The BEST 125cc Motorcycles You Can Buy In 2023! Great for Beginners

We take a look at some of the BEST 125cc Motorcycles available to buy in 2023! Great Beginner 125cc Motorcycles which can be ridden on a CBT in the UK. Some include fresh updates announced at EICMA and Motorcycle Live. Make sure to let us know your favourite in the comments!

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[BikeMatters]

What 125cc Motorcycle would you choose? Let us know in the comments!

[simonwait]

I'm a 40 year old bike noob. I have a mortgage, two kids, a wife (and a puppy).
When I hit the MANOPAUSE, I decided I wanted some escapism and decided to do a "taster" session at my local bike centre.
In short, I absolutely loved it.
After much research, and a trip to the Birmingham Bike Live show, I decided to invest in a 2023 Yamaha XSR 125 Legacy.
Being 40, I have lived a bit and have weakness in my left leg following a car accident (muscle wastage and drop foot means it looks more like a kids arm than a middle aged blokes leg!). This meant weight was massively important to me.
The retro 70's / 80's inspired looks on the Legacy, class leading engine, and the upright seated position all appealed to me.
Not to mention the Yamaha man dealer network and reliability.
Sure, its expensive for a 125 - I get that, but as a way into (hopefully) a new escape / hobby / lifestyle choice, it ticked all the right boxes for my ability.
Over the next two years, I will go for my test and decide where the bike gods (and that pathetic leg) allow me to go next.
I love the Royal Enfield 350 classic - but like I said, we will see on the weight situation.
Excellent content as always, ride safe everyone.
Happy Christmas, and healthy New Year to all guys.

[murfie]

I'm 76, have been riding for 59 years, owning 21 machines in that time including many classics (eg Yamaha SR500, Honda CB400-4, Suzuki GT500). My latest machine is a 2023 Suzuki GSX-S125 ... one of the smallest but THE best bike I've owned.

[BlokeOnAMotorbike]

I bought a Sinnis Hoodlum in April.

ZERO regrets.

[colinglen]

Modern bikes look extremely hi tech, however, my admiration for the styling always comes to a sudden halt the moment my senses are assaulted by the dreadful gap between body and back wheel. It looks like the wheel isn't a part of the bike. Horrible development in style in my opinion.

[TeezerDriz]

I'd pick the Honda CB125R, add a Puig touring screen and a centre stand.

[FloriTravels]

I rode the lenght of Thailand with a Yamaha 125-GT (10, 000km journey overall), it was fun to ride and I didn´t experience any issues.

[ebgb]

I'm 64 and am a lifelong biker..The April is rs125 looks awesome to me, that would be my pick of the bunch, , but they all look great Good video, Thank You.

[brianconnor]

Although chinese bikes get a hard time there is no denying they are the best looking 125 bikes out there. The Japanese bike manufacturers will have to take notice their being caught up to and overtaking in 125 bike sales.

[tylerbarnes]

I've had a few 125s over the years and my tip would be to look at internal arrangements as 125s have less space and trying to get to the battery can be very difficult. My current Zontes G1 is brilliant and beautiful but the internal arrangement sucks (I bought it anyway cos I'm an idiot lol)

[lb]

Interesting but I'd rather have a classic 2 stoke . Cagiva mito 125 aprilia rs125 or a yamaha rd125lc😂

[mxson_]

The zontes g1 scrambler is great, loved mine til I got hit by a van

[keztrucker]

Happy zontes ZT125U owner here, I can tell you it's a great bike 40 years of riding bikes of all capacities and for a superlight commuter/ fun bike it's unbeatable. Price style speed chuckable, with grezt tech fit and finish it's got it all. 70mph slipper clutch keyless start to bosch injection nice build quality and at 6ft tall and 14 + stone I look fine no L plates obviously and I'm nodded at by the big boys all the time behind my dark visor they probably think I'm 17 or a fresh nubie ha ha and not a grandfather who owns several big bikes 😁

[LeeKirkman]

Best 125 bike for size and touring. Reliability and capable of high milage. Is the Honda Varadero. Seen them with 80k on the clock! Shame that Honda does not produce it anymore. The gear changes and clutch are silky smooth you can change gear with one finger.

[WillHoll]

I’m a really big fan of Cruiser and Bobber bikes. They just look a lot cooler to me and especially with some of the designs with them. Like legit the Keeway bikes look so nice and are also so affordable

[ebgb]

Excellent video with some very good information, Thank you

[kiwiplayer]

Can’t wait for my XSR 125 Legacy 💯🔥🤩 I’ll get it in February ^^

[simonmcourt]

Sadly prices very high.Owned a rd125 lc was cheap..R1600.00 brand new in 1986..Super fast and reliable too.

[SlapshodWingnut]

I'm 47, doing my CBT in early Feb. I went to Birmingham this year and sat on all the 125s, really liking the R125 and GXS125.
I'm probably going to go for a Zontes though, because the realist in me wants to get some riding experience before spending big money on something that arguably will likely get dropped...
I've got 30 years of driving experience, and firmly believe you need experience before you get something expensive.
That being said, I really like the R7, so who knows. In a year, I might have one of those as my first big bike 😆

[gordonwalker]

Hello well I've had a few bikes over the years including the Honda CB250RS, the CB125RS was from new!! Hope I can get this one back on the road in time.... ....🙂👍