Best A1 Motorcycles For Beginner Riders
A1 motorcycles are vehicles up to 125 cc’s with a maximum output of about 15 horsepower. Maybe that sounds a bit limiting but being able to go up to 125cc’s actually gives riders a pretty large selection to choose from as compared to the AM compliant two wheelers which are mainly restricted to 50cc scooter or mopeds.
When compared to an A2 Motorcycle; the A1’s are entry level motorcycles. Thus, the 125cc segment becomes the most ideal engine capacity among all the beginner riders. Since this segment is compliant with A1 license and engineered to give a big bike feel; the 125cc motorcycle engine offers the best of both worlds. Additionally, they are affordable, easy to ride, and are a perfect companion for both new and veteran bikers to use as daily commuters or for a weekend getaway.
To help narrow the selection down, we have shortlisted some of the best A1 motorcycles for you. Let’s have a look.
15 Best A1 Motorcycles
Yamaha YS 125
While the Yamaha YS is directly aimed at learner riders and commuters by offering a reliable commuter friendly option, this 125cc motorcycle is still good fun on the road with its 18-inch wheels, Eco indicator, and a noted 140 miles per gallon economy. Everything is geared towards riders who care about reliability and economy while making this ride fun.
The bike is priced around $4,099 and has a 5-speed manual gear box with a 14 liter tank that gives around 140 miles per gallon, thanks to its Eco indicator. The top speed is around 65 miles per hour and the weight of the bike is very low (129 kilograms) providing it a very smooth handling.
KTM Duke 125
The Duke 125 has a striking aesthetics making it an urban warrior. It is ready and loaded with 15 brake horsepower from the liquid cooled engine. The KTM Duke is a great companion for everyday use. Be it the country corners or the morning traffic, the 33mm throttle body and a fuel injection system makes it a dream ride.
Being a KTM, it’s smothered in that gorgeous orange that the brand is known for. Working amongst Saturn black finishes throughout, the Duke 125 is an absolute stunner. Some noteworthy features include; lightweight upside down WP forks, Supermoto ABS, Bybre brakes, and 17-inch racing wheels. With price starting from $6,099, this one does come in at the steeper end but with the looks and the specs, you surely realize it’s more than worth it.
Yamaha YZF-R125
The YZF-R125 is a hugely popular sports bike from Yamaha. It was updated in 2019 and is inspired by its legendary bigger brother the YZF-R1. Yamaha aren’t messing around as this bike really does push the limits for 125 sports bike with an assistant slipper clutch variable valve actuation (VVA) and high-flow cylinder head. You won’t experience any shortage in power as it outputs 14.7 brake horsepower.
With the MotoGP inspired cockpit and lightweight parts all around the body; the weight only comes in at 142 kilograms. Overall this bike is wickedly fast for a 125cc segment. You can purchase this brand new motorcycle for around $7,599.
Some noteworthy features include; top speed of above 75 miles per hour, 11 liter fuel tank which will get you around 132 miles per gallon, and 32 inch seat height ideal for tall riders.
Honda CB125R
The all-new CB125R from Honda has remained the top preferred bike post its upgraded version in 2021. This stunning Neo Sports two wheeler boasts a strip back exterior and contrasting metal finishes throughout emphasizing its modern Café racer style.
A liquid cooled engine produces 14.7 brake horsepower and is capable of 80 miles per hour! Like the other premium options on our list, the CB125R is one of Honda’s flagship models that is fully equipped with technology and traditional style.
Some interesting features include; All-digital LCD dashboard, Dual Channel ABS, USD Front Forks, and solid build quality. The looks, performance, and specs are all combined together to provide a brilliant A1 compliant motorcycle that is just priced around $6,099 making it a top contender in our list.
Aprilia RS 125
With sports bike DNA running through its veins; the Aprilia RS125 is a true thoroughbred 125cc sports machine that is extremely popular among CBT riders. One of the most popular on our list, the RS125 spits out 15 brake horsepower and is capable of 80 miles per hour from its liquid cooled engine, making it the fastest A1 motorcycle in our list in line with the CB125R. The build quality of these bikes is second to none as is the case with all Aprilia machines, so you can expect this one to last.
Key features on this motorcycle include aluminum built frame, ABS, inverted forks, and RSV4 styling which really makes it stand out in a crowd. Price for the standard RS125 starts from $6,599 and some extra bucks can get you the GP replica which is equipped with a Quickshifter to give you a true race feel.
Suzuki GSX-R 125
The GSXR125 is a legend in the 125cc market. It has been loved by new riders since 2017 and it’s quite obvious as to why. This stunning sporty bike is one of the best performing motorcycle in its class and has that famous GSX-R badge. A liquid cooled four-stroke engine with a larger bore that was built specifically for this model produces 15 brake horsepower. Pair this with a weight of just 134 kilograms and it comfortably crosses the 70 miles per hour mark.
An aggressive riding position due to its low seat height provides a sporty feel while riding. So be it your daily commute or a ride out with friends, you are definitely going to love it.
The GSXR125 comes with impressive specs including 6-speed gearbox, keyless ignition, Bosch ABS, and gear indicators, making this a heritage sport bike with a price tag of $6,500.
Yamaha MT-125
The stunning MT125 from Yamaha is a dynamic naked bike that absolutely drips in Japanese style. Its dark and aggressive stance provides a menacing and predatory like presence on the road. However, its liquid cooled euro 125cc compliant engine is not as menacing as it may look, making it ideal for beginner riders searching for A1 sports variant.
Yamaha’s exclusive torque-boosting VVA system with two intake cams provides it with a top speed of 75 miles per hour. And with a price tag of $4,500, it is quite a cheap option in the 125cc segment.
