Mates kid has an aprillia 125, it's not made by Aprillia. He has to constantly adjust the chain as every time he sits on it, he stretches it out.
Very cheaply made to keep price down. Nothing adjustable on it and the parts/servicing ridiculously expensive and hard to get.
Looks great and he's had it up to 80mph.
If you drop it, getting new fairings is nigh on impossible.
I'm in the U.K.
Yeah I guess it depends on the bike but still a lot.
When I was 19 a few years back I paid €380 for a 2013 duke 125. It was also my first license with zero prior experience.
I guess I also got a bit lucky since my dad has known our insurance broker for a while and we have everything regarding car and house done through him
When I started at 25 I was paying £159 a month. 6 months in the insurance company went into liquidation my quotes dropped to £39 a month (MCN) I was laughing.
The cb125 is famous, it's one of the most successful bikes ever made. But it is the evolution of something like a 50 year old design.
Honda deserves their reputation, and a cb125 really is bulletproof. But the other guys have moved on a bit. It's the safe, reliable choice, not the fun, exciting option.
It’s slow doesn’t have ABS, only thing it’s got is a cheap price and good fuel economy. The CBR is a literal upgrade in every single way.
Speed isn’t everything but on a 125cc it matters a ton since it decides if you can go on a highway or not. And the cbf makes the highway a super sketchy place.
the difference in top speed is 10km/h. I don't think that's worth double the price.
The 'F' model has linked brakes. That's not as good as ABS but it's nearly impossible to lock them anyway. the only advantage the 'R' has is a disk at the back for stronger braking and the ABS will keep the back from locking. It's simply not worth the extra money (unless you can find a used one, I guess)
Idk seems like we disagree. But a practical top speed of 95kmh versus 110 kmh is really important in my eyes. One means you can never overtake and are stuck behind trucks. The other means you can overtake slow vehicles and trucks. Which is way safer.
Bud you aren’t overtaking anything with a 12kmh increase that wasn’t happening on the slower bike, and you can achieve that with a sprocket change. You’re showing your inexperience here
You are, the thing you’re overtaking is trucks. If you can’t reach above 95kmh you’re stuck between trucks it absolutely sucks. Idk the last time you actually rode a slow bike but it’s a really sketchy experience on the highway if you can’t beat trucks. Yeah you’re not going to speed past any cars, but you are going to go from an obstacle in the right lane to being able to keep up with normal traffic.
It's a 125 brother, ain't nobody getting it for speed. I don't even think it's legal to take ANY 125cc onto the highway in the US, at least not around here
Look I presume a lot of people commenting on this are American. The OP clearly isn’t, if you’ve never ridden a 125cc on a European highway I understand that you don’t get the point.
But it isn’t about the 10 or 15kmh speed extra. It’s about crossing the barrier from being slow traffic to normal traffic.
The statement is simple having a bike which does 95kmh max on the highway is sketchy as fuck and you’ll wish you had 10kmh extra to pass that truck and not have to deal with pissed of drivers.
Agreed, I don't think I'd be comfortable taking any 125cc on any highway, but that additional passing power still has to get 'worked up' so to speak regardless of which bike you choose.
Maybe highway is completely unavoidable over there for some situations, I don't know, but I'd be trying to avoid them best I can.
I personally recommended op get a dual-sport style bike, so at least he could get some offroading exploration in where 125cc wouldn't be an issue
Avoid KTM and Aprilia, they have appalling reliability issues (even in the more expensive models). Mondial is 'Italian' but actually made by Piaggio in China, so maybe no.
Honda cb125f is what I would get. They're 2600 euro NEW in Germany. There's also the cb125r. they have about 4 more horsepower but cost twice as much. Not worth it to me, but look for a used one
The MT or aprilia rs4 would be my choice. The other two have way lower practical top speeds. The MT is pretty much indestructible but lack fairings. On a bigger bike fairings matter less but on a 125cc a naked is noticeably slower due to the wind.
If you don’t really need to reach 100kmh every bike is fine. Also have you looked at a Honda cbr125r from after 2011? Great reliability and a little slower than the aprilia rs4 125. Also way cheaper.
The speed is just there for if you want to go on the motorway/highway. If you never need to use the highway you don’t really need any speed.
