Want a brand-new sporty 125 without the massive price tag?

Lexmoto LXR 125 gets Euro5 engine and flash TFT dash

Lexmoto have updated their popular LXR 125 range, promising a fresh engine, new graphics, updated suspension and even a TFT dash – all for under £3000. The LXR hits dealers this week and comes in two flavours: a £2499 standard model, plus a more premium £2799 SE. Both have a more powerful Euro5-compliant 125cc liquid-cooled single, producing a claimed 12.3bhp and 8.1lb.ft of torque. This should be enough to keep up with traffic, but don’t expect more than 65-70mph. Lexmoto say the new motor provides better performance through the revs, plus improved throttle pick-up.

Also revised for both models is the rear shock as the outgoing LXR SE was criticised for being too firm. The seat height is now up from 800mm to 820mm, but a lowering kit is available. Twin petal discs up front take care of braking. The differences between the

SE and the base-spec LXR are most apparent at the frontend, with the more expensive machine wearing a set of adjustable upside-down forks – something not seen on some alternatives from mainstream manufacturers, such as the £4499 Suzuki GSX-R125. Further chassis tweaks can be found at the rear, with the SE receiving a claimed lighter aluminium swingarm. Closer inspection reveals a TFT screen, showing revs, speed, gear position, fuel and more. The standard LXR sports a more traditional partanalogue set-up.

With the equivalent classleading Yamaha YZF-R125 costing almost twice the price at £4799, the LXRs could represent serious value and undercut the market. That said, what you save in cash, you lose in performance – with the Yamahas, KTMs, Suzukis and Kawasakis of this world all producing closer to 15bhp and offering proven quality levels. But Chinese firm Lexmoto are earning a reputation for quality at affordable prices.

Plenty of weight The LXR weighs a claimed 167kg wet – which is 33kg more than an equivalent Suzuki GSX-R125. Don’t expect to be winning any traffic light GPs! Going up The seat height has jumped from 800mm to 820mm but a lowering kit is available. New graphics Lexmoto have updated their choice of liveries for 2021, offering options in black, white or red. New engine The 12.3bhp singlecylinder is up slightly from the old bike’s circa 12bhp output. There is a six-speed ’box and fuel capacity is 13.5 litres. A dash of quality More expensive SE model gets a TFT dash – something not shared by more premium sports 125s from European and Japanese manufacturers.

Sporty looks add to the appeal

The SE version gets a smart TFT dash

Seat height is up but can be lowered