The MT125 boasts very impressive specifications which includes a 41mm upside down fork, negative LCD instrument cluster panel, assist & slipper clutch, led lighting throughout, and aluminum swing arm. This is truly a fantastic motorcycle and we absolutely love it. So if you are okay with the price tag, it’s definitely worth considering.
Lexmoto LXR 125
The most budget-friendly sport bike variant on our list is the Lexmoto LXR125. This machine provides a big bike feel even though you are still on your A1 license. Beneath its robust trellis frame is a liquid cooled engine that provides smooth torque of 12.1 brake horsepower. With a weight of 167 kilograms, it’s among the heaviest motorcycles in 125 cc segment. Thus, making it the most loved bike among the new riders. The aggressive styling, wide range of options, and its premium feel definitely makes this bike worth your consideration.
Some noteworthy features include; aluminum swing arm, upside down forks, 6-speed gearbox and a very competitive price ($3,122).
Mutt Mongrel 125
In our opinion Mutt Mongrel is one of the coolest motorcycle brands that we would happily ride compared to any other A1 compliant motorcycle brand. With their amazing range of motorcycles there is no denying the fact that the brand is certainly killing the market with its stunning looks.
It is engineered to give an industrial thump as well as stunning features. With an iconic round headlight, low and wide handlebars, and traditional styling elements; the bike has a retro vibe with all the modern day necessities. A combined braking system with front and rear disc brakes paired up with chunky 18-inch tires provides you all the stopping power you could ever need from the Mongrel.
The four-stroke air cooled motor provides 12 brake horsepower allowing 70 miles per hour with ease. Priced at around $3,990, this bike isn’t all hats; it’s certainly got some cattle too.
Sinnis Terrain 125
With an upgraded version released in 2021, Sinnis Terrain 125 now features a liquid-cooled engine as opposed to its air cooled predecessor. An upgraded max output of 12.7 brake horsepower providing riders with smooth power delivery throughout the rev range, and a new six-speed gearbox that allows increased traction control across all landscapes. So the good news for adventure enthusiasts; this bike is perfect for your off beaten road trips to give you the perfect adrenaline in style.
Priced at $4,100; the Terrain 125 comes with an all new O-ring chain dual cable throttle and an upgraded battery, ensuring the bike stays competitive within the 125cc market.
Honda Monkey
Released in 2019, Honda Monkey is a 125cc motorcycle that will take a tiny bit of room in your garage. It weighs just 107 kilograms and produces 9.25 brake horsepower with its air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine. Although it is available in only two colors for now, but that doesn’t stop it from being purely spectacular. You get upside down forks, twin rear shocks, front and rear discs with ABS, and a robust bike feel.
Priced around $3,999; the Honda Monkey has a 5.6 liter tank which is estimated to give 189 miles per gallon. It has a 4-speed manual gearbox and a seat height of just 30.55 inch.
Keeway Superlight 125
The Superlight 125 is a favorite amongst budding cruiser fans who have a thing for choppers and as such is the best-selling 125 cruiser in the market. The ergonomics and riding experience matches exactly that of a cruiser with a characteristically low 28 inch seat height. The 15 liter fuel tank is estimated to provide 110 miles per gallon. The air cooled single cylinder engine provides around 10.4 brake horsepower, but due to its super lightweight (134 kilograms) you won’t complain much on power.
Some of the noteworthy features include; top speed of around 70 miles per hour, 5-speed manual gearbox, 270mm front disc, and an attractive $2,999 price tag.
Honda MSX 125
Having been around since 2013, the MSX has been redesigned a few times and is still the highest selling bike under this segment. It’s clearly a favorite choice among beginner riders who prefer a more compact bike. The MSX 125 outputs 9.6 brake horsepower from its air-cooled single cylinder motor, whilst this may not sound anything special; the MSX has a curb weight of 101 kilograms and 12 inch wheels making it really quick on the road.
It is priced at around $4,999 and is a great bike for beginner riders or anyone looking for a fun ride around town. A few key features include; 30.11 inch seat height, 101 kilograms weight, and a 5.5 liter tank which would give you around 185 miles per gallon.
Kawasaki Z-125
The Z125 like others in this series features exposed frame, close fit bodywork, and naked ergonomics which make this motorcycle look mean and totally street ready. Thanks to its design, it can tackle urban environments in a smooth and controlled manner making it perfect for new riders. Sharp aesthetics from head to toe and a liquid cooled engine capable of 14.8 brake horsepower helps in maximizing the bike’s sporty nature.
This is a premium motorcycle in the 125cc market and prices will vary depending on which color you decide to go for. Expect to pay $5,500 for the candy lime green $5799 for the spark black variant.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
Last but not the least is a fresh launch by Husqvarna motorcycles. The Svartpilen is the all-new A1 compliant motorcycle aimed to create a huge impact in the 125cc market. This is the first small capacity offering from the Swedish manufacturer that will feature a wide array of lovely components for riders both new and experienced to get excited about.
Starting with the engine; its a 4-valve single cylinder liquid cooled 125 cc engine capable of about 14.7 brake horsepower. The stopping power is provided by Bybre brake calipers and discs (front and rear). Dual channel Bosch ABS which comes as standard but for those who want to turn the ABS off every once in a while there’s a Super Moto mode that allows it.
WP suspension will soak up any bumps you may face on your daily commute in the form of open cartridge forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. For a 125 cc machine this has got to be one of the best looking bikes money can buy. The bike features led lighting throughout to guide you on your way. A low-profile seat fits perfectly into the overall design and really helps make this bike look the way it does. Overall this is a fantastic option in this segment and is priced around $6,599.
