[2021 Latest] Are small bikes uncool? The appeal of 125cc American motorcycles and 11 recommended new and used models

125cc American bikes are attractive for their cost-effectiveness, including low maintenance costs.

Source: https://leonartmotors.jp/

125cc American bikes are classified as Class 2 mopeds, so their maintenance costs are low.

While motorcycle owners typically pay an annual light vehicle tax, the 125cc class costs ¥2,400/year, compared to ¥6,000/year for the 400cc class. This is a difference of ¥3,600 per year in taxes alone.

Additionally, 125cc American bikes do not require a vehicle inspection, which means maintenance costs are lower than for 400cc class motorcycles that do require inspections.

Lower insurance and no vehicle inspection required

Motorcycles with an engine displacement of over 250cc are required to undergo a vehicle inspection three years after initial registration, and then every two years thereafter.

For a vehicle inspection without tire replacement, entrusting the inspection to a motorcycle shop typically costs an average of 50,000 to 60,000 yen for a 400cc class motorcycle.

Since 125cc American bikes do not require vehicle inspections, the inspection costs that would normally occur every two years are completely eliminated.

Also, compulsory and voluntary insurance premiums are cheaper compared to higher-class motorcycles.

Insurance premiums are also a good deal.

Comparing compulsory insurance premiums, a 400cc class bike costs ¥12,200 for 24 months, while a 125cc class bike costs ¥9,950, a difference of ¥2,250 over two years.

Voluntary insurance costs also vary depending on the insurance policy, but they are cheaper than for 400cc class bikes. Furthermore, if you or your family members own a car and have voluntary insurance, you can also opt for a family bike rider.

A family bike rider is an optional coverage that can be added to car insurance, covering motorcycles with an engine displacement of 125cc or less.

Since 125cc American bikes typically have an actual displacement of 124cc or 123cc, which is less than 125cc, they meet the eligibility requirements.

A major advantage of the family bike rider is that it is much cheaper than purchasing separate voluntary insurance for a 125cc American bike alone, and it can also cover family members who own a car (if they share the same household).

Lower voluntary insurance premiums for car owners also contribute to the low maintenance costs of 125cc bikes.

Easy to maneuver

While many 125cc American motorcycles boast an imposing physique comparable to larger-class models, many also feature lightweight frames, making them easy to handle.

Compared to naked bikes or faired sportbikes, the seat position is lower, providing good foot reach even for shorter riders, such as women.

This also reduces anxiety about reaching the ground at every stop.

Can carry two people

Motorcycles with an engine displacement of 51cc or more are permitted to carry two people, so 125cc American bikes can also be ridden by two.

However, it is important for beginners who have just obtained their license to note that two-person riding is prohibited for those who have held their license for less than one year.

Additionally, for two-person riding to be permitted, the motorcycle must have footrests for the passenger and either a belt or grab bar for them to hold onto.

If carrying a child, it is possible as long as their feet can reach the footrests and they can grasp the belt or grab bar.

Even 125cc class motorcycles cannot be ridden by two people if they do not have tandem footrests and a belt or grab bar.

Are 125cc American bikes uncool? 

Source: https://leonartmotors.jp/heritage-125/

Some people might think 125cc American bikes are uncool because of their modest engine displacement, but they are not at all uncool.

They have low maintenance costs and are easy to handle, making them smart and easy to ride around town without feeling too formal.

While some may believe that bigger engine displacement is better, people have different lifestyles and sensibilities, so their criteria for choosing a motorcycle also differ.

Some find large motorcycles to be too much to handle, rendering them useless, so it cannot be said that large engine displacement is inherently superior.

Choose the displacement that suits your lifestyle

Everyone has different environments and purposes for riding a motorcycle, and small vehicles have their advantages, just as large vehicles have theirs.

A 125cc bike offers the convenience of being able to ride freely and effortlessly for commuting, quick errands, or just cruising around town, which isn't quite the case with a large motorcycle.

On the other hand, for long-distance or long-term touring, a large motorcycle with more engine power and higher stability during riding would be more suitable and result in less fatigue.

To minimize regrets, it's best to choose a motorcycle that fits your riding purpose and lifestyle. So, if a 125cc is just right for you, don't let others' opinions sway you and enjoy it with confidence.

American bikes are popular with women too

Even models of American bikes with a commanding presence often have lower seat heights compared to naked bikes or sportbikes.

This makes them easy to handle and suitable for women, and their tough image also makes them popular among women.

Many 125cc American bikes have imposing frames comparable to 400cc or larger classes, but despite their size, they are easy to handle, making them recommended for first-time riders.

Just smaller than typical American bikes, but certainly not uncool

Compared to American bikes of higher displacement, 125cc models inevitably lack some of the powerful presence, but their compact size makes them easy to handle and ride casually.

