6 Best 125cc Dirt Bike in 2021

If you are a fan of motorcycles and enjoy riding them, you would definitely love the 125cc dirt bike. Off-road bikes such as dirt bikes are made mainly for use on rough terrains and to conquer obstacles. They have more control and precision compared to speed, but some riders prefer dirt bikes that ride quite fast.

The 125cc dirt bike is one of the most famous dirt bikes available on the market for beginner riders. It is great for young riders who are moving up from smaller 50cc and 85cc bikes. It is also suitable for adults who want to learn how to ride dirt bikes.

The 125cc dirt bike has a smaller engine compared to other models that you may come across, but do not be discouraged by their small engine because they are great when it comes to proper off-road riding. They are known for their ease in maneuverability which makes them great for beginners, and their easy-to-manage power bands and choices between a 2-stroke or 4-stroke model make them even greater.

Some 125cc dirt bikes can reach speeds of up to 45 mph, while other models can reach higher speeds of up to 75 mph. You could also tweak your bike to let you reach speeds higher than 75 mph. However, doing those tweaks can cause you to lose control over your dirt bike.

Even though most 125cc dirt bikes mostly target teenagers, there are others that are best suited for adults. In this article, we will be looking at a list of the best 125cc dirt bike, along with their features and drawbacks. We will also provide you with various details, such as their engine type and performance.

125cc DIRT BIKES FOR TEENAGERS

Endure and Motorcross require you to use vital physical and mental processes. Teenagers can learn various techniques for braking, jumping, cornering, accelerating, and negotiating technical sections. Please do not put a kid on a dirt bike that scares them; the fear will turn into a lack of aggression, causing them to ride tight, leading to the increased risk of crashing.

Young riders that are moving up from smaller classes of dirt bikes will notice that small wheel 125cc dirt bikes offer more power with easier handling than larger dirt bikes. A kid who is trail riding for fun or competing in Endure or Motorcross should go for a small wheel 125cc dirt bike before considering moving on to a larger dirt bike.

When it comes to adults and 125cc dirt bikes, the same theory that goes for kids applies to adults. Powerful and aggressive dirt bikes with larger engines may look enticing, but keep in mind that dirt bikes can be extremely powerful, especially those that use a 2-stroke engine. Adults who are beginners need to consider a lot before choosing a dirt bike.

REASONS FOR AN ADULT TO CONSIDER A 125cc DIRT BIKE

If you’re a beginner when it comes to riding dirt bikes, you’ll need to learn the basic techniques first. It is better to gain experience with a 125cc bike at its full potential than using a larger dirt bike at half its potential. The experience you will get from using a 125cc dirt bike at its full performance and learning the limit of the bike will make you a much more capable rider.

Most dirt bikes come with tall seats, so riders who find it uncomfortable to use a tall seat dirt bike will appreciate a 125cc dirt bike’s lower height. It is easy to sell off a second-hand dirt bike. You can purchase a 2-stroke 125cc dirt bike, and be sure it would be easy for you to sell it for a good price when you are ready to move to a higher dirt bike.

REASONS YOU MAY NOT WANT TO CHOOSE A 125cc DIRT BIKE

Power to weight ratio is a major problem with small engine bikes. If you are of a larger build, you may not have enough riding power with a 125cc dirt bike to compete in races.

Maybe you already ride fast bikes on the road; if you do, you already have the skill and confidence needed to control fast bikes. If this describes you, we suggest that you opt to test ride a 150cc and 250cc dirt bike. You should have enough skill to make the necessary judgments.

2- STROKE OR 4-STROKE DIRT BIKE

It has been an age-old debate on which is better, a 2-stroke or 4-stroke dirt bike. However, there is never a satisfactory answer because both have their weaknesses and strengths that you should consider and also consider the experience you have as a rider before choosing either one.

2-stroke 125cc dirt bikes are simple, strong, and more powerful than the 4-stroke, but they are a bit harder to handle, and you have to mix the fuel with oil. On the other hand, 4-strokes are easier and smoother to ride and are simpler for beginners to use, but they require more skilled maintenance and cost more in the long run. You also have to consider that 2-strokes are beginning to phase out, the 4-strokes tend to burn cleaner, and these days most brands do not have 2-stroke options in their lineup. When it comes to 2-strokes and 4-strokes, there is a lot to consider.

WHICH IS FASTER – A 125cc 2-STROKE OR A 125cc 4-STROKE?

Like we stated earlier, 125cc dirt bikes are available in both 2-stroke engine and 4-stroke engine. When it comes to speed, the 2-stroke engine usually has a higher speed ratio compared to the 4-stroke engine, which translates to a higher power per pound.

