Motorcycles with smaller engines are very popular in many parts of the world as they are economical, low maintenance, and time savers that emphasize their usefulness. However, even small bikes can be quite speedy, so you might wonder how fast a 125cc motorcycle goes.
A 125cc motorcycle can usually reach about 70 mph (113 kph), but some models can even go up to 80 mph (129 kph) or more. Bikes that are badly maintained can normally still do 60 mph (97 kph) on a decent road without too much trouble, but your top speed will depend on the 125cc bike you buy.
125cc motorcycles are manufactured to target a specific segment of people who need safe transport without frills, for whom speed may not be a consideration. Keep reading as we take a look at the uses of 125cc motorcycles in depth below, and compare the speeds of some models.
Overview Of 125cc Bikes
The cc in 125cc (and in every capacity of bike) stands for cubic centimeters. It is the size of the engine chamber on the bike and is correlated to the maximum speed and power of the bike. The more cubic centimeters, generally the higher the power of the engine, and also often the higher its fuel consumption. All of them are interlinked, so changing one will impact the others as well.
Who They’re For
125cc bikes are generally manufactured for commuters and recreational riders who want to own a bike that is inexpensive and fuel efficient. These motorcycles are highly in demand by people with lower budgets in need of reliable personal transport. Because of their extreme popularity, almost all motorcycle manufacturers make 100cc and 125cc bikes, making it a very competitive market.
The big attraction of these bikes is their low cost, so manufacturers remove all unessential accessories to keep costs down. The big four Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki, offer a number of 125cc models, although European and other regional manufacturers have a small market share as well.
A Quick Note
Since 125cc dirt bikes and 125cc bikes that use two-stroke engines are irrelevant to most motorcycle buyers, they are not discussed here. Two-stroke engines have much higher power output compared to four-stroke engines, and aren’t really manufactured anymore, but those who are interested in looking them up can do so.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of 125cc Motorcycles
Advantages Of 125cc Bikes
The Price Factor
Let’s face it, a lot of our decisions are dictated by money, and when it comes to this key factor, the small bikes are the undisputed kings that leave their competition lying in the dust. They cost less, are massively fuel efficient, need little maintenance, take a lot of abuse, and still keep working. The initial cost of buying one is also much less than buying a 250cc or 350cc bike.
125cc engines are not designed to run at high RPMs, and so do not need to be as complicated as high-performance engines. They use disc brakes, but their speed does not require the use of anti-lock braking systems (ABS), further reducing costs. Digital instrument panels with a tachometer, tripmeter, and a navigation system that is common on luxury bikes are also rarely found here.
Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel efficiency, these bikes are streets ahead of the competition with typical figures of more than 100 mpg that are impossible to get from larger engines. It needs to be pointed out here that bikes with even better fuel economy are available, but such efficiency comes at the expense of power, and are best suited for a single rider without a pillion passenger.
If you are in need of a bike to travel long distances regularly, the best possible choice is any bike with an engine capacity of 100cc to 125cc, as fuel costs will be kept to a minimum. 50cc bikes are even more fuel efficient, but it is difficult to manage with such low power, and these are normally no more than scooters.
In many parts of the world including Asia and Africa, the big four Japanese manufacturers have set up factories to manufacture 100cc bikes and have become export hubs that cater to the extremely high demand for them all over the world. These bikes are manufactured with fuel efficiency as their main selling point.
Low Maintenance
All motorcycles have a recurring cost built into owning them, which is their regular maintenance. As the performance of a bike increases, so does the wear and tear on it, thus requiring regular servicing and, in many cases, replacement of critical parts that are expensive. Small engine bikes being low performance can tolerate a huge amount of abuse and still keep working.
Since their main requirement is a regular change of gearbox oil and chain lubrication, repair costs are minimal. Small-engine bikes are designed to run at lower revs, which translates into longer engine life, and less frequent part replacement.
Enough Speed
A 125cc bike has enough speed to take you to your destination in time, as long as there isn’t too much weight on it. With a rider of average weight and without a pillion passenger, most small-engine bikes can do 60 mph (97 kph) with ease, even if they have been poorly maintained. Some will go faster, but it’s usually not going to be all that comfortable
Enough Power To Carry A Pillion Passenger
125cc bikes have enough power to transport a pillion passenger as well, which adds to their cost efficiency. You might find the bike straining to go up an incline, but it gets there eventually. As long as you are willing to accept the power tradeoff that is inherent to small bikes, they are good enough for most journeys.
Disadvantages Of 125cc Bikes
Low Weight
The average weight of a 125cc bike is about 250 lbs (113 kg) which may seem to be good in helping its speed. But get caught in a strong wind blowing sideways and that’s when you find out what the value of weight is. But for beginners that aren’t maybe the strongest, this low weight is definitely more of a pro than a con.