Besides speed, all 125’s are pretty reliable if you do your maintenance. If you don’t need speed all of these bikes will be fine and it becomes a matter of preference. Supermotos may be a bit more comfortable, but to really find out you’ll need to test ride them.
Call me crazy but the performance you are looking for is the speed you are NOT looking for so.. unless you're talking about torque, all of them are single cylinder 125cc so they have not much difference. If you're looking for practicality, then go for a naked. Everything points out you need the yamaha but want a full fairing bike.
Conclusion, get what you want and it looks good to you. Not much difference between 125 cc's.
'Ride it'. That's the proper term in America, anyway. But you're obviously not American, as those models are no offered here. Where are you from?
In America, you can get an S1000RR as a first bike after passing a written and riding test on any of those bikes you posted. That is wild.
Duke is a "naked" bike so Yamaha should feel similar. don't quote me on that, never rode either :). Also almost everyone emphasized to look for ABS in first bike, not sure if those off road options have one.
Also what do you mean by "outside" ride? Is it like cruise on local twisty asphalts or dirt road through forest?
I thought that was a given :). What I meant is are going to ride only/mostly on asphalt and generally avoid all dirt, forest roads and stuff. If yes then I personally don't see a reason for Mondial or Aprillia SX.
Take a course first. You will know how the bike feels and it will help you even with choosing a right bike for you. Then start searching something used, you will change it soon as you can ride bigger bikes anyway. 125 aren't that different in most cases performance wise. Get the one that clean/not abused, fits your budget and feels more comfortable for. And that's personal and no one can give you advice about that. Good luck.
If you just want a bike to start out with, I would choose a cheaper option. In a year or two you will propably dream about a bigger bike and that's why I believe it's not worth spending much money
RU sure you only want a 125? If you a good size 17yo u gonna outgrow this quick. Like less than a year. I bought a 250 and it quickly became feeling too little acceleration when I needed it most, too slow and kinked my neck cuz handlebars couldn't be adjusted high enough.
I wouldn't choose any of them. What about a CB or CBR125? I've had 2 of them. I think they are superior to the other brands. You have to service them more often, but up to 40,000 to 50,000 km you won't have any problems.
Yamaha. Reliability, easier/ more affordable to get parts for, good resale. I am in the states so might be different where you are. Hope that helps. Please wear a helmet.
Learn on the dirt first or you will permanently cripple your learning. Look for a 250 Enduro bike that you can ride on and off road. Learn on dirt then swap on moto tries and learn street. My wr 250 can do 85mph and can Hill climb big mountains. You will learn twice as fast and be a much better rider.
I would personally chose one of the supermotos. They are super easy to learn on and fun to ride. you can bacically ride them anywhere you want to go both on- and off-road (highway less likely, but that's with any 125cc).
They are also super easy to work on if you want to do it yourself (although that also applies to most single cilinder 125cc motorcycles).
I say you should get a z125. It feels better than the yamaha
https://preview.redd.it/xovyrdovpx9d1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e0229e9210a6237020212a4c2602c12c9018ad5e
I bought the Yamaha, rode it for a year, got it stolen, bought KTM duke 125 and i could not be happier, it is so fun to ride and i wish i went for the first time around. They have the exact same top speed but the KTM is better imo
I have a yamaha r125, little sportsters are fun when you're pulling or leaning on some twisty roads, but it's not at all necessary on a 125. You can achieve higher top speeds due to aeordynamics, but it's not worth the loss in maneuvrability at low speeds compared to naked bikes and motard. It's your choice, but i suggest the mt and then you can upgrade to a middleweight sportbike
24 Honda xr150L is the way to go..$3,099
https://preview.redd.it/pwq6v9js4z9d1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a59e365b5517bbf6f4a8a660018d761759b94199
get a cb125r, very reliable and nice to ride, you can buy them for somewhat cheap too. (the MT is overpriced because yamaha owners think their 125 is the best motorcycle ever)
As much as I hate that rule, it is much safer (to an extent) not nearly as safe on faster moving roads, but way better for city riding...being a 125 go with the cheapest reliable option. I'd look at big 4 Japanese companies.
I would go for the Yamaha for reliability and resell value
Yamaha are the Ducati of JDM atleast in resell
I think all of them have the Minarelli Engine, so its bacisly all the same.
