with a speed limiter, great features for staying safe in wet conditions and avoiding accidental speeding. These additions are especially helpful for newer riders. 

The Suzuki GSX-S125 is a nimble, lightweight bike, built for durable daily commuting and weekend fun. Powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine, it offers impressive torque and a strong power-to-weight ratio, delivering an exciting ride, especially through tight corners. Its compact build enhances control and agility, making it a top contender for riders who value sharp handling and confidence on the road.  

This bike stands out for being extremely lightweight; it benefits from the latest Bosch ABS system and some great looking 10-spoke aluminium wheels., The GSX-S is definitely an option more for those that like a sporty feeling.  

Tech-wise, it features convenient touches like a shutter key lock system and Suzuki’s Easy Start system. However, the lack of a TFT digital display feels like a missed opportunity at its £4,999 price point. That said, Suzuki’s reputation for reliability and build quality still makes this bike a strong and stylish contender in the 125cc category. 

Moving through the list, we’ve got the Vespa Primavera 125. If you’re into your classic-looking scooters, then this could be the one for you. With a timeless yet modern design, it brings contemporary vibes to the mix. It has an i-Get 3V electronic injection engine providing around 11hp and offering great fuel efficiency.  

The 12-inch wheels, ABS braking and refined suspension system allow for a smooth, comfortable ride and with features such as a remote seat opening and optional Vespa MIA smartphone connectivity, it brings more convenience and enjoyment to each ride. 

The Primavera is a brilliant city commuter and beginner-friendly option. I honestly wouldn’t mind one of these for myself. You can get your hands on one of these for £4,855. Don’t get me wrong, it is a little on the pricey side for a scooter, but for Vespa heritage and good looks, I can understand.  

Fourth on the list is the Suzuki Burgman Street 125EX,  a sleek and modern scooter with a few great smart features. It’s the first Suzuki model to introduce the Suzuki Eco Performance Alpha engine technology, which balances strong performance with low fuel consumption and reduced emissions. With 8.4 hp and 10 Nm of torque, it offers an efficient yet responsive ride, but is defintiely one of the lower powered offering on today’s list, so this is best lived on slower urban roads..  

The lightweight and compact frame makes the Burgman Street 125EX to be nice and agile around town. The braking system is admittedly fairly standard, featuring a front disc, rear drum, and CBS, it's more than adequate for beginners or daily city commuting, it is just not as spec’d up as some others on the list. 

Additional features like the Easy Start System and enhanced security key add to the Burgman 125EX’s everyday practicality. Its thoughtful design makes it both accessible and stylish, appealing to a wide range of riders, and for £3,199 it's not too badly priced. 

The Honda PCX 125 is a stylish and efficient urban scooter, ideal for navigating busy city streets. It's powered by a water-cooled, SOHC 4-valve engine that delivers 12.3 hp and 11.7 Nm of torque for responsive and reliable performance. Its ABS and selectable Torque Control further enhance safety and stability, giving riders added confidence in a variety of conditions. 

Moving on to some of its features, there is LED lighting, a 5-inch TFT display, and spacious 30.4L under-seat storage, and as we have this in the studio, I can infact confirm it fits some full-faced helmets but not all, so worth checking on size compatibility.  

With features like Honda’s Idling Stop System and enhanced Smart Power, the PCX 125 is built to keep you comfortable and efficient on the go. It's an excellent choice for both new and experienced riders taking on busy city streets. If you're looking for a smooth, hassle-free ride, the PCX has you covered, and all at an accessible price point of £3,799. There is good reason the PCX125 has been a top seller for year, it does offer a fantastic overall package. 

Coming in second is the Yamaha RayZR, a sharp-looking scooter that offers excellent value for money. Weighing just 99kg, it’s Yamaha’s lightest current scooter to date, making it incredibly nimble and fun to ride. The low weight contributes to quicker acceleration, powered by an 8hp engine with 9.7 Nm of torque. Yamaha’s special Power Assist feature enhances performance further, giving the RayZR impressive acceleration, and allows for fuel efficiency. Its Start & Stop system work in the conventional manner reducing fuel consumption by shutting off the engine during idle moments, like traffic lights or congestion. 

The RayZR also integrates with Yamaha’s MyRide app, letting you track ride history, fuel usage, and even your parking location. As for braking, it comes with a front disc and rear drum setup, basic but effective for urban use. Yamaha’s Unified Brake System (basically CBS) helps balance the braking force between the front and rear brakes, giving you smoother and more controlled stops. 

It's not a bad choice, and it's a little more of a budget-friendly beginner option than others, coming in at £2,501. 

 

Taking top spot may come as no surprise to some of you… It's the Honda CB125F, one of Hondas most popular beginner bikes. It’s one of Honda’s best-selling entry-level motorcycles, and for good reason. Powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled eSP engine, the CB125F offers 10.7hp and 10.9Nm of torque – it might not be breath taking figures but it is enough for most people’s 125 commute expectations. The inclusion of Honda’s Idle Stop System means you won’t waste fuel while waiting at traffic lights, perfect for daily commuting. One of the CB125F’s huge attractions is its frankly almost ridiculous 189mpg. 

But it’s not just about practicality. The CB125F scores top good marks on styling, too. With sharp, aggressive angular bodywork and matte metallic paint options, it has a premium look that stands out in the 125cc category. Yes, it general style is a bit dated, but I still think it is a good looking motorcycle. 

Tech-wise, it's not too bad, with a 4.2-inch TFT display paired with Honda RoadSync Bluetooth connectivity, giving you access to turn-by-turn navigation, call and message management, music control, and even real-time weather updates all at your fingertips. 

Built on a tubular steel frame for durability and equipped typical standard suspension, the CB125F can handle an urban commute with ease and even some rougher roads too. It’s a confidence-inspiring, well-rounded package, ideal for learners who want comfort, efficiency, and a touch of tech all for £3,299.  

Bike:	Gear:	Insurance:	CBT/Licence:
£x - £ x *This has been worked out using the bikes included in this list	£600 - £1000 *This cost is based on a helmet, jacket & trousers, gloves & boots	The cost of your insurance will vary based on several factors, including age, occupation, location and others.	CBT - £130 - £190 (Location dependent) A1 Licence - Between £400 - £600 (Location Dependent)

And that wraps up my top 10 picks for the best beginner-friendly 125cc bikes on the market for 2025! Hopefully, this list helped you narrow down your options, or maybe even introduced you to your next ride. If you've already got your eye on a bike, or have one waiting in the garage, don't forget about the most important step before hitting the road, insurance. Make sure to get a motorbike insurance quote with Lexham!