10 of the best learner legal bikes

After you’ve got your A1 licence you’re able to ride a bike with up to 125cc engine capacity. It may not be the most exciting ride in the world but there’s no reason why you can’t have a cool bike before you’re fully qualified. Bikesure takes a look at some of the best learner legal machines available right now.

Honda Dax 125

All of Honda’s current range of 125cc models are cool, as they pay tribute to some of the best loved bikes of all time. From the swooping lines of the Super Cub, the no-nonsense looks of the Grom and the Monkey and the sleek spins on the café racer and sportsbike that is the CBR and CB125 respectively. Honda gives you plenty of options. 

But for our money you can’t go far wrong with the quirky Dax 125. With looks straight out of the 1970s and named for its alleged resemblance to a Dachshund, it’s a compact machine that’ll help you stand out from the crowd wherever you go. 

Horwin SK3

The SK3 is a good looking modern electric scooter with a top speed of 56mph, and a range of about 50 miles on a single battery version (the dual battery option doubles the range). With prices starting at under £3,500 it makes it a pretty appealing choice for anyone looking for a lean, green urban transport machine.

Yamaha R125

Yamaha plays it a bit safer than Honda with their range of learner legal bikes. There’s nothing as kooky as the Monkey or the Dax, but if you’re looking either for something sleek and modern or a solid take on more classic styles then you’ve come to the right place. The R125 is probably going to be the pick for anyone looking to get that racer look, and its unmistakable R-series DNA.

Mutt Motorcycles Black Sabbath

Mutt is a small British company offering a comprehensive range of modern retro motorcycles. There’s something for almost everyone, but how could you resist the charms of the (matt) Black Sabbath? It’s a no-nonsense motorbike with plenty of attention in the details that makes it look a lot classier and cooler than many other bikes in its price range.

Suzuki GSX S125

This high-spec streetbike is one of the pricier items on the list. It’s got the same engine and basic mechanics as Suzuki’s GSX-R125 sportsbike, but its stripped back bodywork makes it a nimbler option for city commutes. That engine also delivers excellent fuel efficiency, giving you about 117 mpg. Those savings will definitely help to offset the initial expense!

Lexmoto Isca 125

Lexmoto’s range of 125cc learner legals is pretty difficult to argue with, including both classic and modern styled bikes for all tastes. They’re all pretty cool, but we’re picking the Isca here, principally as it seems like a decent cheaper alternative to the Suzuki. Beyond its snazzy modern looks what makes the Isca cool is its super efficient engine, which gives you over 100 miles to the gallon. This makes it an extremely affordable choice for new riders, while giving you the kind of performance you need to get about town safely, and in style.

Benelli BN 125

Another decent bargain from Benelli, one of the oldest Italian motorcycle companies. The BN125 is a streetbike with a funky angular look and the performance and agility that makes it an ideal bike for beginners while still being fun to ride. If you’re after something akin to a sportsbike, the TnT125 is Benelli’s affordable offering in that style, and it’s also pretty compact making it a good choice for shorter riders.

Kawasaki Ninja 125

Of course one of the things about cool is that it is often attached to a brand name. And, as with Yamaha’s or Suzuki’s entries in this article, you do need to pay extra to access this kind of cool. But with nearly four decades of history behind it, the Ninja has been one of the more desirable names in the world of motorcycles for generations of riders. The current 125 model is a worthy addition to this lineage, and a great way of showing you can afford something like this.

Aprilia Tuono 125

A superb learner legal for baby racers, the Tuono 125 is another bike where the name carries a certain expectation of quality at a price, but also meets those expectations. Based on Aprilia’s racer the RSV Mille, the Tuono is a naked streetbike that easily passes as a more powerful machine, despite its 125cc engine. 

Fantic Caballero Deluxe 125

The Caballero is an off-road scrambler with a satisfyingly chunky silhouette and a beautifully judged design inspired by classic custom looks. It’s another Italian stallion and it’s easily capable of making your early years as a biker fun.

Learner rider insurance you can trust

With so many great learner legal bikes on the market, it can be hard to know which one is the right fit for you. But no matter which bike you opt for, Bikesure can ensure you get a great deal on your insurance to keep the overall cost down.

We specialise in insurance for 125cc bikes of all descriptions, so call us on 0330 123 1028 for an affordable quote or a callback at a time that suits you.