LEXMOTO LXR 125. FAST FACTS.

Big bike looks and plenty of bang for your buck from the established importer’s sportiest number...

If you’re on the hunt for your first motorcycle, looking for a sturdy steed to help you cut through city traffic on a daily commute, or want a small capacity sunny Sunday scratcher, Lexmoto’s LXR 125 might be just what you’re looking for. Bikers on a budget will undoubtedly be considering getting their hands on a used sportbike, but the LXR should present a real dilemma. You can spend your money on something second-hand, or you can go for a brand new bike which comes with two years parts and labour warranty. It’s a tough call, but I know where my money would be going… It’s a super little 125. Its styling is stunning, and if you’re a sportbike fan in the market for your first bike (and you’ve not got £3500-plus to spend on a machine from one of the larger manufacturers), then Lexmoto’s flagship learner-legal machine is well worth a look.

1. LOOKS

For those of you out there who love the sleek curves and aggressive angles of a sportbike, Lexmoto’s LXR 125 should tick all the right boxes. Sitting on its side stand, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a much bigger bike, and despite its ‘budget bike’ credentials, a quick close-up inspection showed up no glaring faults or underlying issues. So far so good.

2. HANDLING

It handles well, too. Even on waterlogged roads, the LXR responded to my movements and easily flicked through bends without any trouble. Its big back tyre (well, big for a 125cc) offered ample traction and the front proved itself stable as I pushed the bike harder into corners.

3. ENGINE

Despite the LXR’s big bike looks, as soon as you get moving there’s no pretending it’s anything more than a 125. That’s not to say its single cylinder four-stroke engine isn’t a capable bit of kit, but it’s probably not going to be setting the world alight any time soon. Saying that, there’s plenty in the tank up to 50mph, but it’s going to take a bit of time (and a lot of road) to reach the bike’s claimed top speed of 68mph.

4. BRAKES

The front discs work together with the rear brake as part of a combined braking system. That’s because every new 125 is required to come with either CBS or ABS, and as CBS is cheaper, that’s what Lexmoto’s opted for. The combined brakes take a little bit of getting used to if you’re stepping down from a larger machine (or are trading in an older bike with more traditional brakes), but there’s little doubt they work to make the bike safer, particularly for learner riders.

5. SPRINGS

The LXR’s suspension sits on the stiffer end of the spectrum, helping the bike to stay in shape when you’re really pushing on. Okay, so it’s not the most sophisticated of set ups, but I didn’t have any problems with it, aside from a couple of uncomfortable collisions with potholes.