The lightest A1 bikes and 125s at a glance

Light, nimble and cheap to run: for many beginners, commuters and city riders, 125s are among the most attractive bikes of all. Yet even within the eighth-litre class, there are huge differences in weight. While some sporty, faired models already tip the scales at well over 140 kilograms, the lightest contenders barely exceed the 100-kilo mark.

For this overview, we only consider standard, road-legal bikes that were or are officially sold in Europe. Hard enduros, trials machines and pure competition models are left out, as are scooters. Wherever possible, the decisive figure is the wet weight, so that the values remain meaningfully comparable.

The Honda MSX125, better known as the Grom, is one of the lightest full-fledged 125cc bikes on the European market. With a wet weight of around 103 kilograms, it feels almost like a bicycle with an engine. Small wheels, a low seat height and compact dimensions make it extremely agile, especially in town. At the same time, it has a conventional manual motorcycle gearbox and enough character of its own to be far more than just a practical means of transport. Its playful nature has always been one of the Grom's greatest strengths.

You can find current offers here: Buy a Honda MSX125 Grom.

The Honda Monkey 125 is only marginally heavier. This retro minibike combines the looks of the legendary Monkey models with modern technology and a full-grown 125cc four-stroke engine. At around 105 kilograms, it remains remarkably light and easy to handle. Its upright riding position, wide handlebar and low seat height give you plenty of control. The Monkey is less a sober commuter vehicle than a lifestyle bike – and is probably one of the most charming ways to get around with as little weight as possible.

If you want a Monkey, click here: Buy a used or new Honda Monkey.

The Dax 125 continues Honda's tradition of unusual small bikes. Its distinctive T-shaped frame makes it visually unmistakable, while a wet weight of around 107 kilograms ensures remarkably light handling. Unlike many classic naked bikes, the Dax conveys more of the relaxed feel of a leisure bike. Its semi-automatic gearbox reduces operation to a minimum and makes it particularly accessible. Anyone looking for a compact, light and technically uncomplicated bike will find a very distinctive alternative here.

You can find this Honda mini moto here: Current Honda Dax 125 offers.

The Super Cub straddles the line between a classic motorcycle and an underbone. At around 111 kilograms, it is nonetheless one of the lightest road-legal 125cc vehicles in Europe. Its concept is entirely geared towards easy operation, everyday usability and reliability. Large wheels provide more stability than on typical minibikes, and the step-through design makes daily use easier. Sportiness plays practically no role – but in return, the Super Cub is one of those bikes that are hardly intimidating even in the densest city traffic.

You can find your new Super Cub here: Buy a Honda C125 Super Cub.

If your idea of a bike is a classically proportioned naked bike, the Honda CB125F is a particularly interesting candidate. Despite normal motorcycle dimensions, it weighs in at only around 117 kilograms wet. The low weight, upright riding position and good-natured single-cylinder engine make it a typical beginner and commuter bike. Instead of spectacular technology, maximum practicality takes centre stage. That is exactly why, for many riders, the CB125F is one of the most sensible light 125s of all.

Honda's arguably most sensible bike is available here: Buy a Honda CB125F.

The Yamaha YS125, which is no longer current, was designed as an uncomplicated everyday bike. With a wet weight of around 129 kilograms, it doesn't belong to the ultralight 100-kilo faction, but for a normal-sized road bike it is still remarkably light. Its slim build and relaxed ergonomics make it easy to control, while the comparatively large tank is designed for longer everyday range. The YS125 is therefore less a toy than a classic small all-rounder.

You can find listings for the light Yamaha here: Buy a used Yamaha YS125.

With the CB125R, things get noticeably sportier and more premium. Around 130 kilograms wet is a very good figure for a modern, well-equipped naked bike with full-size dimensions. Visually, it takes its cues from Honda's larger Neo Sports Café models and therefore looks much more grown-up than typical beginner 125s. The suspension and braking system are also more ambitiously designed. The CB125R shows that low weight doesn't necessarily have to come with particularly basic features.

You can find prices here: Buy a new or used Honda CB125R.

The Suzuki GSX-S125 is one of the sportier naked bikes in the A1 class. At around 135 kilograms, it nevertheless remains pleasantly light. Its revvy single-cylinder engine, slim silhouette and compact ergonomics give it an active character. Especially on twisty country roads, the little Suzuki benefits from having only little mass to move. Compared to the minimalist Honda models, it already feels like a full-fledged small sports bike.

You can find current offers & prices here: Buy a Suzuki GSX-S125.

The Yamaha MT-125 is considerably more substantial than the lightest candidates on this list, but among sporty 125cc naked bikes it still ranks as one of the nimble machines. Around 142 kilograms wet is offset by comparatively elaborate features, grown-up dimensions and a performance-oriented engine. The MT-125 aims less to be as light as possible than to feel as close as possible to a bigger bike. That's precisely why young riders in particular appreciate its aggressive looks and grown-up riding feel.

The lightest Yamaha MT model is available here: Buy a used or new Yamaha MT-125.

The Aprilia Tuono 125 marks the upper end of our selection. At around 144 kilograms, it is significantly heavier than the Grom, Monkey or CB125F, but compared to larger bikes it is of course still a lightweight. Its focus is clearly on a sporty appearance. The design is inspired by the big Tuono models, the riding position is active and the entire setup is geared more towards riding pleasure than pure practicality. This makes it one of the most interesting options for riders who are already looking for genuine sports bike flair in the 125cc class.

You can buy this flair here: Aprilia Tuono 125 new and used.

If minimum weight is your top priority, there's hardly any way around the compact Honda models. If, on the other hand, your 125 should feel like a conventional, full-size bike, the CB125F is particularly noteworthy: at just 117 kilograms, it combines classic motorcycle proportions with very low weight. Sportier models such as the Suzuki GSX-S125, Yamaha MT-125 or Aprilia Tuono 125 do carry a few extra kilograms, but in return they offer more sophisticated suspension, stronger brakes and a much more grown-up appearance. Above all, the list shows one thing: the lightest bike is not automatically the best – but especially for beginners and city riders, ten or twenty kilograms less can make a surprisingly big difference.