Is Lexmoto Good? The Best Budget 125cc Motorcycles in the UK
POSTED: 26/01/2026
The King of Budget Biking: Is Lexmoto the Best Value Brand in the UK?
Motorcycling should be accessible to everyone. Yet, with the rising cost of living and premium manufacturers pushing 125cc prices past the £4,500 mark, getting on two wheels can feel like an expensive dream.
Enter Lexmoto.
If you have been searching for budget motorcycles in the UK or looking for the best learner legal 125cc bikes, you have almost certainly come across this Exeter-based brand. But the big question remains: Are they actually any good?
Here is why Lexmoto isn't just a cheap option—it is arguably the best option for riders focused on pure affordability.
British Brand, Global Manufacturing
There is a common misconception that Lexmoto is just another "faceless drop-shipper." That isn’t true.
While the bikes are manufactured in China to keep costs low, Lexmoto is a British company. Based in Devon, they spec, test, and distribute their motorcycles specifically for the UK market. This distinction matters because unlike buying a random bike in a crate off the internet, Lexmoto offers:
- A UK Dealer Network: You can walk into a shop, sit on the bike, and speak to a mechanic.
- A Real Warranty: Most new models come with a 2-year parts and labour warranty.
- Spare Parts Availability: They run an extensive parts warehouse, meaning you aren't left stranded waiting months for a clutch cable shipping from overseas.
The "New vs. Used" Debate
This is Lexmoto's strongest selling point. For the price of a Lexmoto LXR 125 or RSS 125 brand new, your alternative in the used market is often a 10-year-old Japanese bike with 20,000 miles on the clock.
Choosing a new Lexmoto gives you:
- No MOT required for the first three years.
- Fresh tyres, brakes, and chain (no hidden maintenance costs immediately after buying).
- Modern tech: Many new budget Lexmotos now feature LED lighting, digital dashes, and fuel injection as standard.
Top Budget Picks from the Range
Lexmoto has moved beyond basic commuters. They now offer bikes that genuinely look the part.
- The Sports Choice (LXR 125): Consistently one of the best-selling 125cc motorcycles in the UK, the LXR is physically huge. It looks like a 600cc supersport machine, offering incredible "big bike" presence for a fraction of the cost.
- The Retro Choice (R66): For those who love the scrambler aesthetic, the R66 125 competes with the likes of the Triumph 400s on style, but at a learner-friendly price point.
- The Commuter Choice (Scooters): If you just need to slash your commute costs, their range of cheap 125cc scooters offers twist-and-go simplicity with incredible miles-per-gallon (MPG) efficiency.
At KH Motorcycles we offer the complete Lexmoto package, the bike, support, parts, expertise and finance.
The Rivals: Lexmoto vs. Zontes, Keeway & Sinnis
If you are shopping in this segment, you have likely looked at Keeway, Zontes, and Sinnis. While these brands produce fantastic machines, here is why Lexmoto often edges them out for the budget-conscious rider.
The "CMPO" Factor (Parts Availability)
This is Lexmoto’s "Ace in the Hole." The biggest fear with buying a non-Japanese motorcycle is: "What happens if I need a replacement brake lever or clutch cable?"
Lexmoto is backed by CMPO (Chinese Motorcycle Parts Online), one of the largest parts distributors in the UK. While you might wait weeks for a specific part for a Zontes or a Keeway to be shipped from a factory abroad, Lexmoto parts are usually sitting on a shelf in Devon, ready for next-day delivery. For a commuter, a bike off the road is money lost. Lexmoto’s infrastructure keeps you riding.
Price Positioning: Staying True to "Budget"
Competitors like Zontes have pivoted towards the premium market. Their 125cc bikes often feature keyless ignitions, electric windscreens, and high-compression engines—but their prices have crept up to rival Honda and Yamaha (often £3,500+).
Keeway (owned by the huge giant QJ Motor) sits in the middle ground but is increasingly pushing more expensive, tech-heavy models. Lexmoto sticks to the mission: simple, mechanical reliability at the lowest possible price. If you don't need keyless entry or fancy TFT screens, why pay for them?
The Dealer Network Saturation
Because Lexmoto has been the UK sales leader in the 125cc category for so many years, almost every independent garage knows how to work on them. Sinnis (based in Brighton) is a close rival with great styling (like the Terrain 125), but Lexmoto simply has a larger volume of sales, meaning a wider network of knowledge and support across local garages nationwide.
The Verdict: Who is Lexmoto For?
Is a Lexmoto going to outlast a Honda or a Yamaha? Generally, no. The build quality reflects the price tag, and you will need to look after it—regular cleaning and anti-corrosion spray (like ACF-50) are essential in the UK winter.
However, Lexmoto is the best budget motorcycle brand for:
Learner Riders: Who will likely trade the bike in after 1 or 2 years once they pass their full test.
Delivery Riders: Who need a low-cost tool to do a job.
Commuters: Who want to stop paying for train tickets and start saving money immediately.
If you want the freedom of the road without the debt, Lexmoto proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to start your riding journey.
Buy your new Lexmoto from KH MOTORCYCLES today in Nottingham, Market Harborough & Milton Keynes
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Kearney Hogg Motorcycles Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 844554). These permissions as a Principal Firm allows Kearney Hogg Motorcycles Ltd to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of finance providers and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.
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