In North America, motorcycles are not just a means of transportation but also great companions for leisure. For those seeking a laid – back riding experience, 125cc motorcycles are a great choice. Here are five 125cc motorcycles from foreign brands that I recommend.
1. Honda MSX125 (Grom)
Advantages
- Unique Appearance
The Honda MSX125 (Grom) combines cuteness and individuality perfectly in its design. It is small and compact, with simple and smooth body lines. Overall, it looks like a mini superbike. This unique design makes it stand out among motorcycles. Whether on urban streets or at leisure gathering places, it can be the center of attention. When I ride it myself, people often come to ask what kind of bike it is. It feels really cool. - Excellent Maneuverability
Thanks to its small size and light weight, it is extremely easy to handle. When riding in the city, it is like a nimble little elf that can easily weave through traffic. Narrow streets and crowded parking lots are no problem for it. The steering is very precise, and even beginners can handle it easily. I once rode in a small square full of obstacles, and its flexibility allowed me to easily bypass all of them. It was a great feeling. - Practical Configuration
It is equipped with a PGM – FI fuel injection system. This system ensures accurate and efficient fuel injection, allowing the fuel to burn fully, thus improving fuel economy and reducing fuel costs. The braking system is also reliable, and some models are even equipped with ABS (Anti – lock Braking System), which can effectively prevent wheel lock – up during emergency braking and greatly improve riding safety.
Disadvantages
- Slightly Underpowered
After all, with only 125cc of displacement, its power output is indeed limited. When you need to accelerate quickly or overtake on the highway, you will clearly feel that it lacks power. I sometimes feel that it is a bit powerless when I need a quick start. - Short Range
Its fuel tank has a small capacity, which results in a relatively short range and requires frequent refueling. If you plan to go on a long – distance ride, this can be inconvenient. I once planned to ride to a small town in the suburbs, and during the trip, I had to keep an eye on the fuel gauge more than I would have liked.
2. Yamaha YBR125
Advantages
- Cost – effective
The Yamaha YBR125 performs excellently in terms of fuel economy. Its fuel consumption is very low, which is a great advantage for daily leisure rides. Every time you fill up the tank, you can ride a long distance, and the cost of refueling is also low. My monthly fuel expenses for this motorcycle are much lower compared to other models. This is very attractive to riders who care about cost. - Good Comfort
Its seat is flat and wide, making it very comfortable to sit on. Even after a long – time ride, you won’t feel overly tired. The overall ergonomics of the bike are good, allowing for a relaxed riding posture. I once went on a long – time rural ride on it, and after that, I didn’t feel too much discomfort in my body. - Reliable Quality
Yamaha is a well – known brand, and its product quality is widely recognized. The YBR125 is no exception. Its engine performance is stable, and it rarely has breakdowns. As long as you maintain it according to the normal maintenance procedures, it can accompany you for a long time. I have been using my YBR125 for several years, and apart from replacing some normal wear – and – tear parts, I haven’t had any major problems.
Disadvantages
- Plain – looking Appearance
The design of the YBR125 is rather traditional and lacks some fashionable and unique elements. Compared to those cool – looking motorcycles, it looks a bit ordinary. For some riders who pursue a unique – looking motorcycle, it may not be able to meet their aesthetic needs. - Average Power Performance
In terms of power, its acceleration performance and maximum speed are relatively ordinary. If you are a rider who pursues speed and excitement, the YBR125 may make you feel that it is not powerful enough. When I’m on a road with good conditions and want to experience a sense of speed, I will feel that its power performance is a bit dull.
3. Suzuki GSX – R125
Advantages
- Excellent Sports Performance
The Suzuki GSX – R125 is a 125cc motorcycle with excellent sports performance. Its body design fully considers aerodynamic principles, which can effectively reduce wind resistance at high speeds, making the vehicle more stable. Its suspension system and braking system are carefully tuned to provide an excellent handling experience. When cornering, the suspension system can well support the vehicle body, and the braking response is very sensitive. I once rode on a winding mountain road, and the handling of the GSX – R125 allowed me to take on every corner with confidence. - Strong Brand Influence
Suzuki is a highly recognized brand in the motorcycle industry. Its brand influence and market recognition are high, which means that after purchasing the GSX – R125, you can enjoy relatively complete after – sales service. Whether it is maintenance or parts replacement, it is relatively convenient. Moreover, Suzuki’s product quality has always been reliable, which also makes riders more at ease. - Cool – looking Appearance
The appearance design of this motorcycle is stylish and full of a sense of movement. The body lines are smooth, and the color combinations are bright and eye – catching, full of modernity and a sports atmosphere. Its overall shape meets the aesthetic requirements of young people for motorcycle appearance very well. When you ride it, you can definitely attract a lot of attention. Every time I ride my GSX – R125 out, I feel like I’m a racer coming off the racetrack.
