125cc bikes are attractive because they offer similar riding pleasure as larger displacement bikes – and therefore offer a great feeling of freedom that some people can probably use well during a global pandemic.
Useful for motorcyclists
But they also have a rational side, because 125s cost only a fraction of a larger motorcycle, both to buy and to run. And you can drive them in Germany with the B196 driver’s license. For drivers, this is – to put it simply – additional training at the driving school.
Reason enough for AUTO BILD MOTORRAD to take a close look at which new 125s will be launched in 2022. We present the hottest innovations in this article with the most important information.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 125: the first 125 from Husqvarna
In 2022, KTM subsidiary Husqvarna is venturing into the eighth liter segment with the Svartpilen 125. The little husky looks just like her sister Svartpilen 401. Husqvarna halt: The style of the Swedes is as unique as it is striking. This also makes the 125 version an eye-catcher and could be an important selling point for the targeted young clientele.
Proven technology on the Husqvarna Svartpilen
The technique under the beautiful clothes is proven. It comes from the sister company KTM Duke 125 and stands for, among other things, durable single cylinders, elaborately manufactured space frame and solid suspension components. The maximum possible power of 15 hp is exhausted, ABS is on board. Cost: at least 5150 euros.
Yamaha XMax 125: the Mercedes of 125 scooters
The Yamaha XMax 125 is well equipped and finely finished. The Daimler among the 125 scooters.
The performance is also right. With its 12.2 hp, the Xmax dashes nimbly through city traffic and is said to consume only 2.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
Lots of practical use for the Yamaha XMax 125
The practical benefit is impressive. Two people ride comfortably. Two full-face helmets plus odds and ends fit in the helmet compartment. The price tag is 5249 euros. In addition to the obligatory Euro 5, there is also standard ABS.
Mash X-Ride 125: an eye-catcher, not a dazzler
The Mash X-Ride 125 is not a bargain at 4126 euros. But it shows itself to be a valuable competitor in the segment. There are modern brakes including ABS, a sporty upside-down fork and a Euro 5-compliant single cylinder on board. The engine delivers a full 15 hp and develops a maximum torque of 11.5 Nm. The manufacturer specifies the top speed as 101 km/h.
In addition, the Mash X-Ride 125 can certainly be described as an eye-catcher. Its Scrambler look with the gold anodized rims comes across as beautifully retro without appearing artificial or overdone.
Suzuki GSX-R125: super athlete in bonsai format
Suzuki has made the young athlete GSX-R125 fit for the 2022 model year with just a few modifications. The Euro 5 hurdle was at the top of the list, of course. The Japanese do not reveal the technical tricks with which the 15 hp single-cylinder creates the new emissions standard. But it remains with the well-known performance and 11.5 Nm maximum torque.
Suzuki has made the mini super athlete GSX-R125 fit for the new model year with a few revisions.
The front fairing looks a bit different compared to its predecessor. There is now a painted part in front and a new, unpainted part towards the exhaust. Two decors are available, one in blue with yellow splashes of color and white Suzuki lettering, one in black and red. Price: from 4650 euros.
Yamaha XSR125: attractive retro bike in small size
The competition from Yamaha starts with the XSR125. In addition to its looks, the little sister of the XSR900 should convince with the bridge frame tried and tested in the siblings and the resulting adult space.
Overall, the 125 class on the German market is very sporty and therefore appeals more to a young clientele.
With the small retro machine XSR 125, Yamaha wants to appeal to a not so young clientele.
Yamaha wants to do that differently with the XSR125. The seat height is a reasonable 81.5 centimeters. A curb weight of 140 kilos could result in refreshing agility, and a more than decent range from a tank volume of eleven liters.
The engine makes full use of the 15 hp permitted by law. Yamaha specifies the top speed as 102 km/h. Interested parties must invest at least 4649 euros.
Kawasaki Ninja 125: new colors, familiar technology
The 15 hp, A1-capable Kawasaki Ninja 125 and its twin Z125 go into the current model year with new paintwork, but remain technically true to themselves. The Ninja 125 is visually and ergonomically based on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR on which Jonathan Rea won six World SBK Championships in a row.
The person behind the handlebars sits leaning forward in a sporty manner. There is an optional Ergo-Fit driver’s seat, which offers extra comfort for the knees. Prices start at 5795 euros.
KTM RC 125: aggressive bike from Austria
The press department of KTM has never shied away from advertising the products from Mattighofen (Austria) with pithy words. So it’s no wonder that KTM announces that the new RC 125 is ready to “beat the competition in the face”. Behind the strong words hides a completely revised street athlete in small. The new look means the bike has more volume. This should offer the person in the saddle more freedom of movement.
A considerable range is calculated from a tank volume of 13.7 litres. The chassis comes from the shelf of WP. An open-cartridge inverted fork is installed at the front, and an apex strut with split-piston function at the rear. The RC 125 weighs 156 kilos ready to drive and has a full 15 hp. The fun costs at least 4749 euros.
Honda Monkey 125: improved in important places
Since its launch in 2018, the likeable Honda Monkey 125 retro bike has captured the hearts of many fans. For the 2022 model year, the Japanese have now improved the cute 125 in a few key areas. With a new intake area, catalytic converter and exhaust, the 9.5 hp Grom single-cylinder was Euro 5-compatible.
According to Honda, the Monkey 125 has been significantly improved.
There is also an upgrade from four to five gears. The top speed is now 91 km/h. New shock absorbers on the rear wheel should ensure more stability in the chassis together with double spring packages and new damper rubbers. The color “Pearl Glittering Blue” is also new. It starts at 4244 euros.
Brixton Crossfire 125: nice retro Husqvarna-style 125s
Brixton from Austria will roll the Crossfire 125 to the starting line in 2022. The look is based a little on the Svartpilen from Husqvarna – that’s extremely successful.
A technical highlight is the newly developed, water-cooled engine, which is used instead of the previously used Japanese units made in China. It has a displacement of exactly 124.8 cubic centimetres, delivers 13.6 hp and develops a maximum torque of 10.5 Nm.
The Brixton Crossfire 125 gets a brand new engine and looks like Husqvarna.
The manufacturer puts the top speed at 99 km/h. Ready to drive, the Brixton Crossfire 125 weighs 148 kilograms. Eleven liters of fuel fit into the tank. Prices start at 3999 euros.