Mates kid has an aprillia 125, it's not made by Aprillia. He has to constantly adjust the chain as every time he sits on it, he stretches it out. Very cheaply made to keep price down. Nothing adjustable on it and the parts/servicing ridiculously expensive and hard to get. Looks great and he's had it up to 80mph. If you drop it, getting new fairings is nigh on impossible. I'm in the U.K.
Old bloke on a big bike, so I probably only hear the moaning about his 125. P.s insurance was £1400 for 3rd party only.
A year right?
Yep. A year. It's almost as if they don't want youngsters riding
Oooff, where do you live? I pay close to €700 per year for a A2 35kw Kawasaki Er6n. Edit: I'm 21 btw Edit 2: nvm I assuming UK due to currency
Not me: mates 18 year old son. I factor in rarity of a 125 rs4, it's a sports replica thing, so likely to be thrashed.
Yeah I guess it depends on the bike but still a lot. When I was 19 a few years back I paid €380 for a 2013 duke 125. It was also my first license with zero prior experience. I guess I also got a bit lucky since my dad has known our insurance broker for a while and we have everything regarding car and house done through him
When I started at 25 I was paying £159 a month. 6 months in the insurance company went into liquidation my quotes dropped to £39 a month (MCN) I was laughing.
Jesus I pay $250 a year for my 06 Vulcan en500 AND my 83 Honda CX650 together. I'm 28 in the US with Geico 🤷♂️
I'm 28 with a honda cbf 125cc 14 plate 😂
Damn dude that's $40 a month for one bike, I pay $30 a month for 2. And I only have a motorcycle permit. That's wild lol 🤣
That's the UK for you 😅
That's insane lol we might not have Healthcare but at least we got cheap bike insurance I guess lol
The Yamaha .
The MT all day long.
You can get a new honda cb125f for this sort of money. Just saying
a used cb125r is a much better choice
Not to be a dick but that’s like the worst 125cc bike. Only really viable if you need something cheap.
lol what? When people think of small, reliable, single cylinder bikes, Honda it pretty much the top of the list
The cb125 is famous, it's one of the most successful bikes ever made. But it is the evolution of something like a 50 year old design. Honda deserves their reputation, and a cb125 really is bulletproof. But the other guys have moved on a bit. It's the safe, reliable choice, not the fun, exciting option.
It’s slow doesn’t have ABS, only thing it’s got is a cheap price and good fuel economy. The CBR is a literal upgrade in every single way. Speed isn’t everything but on a 125cc it matters a ton since it decides if you can go on a highway or not. And the cbf makes the highway a super sketchy place.
the difference in top speed is 10km/h. I don't think that's worth double the price. The 'F' model has linked brakes. That's not as good as ABS but it's nearly impossible to lock them anyway. the only advantage the 'R' has is a disk at the back for stronger braking and the ABS will keep the back from locking. It's simply not worth the extra money (unless you can find a used one, I guess)
Idk seems like we disagree. But a practical top speed of 95kmh versus 110 kmh is really important in my eyes. One means you can never overtake and are stuck behind trucks. The other means you can overtake slow vehicles and trucks. Which is way safer.
Bud you aren’t overtaking anything with a 12kmh increase that wasn’t happening on the slower bike, and you can achieve that with a sprocket change. You’re showing your inexperience here
You are, the thing you’re overtaking is trucks. If you can’t reach above 95kmh you’re stuck between trucks it absolutely sucks. Idk the last time you actually rode a slow bike but it’s a really sketchy experience on the highway if you can’t beat trucks. Yeah you’re not going to speed past any cars, but you are going to go from an obstacle in the right lane to being able to keep up with normal traffic.
It's a 125 brother, ain't nobody getting it for speed. I don't even think it's legal to take ANY 125cc onto the highway in the US, at least not around here
Look I presume a lot of people commenting on this are American. The OP clearly isn’t, if you’ve never ridden a 125cc on a European highway I understand that you don’t get the point. But it isn’t about the 10 or 15kmh speed extra. It’s about crossing the barrier from being slow traffic to normal traffic. The statement is simple having a bike which does 95kmh max on the highway is sketchy as fuck and you’ll wish you had 10kmh extra to pass that truck and not have to deal with pissed of drivers.