It is important that you know that the 2-stroke engine uses exhaust and intake ports instead of valves, and this goes a long way to save cost and also reduce the weight of the valve train.

Because the 2-stroke is made in a way that they use a higher RPM, they tend to wear out faster than the 4-stroke engines. Generally, the 4-stroke engine is more durable. However, the best part about a 2-stroke engine is that they are generally easier to fix in comparison to their 4-stroke counterparts.

HOW FAST CAN A 125cc DIRT BIKE GO?

Dirt bikes that have an engine capacity of 125cc can reach top speeds of up to 55 to 60 miles per hour.

If you are riding on a downhill road condition or a heavy rider, you may alter the operating speeds, which may be higher than the indicated ones. But, majority of manufacturers of dirt bikes advise against doing this because of security reasons.

The primary factor determining the speed of a 12t5cc dirt bike is the engine capacity, but there are other factors that include engine size, modifications, and sprocket gearing. If you choose to ride your 125cc dirt bike with its complete stock sprocket gear, then you will be able to reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour when you’re riding with such high gear.

ELECTRIC DIRT BIKE VS GAS DIRT BIKES

The two common categories in the dirt bike industry are electric and gas-powered dirt bikes. Yes, the electric option is more quiet, effortless to maintain, and can even be smoother. But it depends on how long the wires last and if the battery holds up in the long run.

With that been said, most dirt bike enthusiasts enjoy feeling the combustion engine. For this reason, gas-powered dirt bikes have the upper hand over electric-powered models.

If you would like to move from one place to another in a speedy manner, then the electric bikes will be best suited for that. But if you would prefer the original power of propulsion and get the rewarding feeling of having a full tank, shifting gears, and auto clutch, then go for the gas-powered dirt bike.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING A 125cc DIRT BIKE

There are numerous features that you should consider before choosing a 125cc dirt bike. Some dirt bikes have affordable prices and offer medium to low features that help the user. However, you should choose a dirt bike that will serve you for a long time. Below are some important factors that you have to consider.

Engine Displacement

The dirt bike you choose should have an air-cooled engine with an ideal displacement. If you are still learning about dirt bikes, then a 125cc dirt bike with one cylinder would provide you with a memorable experience on any terrain. However, do for one that comes with an engine that features the maximum capacity to deal with the right quantity of fuel.

Transmission and Suspensions

Some bikes come with front and rear suspensions alongside telescopic forks, while others come with pro-li. rear suspensions that deliver speed with high resistance. When it comes to transmission rate, the ideal gearbox speed should be between 4 to 5 gears, usually available in 125cc 4-stroke dirt bikes. When you’re purchasing a dirt bike, ensure you check that the transmission rate comes with the right gearbox.

Frame and Size

The frame of the 125cc dirt bike you choose should be made from high-quality materials such as steel. The lightweight nature of the material is great for beginners to get the hang of, and it’s also suitable for experts. The bike size should be small with a low height seat to provide the ideal small-sized dirt bike option.

Price and Warranty

125cc dirt bikes vary in price, but you should be able to get one with feasible buying options. The warranty on the bike’s frame is usually for one year, while other parts of the bike have a variable warranty that differs for every brand.

WHICH MANUFACTURERS PRODUCE 125cc DIRT BIKES?

Manufactures of 125cc dirt bikes aren’t a lot in the USA. Most big manufacturers focus their production power on making smaller capacity models such as sub to 100cc models, or they go straight for the 250cc models. However, most large brands have a least one 125cc dirt bike in their lineup, but even with that, you don’t have much of a choice. You could also look into specialist brands, they may be more expensive, but you receive what you pay for.

However, if you are looking for a dirt bike to trash around without spending a lot of money, you could find one from a no-name Chinese brand; that way, you won’t have to commit to something proper. We recommend that you go for the tried and tested well-known brands such as Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, KTM, Yamaha, and Husqvarna. You could also consider some specialist brands such as Beta Motorcycles and Sherco. There are numerous dirt bikes available on the market that are worth considering.

It might not be easy to simply select any 125cc dirt bike; that is why we have made it easier for you by providing you with a list of the best 125cc dirt bikes available on the market. We included brands you can trust, with easy access to services and parts. Each of the bikes on the list has something unique that you would definitely admire. Let’s take a look at the list.

Below is a comprehensive list of the best 125cc dirt bikes, along with their specifications, key features, pros, and cons. Having all this information will allow you to make an informed choice when selecting the best 125cc dirt bike.