125cc? Just that? Will the bike even hit 75mph / 120kmh?
Well, yes. There are extra-ordinary small capacity bikes out there that not only look smashing but also perform decently well. Here is our take on the Best 125cc bikes out there (in alphabetic order mind you)
1. APRILIA RS 125
Engine: 125cc
Power: 15bhp (restricted
Power: 30bhp (de-restricted)
Top speed: around 75mph for 15bhp
Top speed: around 95mph for 33bhp
Cost: £3799 (UK)
So, we thought 125cc bikes were boring? Get hold of the Aprilia 125 and de-restrict it, freeing all the 33 horses, and 125cc biking will never be the same again.
The Aprilia RS125 has remained the best fun 125cc bike for ages now. It was first launched way back in '95 and still remains an average teenagers' dream bike. Looks like a biggie, handles like a track bike and the engine can be de-restricted to 30bhp which means it can tease cars on the road as well! It’s a tad expensive to buy and run thanks to pricey two-stroke motorcycle oil, but, if you can afford it, the Aprilia RS125 is worth every penny.
2. APRILIA TUONO 125
Engine: 125cc
Power: 14bhp
Top speed: 81mph / 130kmh
Cost: £3499 (UK)
Again a 2-stroke screamer, the Tuono 125 is Slightly cheaper than the RS 125 and has changes like a nose fairing and flat handle bars. This bike, just like the RS 125 can also be de-restricted. And then ladies and gentlemen, the real fun begins!
3. CAGIVA MITO SP 525
Engine: 125cc
Power: 14.7bhp
Top speed: 81mph / 130kmh
Cost: £3499 (UK)
The third 125cc 2-stroke bike out here, we feel the Mito is also the best looking of the lot. The Cagiva Mito SP525 is essentially the long-running two-stroke Cagiva Mito 125 brought up to date in every area and then dressed in bodywork to honour John Koscinski’s 500GP efforts onboard the Cagiva V594 circa 1994. In unrestricted form its claimed 30bhp (approx) performance means anyone on their two-year licence probation period can make use of its sporty nature. Effectively two bikes for one price with a lot of fun.
4. DERBI GPR 125
Engine: 125cc
Power: 30bhp
Top speed: 90mph / 144kmh
Cost: £3599 (UK)
The Derbi GPR125 is almost as good looking as the Mito actually. You could easily mistake it for a baby Ducati or MV Agusta motorcycle. The Derbi GPR125 also goes very well (de-restricted of course ) and handles just like a racing motorcycle, with firm suspension and a substantial 300mm front disc brake. The Derbi GPR125 is a teenage dream on wheels. The 2-stroke mill can pump out 30 ponnies which means it easy to see 90mph or 145km/h on the speedometer.
5. YAMAHA YZF-R125
Engine: 125cc
Power: 14.6bhp
Top speed: 75mph / 120kmh
Cost: £2999 (UK)
Yes, the Yamaha sells for less than 3000 pounds but that also means it aint that much fun to ride. Its a 4-stroke engine after all guys. But it retains all the qualities one would expect out of a sexy looking 125cc bike. It handles like a dream too.
And it’s actually slightly bigger than the YZF-R6 that inspired its styling!
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