The real indication of the quality and riding experience of all the bikes on this list is the fact that experienced riders will get just as much enjoyment out of riding them as will novice and beginner riders. Modern developments in engine technology have made these small, single cylinder engines both punchy, reliable and smooth and manufacturers have realized that making them look like their larger siblings in the range is a sure-fire way to generating sales, which is to the benefit of young riders who are seemingly obsessed with image. But such frivolous considerations aside, there has never been a better time to buy a 125cc motorbike, whether you want to impress your friends or simply get around in the cheapest way possible.

Related: 10 Single-Cylinder Engines That Redefined Performance

10 Honda Super Cub

How could we not start with the most produced vehicle (not just motorcycle) in the world? The Honda Super Cub was the model that cemented Honda’s fortunes and gave the fledgling company the money to build itself into the force it has been since the 1960s. Even without Honda’s subsequent fortunes, the Super Cub would be the single most important motorcycle in history, providing simple, reliable and inexpensive transport in almost every country in the world. Originally powered by a 50cc, single cylinder engine, the current model has a nine horsepower 125cc single, coupled to a four-speed semi-automatic gearbox which makes it perfect for beginner riders as well as those looking for an easy means to get around.

Specs

9 Kawasaki Z125

A criticism often leveled at smaller-engined motorcycles is that they can be lacking in personality or ‘street cred’ for younger riders. That’s where the modern generation of small-displacement sporty models come in, giving young riders a model to aspire to when they start riding and building brand loyalty from an early age. The Kawasaki Z125 is described by the manufacturer as a ‘junior streetfighter’ and, with its aggressive lines and punchy performance, it lives up to that billing. The 125cc, 15 horsepower and seven foot pounds of torque engine has its cylinder mounted horizontally, making the center of gravity much lower than its rivals and making the little Kawasaki so much more nimble and communicative which is exactly what a novice rider needs in order to build confidence, while proving a fun ride for experienced riders too.

Specs

8 Honda Trail 125

A variation on the Super Cub theme, the Trail 125 is a plucky, character-filled, tough and durable ‘adventure’ bike that really can go anywhere, as long as you’re not in too much of a hurry. It’s the same mechanically as the Super Cub but has uprated suspension, built-in practicality with its substantial carry rack, high-mounted exhaust, center stand and nominal crash protection. There’s only room for one but, with 9.7 horsepower, you really don’t want to be traveling too far two-up. If it lacks all the electronic bells and whistles of its larger adventure rivals, apart from ABS, then you really don’t need them as its so light and nimble that, if you can’t ride over an obstacle, then you could always pick it up and carry it…!

Specs

7 Honda Grom

Honda has been no stranger to the diminutive ‘toy’ bike, thanks to the Dax and Monkey bike of generations past (and they’re back in production today). The Grom is an up-to-date model, still using the Super Cub mechanical elements but in a funky, streetwise package, which looks like a scaled down big bike as opposed to being merely a ‘small bike.’ Despite the size, the ergonomics are excellent, even for taller riders, it’s super easy to ride and will do nothing but put a smile on your face in any riding situation, be it in town or on the open road. The body panels are easily unbolted and there are plenty of after-market options to replace them, making it easily customizable. As with all the other Hondas on this list, it’s beautifully put together and will last long beyond the time when you might think you’ve grown out of it. In fact, it’s so much fun to ride, you’ll never grow out of it.

Specs

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Kawasaki Z125 Pro Is Better Than The Honda Grom

6 Honda CB125R

Honda again and why not? Of all the manufacturers, Honda hasn’t lost sight of what made it so successful in the first place and realizes that what people wanted from a motorcycle 75 years ago is what many people want today. The CB125R is a brilliant blend of performance, style, quality, ease of use and value. The ergonomics are roomy and comfortable, the chassis excellent and the equipment levels impressive for an entry-level sports bike: inverted forks, radially-mounted front brake caliper and LCD dash. Even better, it closely resembles Honda’s larger ‘Neo Café Racer’-style models, such as the CB650R and CB1000R so the younger rider needn’t feel looked down upon.

​​​​​​​Specs

5 KTM Duke 125

KTM’s Duke series has redefined the naked sports bike segment but, while most attention is lavished on the 390 Duke at one end and the 1290 Duke at the other, that doesn’t mean that you should ignore the 125 Duke if you’re in the market for a funky beginner’s bike. It’s been around since 2012 and has always been characterized by the punchy, 15 horsepower single cylinder engine, with full liquid cooling and double overhead camshafts, the steel tube trellis frame and excellent quality WP suspension. Everything has been updated or replaced for the 2024 model which has made the Duke 125 even sharper, faster and more agile, although not everyone will like the garish, angular styling.

Specs

4 Aprilia RS4 125

If you’re after a beginner’s bike, there’s no reason you have to plump for boring: you can also have super-sexy as well, if that’s your thing. Aprilia’s 125cc ‘sports’ bike has always been popular, offering something more exotic than its Japanese rivals. They used to be powered by a two-stroke engine, but now there is a liquid-cooled, four-valve, DOHC, fuel-injected four-stroke single still thrives on revs and also delivers as much power (14.7bhp) as any rival. You also get beautiful Italian sports bike styling, excellent specification and a brilliant combination of novice-friendly manners and out-and-out sports bike dynamics. If you’re a young rider who’s desperate to prove your sports bike chops, there really is no other bike that comes close in this class.

​​​​​​​Specs

3 Kawasaki Ninja 125

We’ve already featured the Z125 naked model but for the out-and-out hooligan that resides in all young riders, you can’t beat the Ninja 125, with its full fairing and ZX-10 looks. The lightweight Ninja carves through the mountain roads with ease and predictability, with great mid-corner stability and the suspension doesn’t lose its composure even when the surface is less than perfect. Better still, in dense traffic through urban treks, it’s light and agile, helping you to navigate all the obstacles you’re likely to encounter. With its punchy motor, head-turning looks and handling to match, Kawasaki has created a fun and easy to ride novice-legal motorcycle. As with all Japanese motorcycles, you need have no concerns over reliability.

Specs

Related: 10 Best Versions Of The Kawasaki Ninja

2 Yamaha YZF-R125

Top speed isn’t something normally spoken about in this class, but when there’s a potential 80mph on hand, it’s worth shouting about. The miniature YZF-R1 that is the YZF-R125 appeared in 2008 and immediately impressed with its road manners, specification and performance and nothing has changed all that much in the intervening years. The third generation model arrived in 2019 and features variable valve timing in the engine, which produces 14.7 horsepower and nine foot pounds of torque. In 2023, it has gained R7-like styling, a TFT dash, traction control and there is even provision for a quick shifter! If you prefer Japanese to Italian, then the YZF-R125 is easily a match for the Aprilia RS125: just imagine the fun you could have with a bunch of these fighting over every corner on your favorite twisty road.

​​​​​​​Specs

1 Aprilia SX125

As the Hondas at the top of this list showed, 125cc motorcycling isn’t all naked and faired sports models or more mundane city bikes, such as the Honda Super Cub. The Aprilia SX125 falls into the category of road-legal trail bikes, but the big difference here is that it has road-bike wheel sizes, turning it into a super motard for beginners. The engine is a single cylinder affair, liquid-cooled and with double overhead camshafts, producing 14.8 horsepower and 8.3 foot pounds of torque. Stylish, (relatively) fast, well-made and not at all expensive for an Italian motorcycle. Free with every SX125 is a bag full of grins, and you’ll have gone through them all in a short ride.

​​​​​​​Specs

Sources: MCN and Cycle World