The '03 KTM 125SX is our shootout winner thanks to excellent power delivery and top-shelf components.
After days of rigorous testing, test riders filled out evaluation forms with grades and comments in numerous categories, covering all possible categories. The 125cc class is, without a doubt, the most competitive class among manufacturers, and the test riders had their work cut out for them. Because motor is king in the 125cc class, that category carried the most weight in our final outcome.
When it came down to it, we couldn't get over the sweet motor of the KTM, and
three out of the four test riders gave the 125SX first place overall in the shootout. It's a great bike that comes with high-quality components all the way through. If a weakness has to be noted, the KTM suspension does rank towards the bottom of the standings, but the incredible class-leading motor and amenities are too much to resist.
A close second goes to the Suzuki RM125. One of our testers ranked the bike number one, but it wasn't enough to roost the KTM from the top of the hill. There's no doubt that Suzuki has done its homework on this motorcycle. It may be the most well-rounded bike of the group, and that could certainly elevate this bike into first place in the minds of many enthusiasts.
The 2003 Suzuki RM125 is a championship-winning machine, just ask Mr. Jesseman. But the RM came up just a bit short of taking top honors in this test.
Unfortunately for Yamaha, the rest of the 125s have finally caught up to the YZ125 while it focused on developing its 4-stroke machines. The YZ125 remains a great motorcycle and took a close third in our 125cc shootout. The YZ's suspension and handling are still as good as you can get, but a notchy transmission, slightly outdated cockpit, and the progress from Suzuki's and KTM's engine departments have pushed the YZ125 to the side. If you insist on a blue motorcycle that has the most power in the class, get a YZ250F. (Check out our comparison between the
YZ250F and a YZ125.)
It's never much fun when you get to the end of the line, and as good as the Kawasaki KX125 and Honda CR125 are, they really don't belong there. They both ranked very closely to the YZ125 in third. Both of these perimeter-framed motorcycles are amazing in many ways, but just not where it counted most in this shootout. Basically, their lower-ranked engines held them back, lacking power in the middle to upper rpm ranges compared to what the top of the class has attained.
If we have to give the nod for fourth place, we'd give it to the Kawasaki KX125. It is a comfortable motorcycle that is easy to go fast on, much like the Honda CR125. With a few more top-end ponies under the tank, these two will make next year's 125cc shootout even tougher.
