Back in the 90's the best sports starter bike was without a doubt the Aprilia RS50 & RS125, end of. However, times have changed and the Japanese have something to say about that, Yamaha mostly wanted to change that and they sure did when they brought out the YZF-R125 which was a game changer and rocketing sales when launched in 2008.
However, with all that said, the rest of the Japanese motorcycle market wanted a piece of the pie and now, not only do with have Yamaha and Aprilia trying to hold on to the number one spot, we now have the likes of Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki wanting in on the action. But which one is the best and why.
However, if you are sixteen and thinking about which of the above best suits you then hold on, let me make that easy for you. Apirila, here's why they are the only one who still does a 50cc mainstream bike as the other brands all start at 125cc for the sports, unless you are looking for a scooter of some sort then you are good to go with a wide selection for all five brands and more.
Now, for the big Boys/Girl stuff Yamaha were the kingpins of recent times, however, Honda has set new levels with Suzuki following close behind.
Heres the top pick in no particular order:
Aprilia RS4 - 125
Power: 15PS 11.0 kW @ 10,000rpm - Engine 124cc 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC - Weight 134kg - 122.82 MPG - Top speed 65mph - Fuel Capacity: 14.5 Liters - Seat Hight 820mm - Price £3,999.00
Yamaha YZ-R125
Power: 14.6PS 10.6 kW @ 10,200rpm - Engine: 124cc, 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC - Weight 127kg - 52.0 MPG - Top speed 75mph - Fuel Capacity: 13.8 Liters - Seat Hight 818mm - Price £4,250.00
Honda CBR125
Power: 13.1PS 10.0 kW @ 9,900rpm - Engine: 124cc, 2v 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC - Weight 136kg - 88.0 MPG - Top speed 70mph - Fuel Capacity: 13.0 Liters - Seat Hight 793mm - Price £3,599.00
Suzuki GSX - R125
Power 15PS 11.0 kW @ 10,000rpm - Engine: 124cc 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC - Weight 134kg - 122.82MPG - Top speed - Fuel Capacity: 11.0 Liters - Seat Hight 785mm - Price £4,099.00
Kawasaki ZX125
Power: 14.7PS 10.8 kW @ 10,300rpm - Engine: 125cc, 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC - Weight 146kg - 98MPG - Top speed 74mph - Fuel Capacity: 11.0 Liters - Seat Hight 785mm - Price £4,399.00
KTM Duke 125
Power 15.0PS 11.0 kW @ 10,100rpm - Engine: 125cc, 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC - Weight 137kg - 93MPG - Top speed 75mph - Fuel Capacity: 13.4 Liters - Seat Hight 830mm - Price £4,099.00
With the best bang for buck, we couldn't help but to opt for the Aprilia RS125, priced at £3,999.00 on the road and MPG of 122 with a top speed of 65MPH this seem like the right choose if you want to tick all the boxes, however if its speed you want then the best option for you would be the Yamaha YR-125 which hits top speed at 75mph straight from the factory.
Tell us your top pick and why in the comments below.