Compared to naked or sport bikes, there are many larger 125cc models that make you wonder, "Is that really a 125cc?", so they don't give off a flimsy impression.

125cc American bikes are just smaller than typical American bikes, and they are certainly not uncool.

Many 125cc American models boast large frames comparable to higher-class motorcycles, which can often surprise people with a "Is that really a 125cc?!" reaction when they see the license plate.

11 recommended 125cc American motorcycles

Source: https://leonartmotors.jp/

Here are 11 recommended 125cc American motorcycles.

Originally, there were few 125cc American models, and some models have not been released in Japan, so there are very few of them even when searching for used bikes.

As of June 2021, there are no new Japanese-made American motorcycles sold in Japan.

If you're looking for a Japanese model, you'll inevitably have to search for a used one, but bikes from the Spanish manufacturer LEONART can be purchased new.

LEONART, established in 2004, may not be a household name yet, but their 125cc models are gaining popularity for their impressive presence, comparable to Harleys, and their simple yet distinctive designs.

If you're looking for a new 125cc American bike or one that stands out from the crowd, be sure to check them out.

125cc Honda Shadow 125

Source: https://kakaku.com/bike/item/76103110618/

The Honda Shadow 125 was a model sold in Europe and was not officially distributed by dealers in Japan.

It's the 125cc version of the domestic Shadow, equipped with a specially designed V-twin engine.

With a class-leading engine output of 15ps, it's a 125cc American bike with an imposing physique that inherits the style of its larger sibling, the Shadow, and is no less impressive.

As it was an exclusive European model, the number of units available in the Japanese used car market is quite low.

• Engine type: V-twin
• Vehicle weight: 145kg
• Engine torque: 11N･m
• Engine output: 15ps
• Price (used): ¥250,000 - ¥480,000

125cc Yamaha XV125 Virago

Source: https://www.bikebros.co.jp/catalog/2/87_1/community/

The Yamaha XV125 Virago, like Honda's Shadow 125, was sold exclusively in Europe and was not released in Japan.

It shares the same body as its 250cc Virago sibling, with only the engine replaced by a 125cc unit.

Equipped with a V-twin engine, it boasts a maximum output of 11.4ps, which is decent power for an American bike in this class.

Since it was not released in Japan, there are few units available in the used car market, making it difficult to acquire.

• Engine type: V-twin
• Vehicle weight: 139kg
• Engine torque: 9.1N･m
• Engine output: 11.4ps
• Price (used): ¥230,000 - ¥450,000

125cc Suzuki Marauder 125

Source: https://www.bikebros.co.jp/catalog/3/129_1/

The Suzuki Marauder 125 was sold domestically from around 1998 to 2000.

The body is almost identical to its larger sibling, the Marauder 250, resulting in a large body size.

It features an air-cooled single-cylinder engine, but it wasn't particularly popular when it was first released and was quickly discontinued, so there tend to be few units available.

While sales in Japan were sluggish, sales continued in Spain until 2013 due to the high popularity of 125cc motorcycles that can be ridden with a regular driver's license.

• Engine type: Single cylinder
• Vehicle weight: 137kg
• Engine torque: 9.8N･m
• Engine output: 12ps
• Price (used): Around ¥250,000

125cc Suzuki GZ 125HS

Source: https://www.bikebros.co.jp/catalog/3/33_1/community/

The Suzuki GZ 125HS, while appearing similar to the Marauder 125 at first glance, is a Chinese-made 125cc American bike that follows the lineage of the GN125.

Since it was produced by Suzuki in China, there are some differences in build quality compared to Japanese-made bikes, with occasional imperfections, but it can be acquired at a relatively low price.

While it feels a bit heavy when ridden, its soft seat makes it suitable for those who prefer a relaxed ride.

Although there are still models in relatively good condition, obtaining parts has become difficult due to its Chinese manufacturing.

• Engine type: Single cylinder
• Vehicle weight: 140kg
• Engine torque: 10.29N･m
• Engine output: 12.5ps

125cc Kawasaki Eliminator 125

Source: https://www.bikebros.co.jp/catalog/4/77_1/

The Kawasaki Eliminator 125 is a popular drag-style American motorcycle, alongside its larger siblings, the 250 and 400.

With a low seat position of 680mm and handlebars that extend towards the rider, it offers a natural and relaxed riding posture.

The engine output, which was 13ps in the initial model released in 1997, was reduced to 7.3ps in the 2003 model due to exhaust gas regulations.

Although sales ended with the 2007 model, those looking for a more powerful Eliminator 125 should consider models from before 2003, when horsepower regulations took effect.

