Learners might love 'em, but I reckon there's more to the humble 125... check out my top used picks!

It’s a mistake to dismiss all 125 motorbikes as mere learner fodder: A decent 125 makes a perfect urban commuter as let’s be honest: battling through stalled city traffic on an R1200GS or Panigale is pure lunacy.

And a good one is still fun to ride, even outside town, as long as you stay away from fast roads.

Related: Best high-vis vests for commuters

Because of their popularity the 125 class offers a buyer masses of choice. These are our favourites.

Read on for our expert guide to great used 125cc motorbikes!

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MCN Recommended: 2014-2023 Yamaha MT-125 – £2950

MCN Star Buy

Spec:

• Power 15bhp
• Engine capacity 124cc
• Seat height 810mm

Like other bikes in Yamaha’s MT range, there’s a touch of genius in the MT-125. It’s brilliantly styled, is bang on the legal power-to-weight limit so makes the best use of the YZF-R125 engine, it’s cleverly designed and performs really well; with a stiff back wind you could see as much as 80mph on the clock.

The upright riding position gives good visibility and control and equipment includes an LED headlight, a dashboard with trip timer, mpg, service indicator and average speed info. And, to crown it all, it’s amazingly frugal and has a big tank: over 250 miles to a tankful is feasible, or the same range as a BMW K1600GT. Not cheap to buy new but affordable used.

Yamaha MT-125 used buying advice

Thieves love them so look for signs of attempted theft, such as damage to the ignition barrel, lock stops or wheels. Also, be sure to do an HPI check. Mechanically they’re very reliable and the engine is solid as long as the oil level has been kept topped up. Most problems come as the result of a previous owner’s neglect, so inspect tyres, chains, brake pads, calipers and trim for damage.

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2020-on Benelli TNT125 – £1795

The Chinese One

Spec:

• Power 11bhp
• Engine capacity 125cc
• Seat height 780mm

The Benelli TNT 125 is a streetfighter-styled mini or monkey bike which falls very much into the same category as the popular Honda MSX125 Grom (below). Like that bike, the little Benelli looks utterly sensational right down to the twin-pipe silencer which makes it appear as if it has a twin-cylinder engine (it doesn’t)! Like the Grom, the TNT is really more of a fun bike than a serious motorcycle, but it’ll hit 60mph with a following wind. It’s much cheaper to buy new than the Grom, but is something of an unknown quantity.

Benelli TNT125 used buying advice

The Benelli’s combined braking system has come in for criticism and it’s built in China, so long-term quality and durability is something of a gamble. If it hasn’t been done already, treat the engine to a decent spark plug, some fresh oil and give it a good, all-over nut-and-bolt check.

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2014-2021 Honda MSX125 ‘Grom’ – £2250

The Famous One

Spec:

• Power 10bhp
• Engine capacity 125cc
• Seat height 765mm

This ‘mini-street Xtreme’ Honda MSX 125 has already become a cult bike, while the US nickname of Grom is so universal some people think it’s the official name. Instead it’s a 21st century Dax with a perky little engine, 12in wheels and fat tyres, good brakes, decent equipment but nowhere near the level of performance of the the KTM Duke. If it feels tiny it’s because it is. Top speed, like the Benelli, is only about 60 but it feels faster. It’s ok in cities but you wouldn’t want to do a long trip on one. Nutters do, of course.

Honda MSX125 Grom used buying advice

There’s no such thing as a stock MSX: they’re all modified (turbocharged, even), so look for bodged air filter conversions and the like. Most are used as a second bike so mileages are low but don’t be surprised to see early models with decent mileages on them.

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2018 KTM Duke 125 – £2350

The Grown-Up One

Spec:

• Power 15bhp
• Engine capacity 125cc
• Seat height 830mm

A stunning, sports, single-cylinder roadster with top-notch cycle parts and equipment, including full colour TFT dash, WP suspension (although it’s non-adjustable), illuminated switchgear, four-piston radial front brake caliper and LED headlight. Very roomy and with a slightly canted-forward riding position that is reminiscent of Triumph’s Street Triple, the KTM’s a viable rival for anything built by the Japanese. Avoid the pre-2017 models: they’re nowhere near as good and have iffy finish quality.

KTM Duke 125 used buying advice

The fuel gauge indicates full for ages then drops like a stone. There was a recall in 2017 on the headlight, so check it’s been done. They’re known to stall until the engine is fully warm so allow it to idle for a while before you ride away.

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2005 Suzuki Van Van 125 – £1000

The Cheap One

Spec:

• Power 12bhp
• Engine capacity 124cc
• Seat height 770mm

The Suzuki Van Van 125 modern take on the old RV125, a 1970s two-stroke, with the same beach bike, fat-tyred style but now with four-stroke power. Cute looks aside, it’s very basic and quite slow, even by 125cc standards (the 200cc version isn’t much quicker, either). But the little Suzuki is light, comfy, reliable and the seat is very low, making it particularly popular with female riders. It also has a touch of off-road ability thanks to the fat tyres and has bags of character (in an oddball way). It’s also very cheap used.

Suzuki Van Van 125 used buying advice

It’s so simple and basic that there’s not much to go wrong and it doesn’t. Just look for the usual learner abuse. Odd tyre sizes means the choice of rubber is limited to just Bridgestone or Dunlop.