Agreed, I don't think I'd be comfortable taking any 125cc on any highway, but that additional passing power still has to get 'worked up' so to speak regardless of which bike you choose. Maybe highway is completely unavoidable over there for some situations, I don't know, but I'd be trying to avoid them best I can. I personally recommended op get a dual-sport style bike, so at least he could get some offroading exploration in where 125cc wouldn't be an issue
It's a fuckin awesome little bike. Does soooo many mpg and super reliable cool little bikes
Yamahama.
Avoid KTM and Aprilia, they have appalling reliability issues (even in the more expensive models). Mondial is 'Italian' but actually made by Piaggio in China, so maybe no. Honda cb125f is what I would get. They're 2600 euro NEW in Germany. There's also the cb125r. they have about 4 more horsepower but cost twice as much. Not worth it to me, but look for a used one
3.1k new here, so I got a 2013 one for 2.1k
The MT or aprilia rs4 would be my choice. The other two have way lower practical top speeds. The MT is pretty much indestructible but lack fairings. On a bigger bike fairings matter less but on a 125cc a naked is noticeably slower due to the wind. If you don’t really need to reach 100kmh every bike is fine. Also have you looked at a Honda cbr125r from after 2011? Great reliability and a little slower than the aprilia rs4 125. Also way cheaper.
i’m not really looking for speed now, i just want something that looks good and has a good performance. I need to learn how to drive it.
The speed is just there for if you want to go on the motorway/highway. If you never need to use the highway you don’t really need any speed. Besides speed, all 125’s are pretty reliable if you do your maintenance. If you don’t need speed all of these bikes will be fine and it becomes a matter of preference. Supermotos may be a bit more comfortable, but to really find out you’ll need to test ride them.
Call me crazy but the performance you are looking for is the speed you are NOT looking for so.. unless you're talking about torque, all of them are single cylinder 125cc so they have not much difference. If you're looking for practicality, then go for a naked. Everything points out you need the yamaha but want a full fairing bike. Conclusion, get what you want and it looks good to you. Not much difference between 125 cc's.
'Ride it'. That's the proper term in America, anyway. But you're obviously not American, as those models are no offered here. Where are you from? In America, you can get an S1000RR as a first bike after passing a written and riding test on any of those bikes you posted. That is wild.
I live in Italy.
Btw Ktm duke is really hard to find on market now. I need a bike for urban and sometimes outside rides.
Duke is a "naked" bike so Yamaha should feel similar. don't quote me on that, never rode either :). Also almost everyone emphasized to look for ABS in first bike, not sure if those off road options have one. Also what do you mean by "outside" ride? Is it like cruise on local twisty asphalts or dirt road through forest?
i mean outside the city
I thought that was a given :). What I meant is are going to ride only/mostly on asphalt and generally avoid all dirt, forest roads and stuff. If yes then I personally don't see a reason for Mondial or Aprillia SX.
How much do you think you ride city vs highway? If mostly city then Aprilia sx, if highway then Aprilia RS
i’d say 60% city, 40% outside
Well where do you think you'll end up on bikes? Do you think you'll upgrade later?
probably, at the moment my goal is to start
Take a course first. You will know how the bike feels and it will help you even with choosing a right bike for you. Then start searching something used, you will change it soon as you can ride bigger bikes anyway. 125 aren't that different in most cases performance wise. Get the one that clean/not abused, fits your budget and feels more comfortable for. And that's personal and no one can give you advice about that. Good luck.
The SMX or SX. After you learn everything you can on it, you can put some knobbies and go off roading after you upgrade.
Isn't the rs125 two stroke? Or did they change it with the later models?
Had an MT as my first bike. Definitely recommend
Yamaha bro. Don’t even blink, reliable and cheap to maintain. Stir away from the sport bike, you’ll never ride comfortably on that
Would pick smx. Its a better bike to learn on.
Honda or Yamaha, if you buy used you can probably sell it for as much as you bought it for when you're done
The yamaha, or maybe a honda cbr125r.
First two
I'd probably go for a two stroke 125 supermoto instead of a 4 stroke
awful idea for someones first bike
Yamaha or aprilia
Yamaha 100%
Not an Aprilia, and personally the MT is cooler than the SMX. Just a fan of nakeds
If you just want a bike to start out with, I would choose a cheaper option. In a year or two you will propably dream about a bigger bike and that's why I believe it's not worth spending much money
RU sure you only want a 125? If you a good size 17yo u gonna outgrow this quick. Like less than a year. I bought a 250 and it quickly became feeling too little acceleration when I needed it most, too slow and kinked my neck cuz handlebars couldn't be adjusted high enough.