• Engine type: Single cylinder
• Vehicle weight: 132kg
• Engine torque: 7.9N･m
• Engine output: 7.3ps
• Price (used): ¥120,000 - ¥400,000

125cc Yamaha DragStar 125

Source: https://www.bikeboy.jp/yamaha/6224/

The Yamaha DragStar 125 is a model that succeeded the Virago and was equipped with a 125cc engine on the DragStar 250, which had just been released.

While sharing almost the same body as the DragStar 250, it was intended for overseas markets and was not sold by official dealers in Japan.

Equipped with a V-twin engine, it is a rare presence in the 125cc class, where many models feature single-cylinder engines.

Due to its overseas sales and initial scarcity, combined with its popularity, prices in the domestic used motorcycle market are high.

• Engine type: V-twin
• Vehicle weight: 156kg
• Engine torque: 9.4N･m
• Engine output: 13ps
• Price (used): Around ¥300,000 - ¥500,000

125cc Leonart Pilder 125

Source: https://leonartmotors.jp/pilder-125/

The Leonart Pilder 125 is the flagship 125cc American motorcycle model from the company.

Leonart, a relatively new Spanish manufacturer established in 2004, may not be widely known in Japan, but its models are popular for their stylish and simple yet sophisticated designs.

The Pilder 125 is a cruiser equipped with a parallel twin engine, offering a torquey engine and neutral handling characteristics.

The gasoline tank is slightly longer and the handlebars are lower, resulting in a unique riding position.

• Engine type: Parallel 2-cylinder
• Weight: 180kg
• Engine output: 15ps
• Price: 638,000 yen

125cc Leonart Daytona 125

Source: https://leonartmotors.jp/daytona-125/

The Leonart Daytona 125 is a cruiser-type American motorcycle that officially went on sale in Japan in 2020.

While boasting a simple design, its total length of 2,325 mm and wheelbase of 1,660 mm give it an imposing, large body size comparable to larger American motorcycles.

It features an inverted front fork, double disc brakes at the front, and a disc brake at the rear, making for a luxurious appearance.

Equipped with a new-generation parallel twin-cylinder engine, it also complies with Euro 4 regulations.

• Engine type: Parallel 2-cylinder
• Weight: 180kg
• Engine torque: 8.4N･m
• Engine output: 9ps
• Price: 528,000 yen

125cc Leonart Heritage 125

Source: https://leonartmotors.jp/heritage-125/

The Leonart Heritage 125 is a compact and lightweight model that is easy to handle for everyday riding.

It boasts an authentic appearance with features such as double shock absorbers at the rear and exhaust pipes on both sides.

Available in two body colors, matte black and matte silver, the contrast between the tank color and other parts like the side covers creates a luxurious design.

• Engine type: Parallel 2-cylinder
• Weight: 150kg
• Engine torque: 8.4N･m
• Engine output: 9ps
• Price: 418,000 yen

125cc Cleveland Heist 125

Source: https://www.bikebros.co.jp/vb/fifty/fguide/fbg-81/

The Cleveland Heist 125 is a 125cc American motorcycle that was sold in a limited edition of 200 units in 2012 by "Cleveland CycleWerks," based in Ohio, USA.

It was created by designing a motorcycle that the company truly wanted to ride, without being swayed by trends.

Sharing a body with its larger sibling, the Heist 250, it has a simple and distinctive design that eliminates unnecessary elements.

The Heist 125 differs from the 250 only in its engine, so custom parts for the 250 can be installed directly.

• Engine type: Single cylinder
• Weight: 125kg
• Price (new): 298,000 yen

125cc Hyosung GV125

Source: https://www.saku-corp.jp/hyosung/lineup/gv125c.html

The Hyosung GV125 is a 125cc American motorcycle sold by HYOSUNG, a Korean motorcycle manufacturer.

It uses a 250cc-class body, giving it an imposing, large frame, and chrome parts are used in key areas to create a classic look.

It features a low seat height and a comfortable saddle-type seat that extends to the sides of the body.

Equipped with a V-twin engine, this American motorcycle offers a powerful ride with strong torque.

• Engine type: V-twin
• Weight: 157kg
• Engine torque: 9.72N･m
• Engine output: 13.4ps
• Price (new): 298,290 yen

Summary

Many 125cc American motorcycles boast imposing body sizes comparable to higher-class vehicles.

Even among domestic manufacturers, most models were originally sold in Europe where 125cc motorcycles can be ridden with a standard driver's license. Consequently, many rare American motorcycles with limited availability in the used car market exist.

As of June 2021, there are no manufacturers selling new 125cc American motorcycles in Japan, but if you're looking for a new one, consider checking out Spain's Leonart.

Official sales in Japan began in 2020, and as it's not yet widely known, it's recommended for those who want a unique motorcycle.