Disadvantages
- Uncomfortable Seating Position
Since it is a sports – type motorcycle, its seating position is rather aggressive. Riding for a long time will make your body tired, especially your waist and arms. I once went on a long – distance ride and had to take frequent breaks during the trip to relieve my body fatigue. - Relatively High Price
As an imported – brand motorcycle, the price of the GSX – R125 is relatively high. This may put some pressure on some riders with a limited budget. When considering buying this bike, you need to comprehensively consider your financial situation.
4. Kawasaki Z125 PRO
Advantages
- High – level Handling Fun
The Kawasaki Z125 PRO has a small and flexible body, and its handling is excellent. It seems to be born for urban streets and can easily shuttle through various complex road conditions. In narrow corners or congested traffic, its flexibility allows riders to enjoy unique handling fun. I especially like riding it in the city and changing lanes nimbly in the heavy traffic. It feels like playing an interesting game. - Individual Appearance
It inherits the family genes of the Kawasaki Z series. Its appearance design is tough and full of individuality. Unique design elements such as the “Z” – shaped taillight and the gold – colored inverted front shock absorber make it highly recognizable among motorcycles. Its appearance is not only eye – catching but also shows a unique mechanical beauty. Every time I park it on the side of the road, someone will come over to stop and look at it. It’s a great feeling to be noticed. - Low Fuel Consumption
The Kawasaki Z125 PRO, which uses an air – cooled single – cylinder engine, has good fuel economy and low fuel consumption. This makes its daily use cost low, and you don’t need to spend too much on fuel. For those riders who ride often but don’t want to spend too much on fuel, it is a very practical advantage.
Disadvantages
- Limited Power
The power output of the air – cooled engine is relatively weak. In some situations where more power is required, such as climbing hills or overtaking quickly, it may feel a bit strenuous. When I encounter some steep slopes, I need to accelerate in advance; otherwise, I will feel that the power is insufficient. - Insufficient Storage Space
As a small motorcycle, it has very limited storage space. Basically, it can only hold small items such as keys and mobile phones. If you want to carry more things, it will be difficult. I once tried to carry a small backpack and found it very difficult to find a suitable place to put it.
5. Honda CB125R
Advantages
- Retro – style Charm
The Honda CB125R adopts a retro – style design in its appearance, full of nostalgic charm. Elements such as the round LED headlight, the exposed steel – tube frame, and the cast rear swing arm make people feel as if they have returned to the classic era of motorcycles. This retro style is very suitable for riders who have deep feelings for motorcycle culture, and it also attracts many young people who pursue individuality and unique taste. I was attracted by its retro appearance myself, and every time I ride it, I feel like reliving the glorious history of motorcycles. - High – end Configuration
This motorcycle is equipped with high – quality suspension and braking systems. For example, the gold – painted 41mm Showa SFF – BP inverted front fork and Nissin four – piston calipers, etc. These configurations are at a relatively high level among motorcycles of the same class. They provide riders with excellent handling performance and safety guarantees. During the riding process, I can clearly feel the advantages brought by these high – end configurations, both in terms of comfort and safety. - Good Power Performance
The water – cooled single – cylinder engine provides relatively strong power output for the CB125R. Among 125cc motorcycles, its power performance is relatively prominent. Whether it is starting acceleration or power response at medium – low speeds, it can meet the rider’s needs. When I ride on urban roads, its power is enough for me to easily handle various road conditions.
Disadvantages
- High Seat Height
The seat height of the CB125R is relatively high, which may bring some inconvenience to shorter riders. It may take more time to get used to when getting on and off the bike. During the riding process, your feet may not be able to fully touch the ground, which may affect your confidence in handling when parking or riding at low speeds. A short – statured friend of mine felt that the seat height was a bit uncomfortable when he tried to ride my CB125R. - Relatively Expensive Price
Due to factors such as its configuration and brand, the price of the Honda CB125R is relatively high. This may exceed the affordability of some riders with a limited budget. Before buying, you need to carefully consider your financial situation and your needs for the motorcycle.
I hope the above motorcycle recommendations can help motorcycle enthusiasts in North America who use motorcycles mainly for leisure purposes find their ideal two – wheeled partners and fully enjoy the fun of riding.