Low Power
While the advantages of small engines may seem to outweigh any disadvantages, they do have one major downside. When transporting two people, the bike will struggle, especially on inclines, and even more so if both riders are fairly heavy. The bike isn’t going to come to a standstill, but this is when you really find out if you need a bigger engine.
KEY POINTS
• 125cc motorcycles are some of the most fuel-efficient bikes on the market
• They’re not that powerful, but they’re lightweight and easy to maintain
• They can carry two people, but won’t be that fast or comfortable
Are 125cc Motorcycles Good For Beginners?
125cc motorcycles are good for beginners, thanks to their low weight and low power outputs, and generally low cost. They are also very fuel efficient and require minimal maintenance when compared to other bikes. However, serious riders will quickly outgrow the capabilities of a 125cc bike.
Beginner riders have to learn the limits of acceleration and braking in the real world, so it’s better to get the experience on a bike that isn’t too fast. Speed can be thrilling, but it can also lead to fatal consequences for inexperienced riders on high-performance bikes ridden on public roads. Beginners should learn on bikes that limit their chances to go wrong, making 125cc bikes ideal.
What 125cc Motorcycles Are Best Used For
The small engine segment is intended for commuter riders, recreational riding, and for use as a delivery bike. Offering enough speed and power for one person, these bikes are a delight to ride, easy on the wallet, and low on maintenance. They can carry two people, but just don’t expect the fastest or most comfortable ride.
Their typical fuel economy is about 100+ mpg, which makes them ideal for long rides into the country or on camping trips. Their fuel tanks typically hold about 2 gallons (7.5 liters), giving them a range of 380 miles (611 km), which is more than adequate for a long trip.
Most 125cc bike buyers are in the market for price and economy, so many of the models are manufactured with their fuel economy as their top priority and speed is a very distant second. It is important to remember that these motorcycles are budget bikes and not luxury motorcycles, so don’t expect the same performance and treat them accordingly.
Can You Take A 125cc Motorcycle On The Highway?
You can ride a 125cc bike on the highway after you have become thoroughly familiar with the nuances of the bike. They are powerful enough to be legally ridden on most highways in the US and motorways in the UK. Most 125cc bikes are fitted with disc brakes that provide enough braking power.
Most importantly, you need to be aware of the speed limits. In the UK, the speed limit on a single carriageway is 60 mph (96 kph), and on a dual carriageway it is 70 mph (112 kph). In the US, speed limits will vary depending on what state you’re in.
Top Speeds Of 5 125cc Motorcycles Compared
| Motorcycle | Top Speed | Acceleration (0-60 mph) |
| Honda CB125R | 75 mph / 121 kph | 14. 1 seconds |
| Suzuki GSX-R125 | 72 mph / 116 kph | 12.6 seconds |
| KTM 125 Duke | 75 mph / 121 kph | 21.0 seconds |
| Yamaha MT-125 | 80 mph / 129 kph | 14.8 seconds |
| Kawasaki Ninja 125 | 70 mph / 113 kph | 10.0 seconds |
Most 125cc bikes can go from 0 to 60 in about 12 seconds, with a few seconds of leeway on either side, but a lot depends on the road condition, weight carried, tire condition, and many other factors.
If speed and acceleration are key factors to you, then it might be better to look at motorcycles with bigger engines, as 125cc bikes are not famous for their top speed. These bikes are considered to be workhorses that perform day in and day out with little maintenance.
What Is The Fastest 125cc Motorcycle?
The fastest 125cc bike currently available is the Aprilia 125 which has a top speed of about 100 mph (161 kph). Generally, most 125cc bikes will have a top speed between 70 mph (113 kph) and 80 mph (129 kph). This will vary with the weight of the rider, aerodynamics, and the condition of the bike.
In real life, the rider is going to find it hard to achieve these speeds consistently, as there are many other factors that prevent you from doing so. Small bikes have thin tires that don’t have the same amount of grip as the thicker ones found on larger bikes. Wet roads and dirt roads have to be navigated with extra care as these tires can slip quite easily.
Normally, these bikes are shipped from the factory with a front radial tire and a rear knobbly one. Tire pressure and suspension can add or subtract from the bike’s top speed. In the long run, even though the bike can achieve a high top speed, it isn’t worth pushing it to the brink all the time as it isn’t designed to run at top speed for a long time.
The majority of 125cc bikes are air-cooled, and riding at peak speed heats the bike up very quickly and accelerates the wear and tear on it, which is only going to increase maintenance costs.
KEY POINTS
• While some 125cc bikes can reach 100 mph, most top out at 70-80 mph
• They’re not designed to be ridden at high speed for very long
• If you need more power and speed, it’s best to look at bigger motorcycles
Final Thoughts
125cc motorcycles usually have a top speed of about 60-80 mph, but some can reach closer to 100 mph, but riding at these speeds won’t be comfortable. A 125cc bike is a good choice for beginners to learn riding on, and is the ultimate commuting bike because of its fuel efficiency.