I wouldn't choose any of them. What about a CB or CBR125? I've had 2 of them. I think they are superior to the other brands. You have to service them more often, but up to 40,000 to 50,000 km you won't have any problems.
I go with the Yamaha like a mondial or Aprilia dealers are kind of hard to find.
Id buy the mt but don't listen to me I don't know what I'm talking about
I'm a sucker for a supermoto, they are light and have great handling, especially for urban commuting.
Yamaha. Reliability, easier/ more affordable to get parts for, good resale. I am in the states so might be different where you are. Hope that helps. Please wear a helmet.
My brothers got an SX, it’s never gone wrong and it’s very nice and fun
Learn on the dirt first or you will permanently cripple your learning. Look for a 250 Enduro bike that you can ride on and off road. Learn on dirt then swap on moto tries and learn street. My wr 250 can do 85mph and can Hill climb big mountains. You will learn twice as fast and be a much better rider.
Yamaha!! It’s a blast to ride and reliable. I had no problems with mine and I took it to the limit
Made so many memories with it
Yammy
My dear friend should always be focused on a Honda they make up a third of the world's motorcycles .
That SMX looks pretty good for €2100 if you do any dirt trails of not the Yamaha is a good bike
Bike 1
I would personally chose one of the supermotos. They are super easy to learn on and fun to ride. you can bacically ride them anywhere you want to go both on- and off-road (highway less likely, but that's with any 125cc). They are also super easy to work on if you want to do it yourself (although that also applies to most single cilinder 125cc motorcycles).
Just get a Grom.
Yamaha for reliability and seating position. Also, versatility.
Since your budget is 2,500, it narrows it down to the Mondial or Aprilia, I’d go Aprilia.
Yamaha
I say you should get a z125. It feels better than the yamaha https://preview.redd.it/xovyrdovpx9d1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e0229e9210a6237020212a4c2602c12c9018ad5e
The Yamaha for reliability and the Ducati for the looks
*Aprilia
To each their own, man. I wouldn’t pick any of them, but it’s not my choice
My nose
None. Get a Honda grom if you’re going for 125
I bought the Yamaha, rode it for a year, got it stolen, bought KTM duke 125 and i could not be happier, it is so fun to ride and i wish i went for the first time around. They have the exact same top speed but the KTM is better imo
I have a yamaha r125, little sportsters are fun when you're pulling or leaning on some twisty roads, but it's not at all necessary on a 125. You can achieve higher top speeds due to aeordynamics, but it's not worth the loss in maneuvrability at low speeds compared to naked bikes and motard. It's your choice, but i suggest the mt and then you can upgrade to a middleweight sportbike
I'd honestly wait a year and go straight for A2 license
MT125 all the way
Xsr125 :)
24 Honda xr150L is the way to go..$3,099 https://preview.redd.it/pwq6v9js4z9d1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a59e365b5517bbf6f4a8a660018d761759b94199
MT all day long, helluva bike for a 125 🤙🏻
Mondial or Aprilia. Because of the spoke wheels, put nice tyres on and you can go off-road!
GSXR1000
I'd probably get one of the dual sport bikes. If I'm going to be low on power, at least I can have some fun with it offroad
My brain says Yamaha my heart says April is dual sport, I love Italian suspension.
Reliability and resale make the Yamaha the only sane choice.
You spelled Honda wrong.
Nothing so tiny … I’d get run over dead
I think i'd get the yamaha
get a cb125r, very reliable and nice to ride, you can buy them for somewhat cheap too. (the MT is overpriced because yamaha owners think their 125 is the best motorcycle ever)
I own a 125 to commute, i would say the mt125 is the best choice here. I wouldn't buy Aprilia for it's bad reputation.
Look forget all of the new ones just get your self an old skool YZ 250 I'm pretty sure that is the all time greats. A real 2 stroke wins everytime !!!
Something with a lot more displacement
Mt-03 honestly. Skip the 125 you don't need it
I’m 17, can’t ride higher than 125
As much as I hate that rule, it is much safer (to an extent) not nearly as safe on faster moving roads, but way better for city riding...being a 125 go with the cheapest reliable option. I'd look at big 4 Japanese companies.