Why Aren't 125 cc Motorcycles Popular In the US?

Have you ever come across a motorcycle that looks aesthetically super cool? However, it is way too small for most riders. It is most probably a 125 cc motorbike. These little bikes are very popular in many countries around the world. They are ideal for maneuvering through narrow city streets and getting excellent fuel efficiency.

However, if you live in the US, you may encounter a small 125 cc bike less frequently. One may wonder why these super cool and cute-looking 125 cc motorcycles are not seen often in the US. Continue reading this article to discover why 125 cc motorcycles aren’t popular in the US.

Picture yourself riding in heavy traffic and maneuvering between the lanes on a motorcycle that consumes a little fuel. That’s the perfect environment for a 125 cc bike. They are easy to maneuver, which is one reason why they are ideal for traveling within the city. You can quickly swerve in and out of lanes and go through narrow gaps. Plus, they ensure outstanding fuel economy. You can ride while being less worried about fuel and spending more money.

However, the USA is a country full of highways and open roads. This is where 125 cc motorcycles begin to falter. Highways in contrast to urban roads, require a motorcycle with a high-performance engine. Your motorcycle needs to have good torque and horsepower.

A little 125 cc motorcycle cannot compete with cars and trucks speeding much faster on highways. These bikes don’t have enough ‘oomph’. This lack of power means riding on motorways with a 125 cc motorbike is often dangerous.

Overtaking can become nearly impossible while riding alongside powerful motorcycles and large vehicles. A small bike rider is most often dwarfed by other larger bikes and traffic traveling at much higher speeds.

If you prefer a small vehicle suitable for city use, you are more likely to find a scooter than a 125 cc motorcycle in the U.S. There is a good reason why it is so. Both scooters and 125 cc motorcycles are simple to operate, give good fuel efficiency, and are also ideal for short distances, usually within the town. But there are a few key things that set scooters apart:

In some U.S. states, getting a scooter license is easier than getting a motorcycle license. This can be a big advantage for new riders who can’t ride and control big, powerful bikes. They don’t have to undergo the complicated procedures of being licensed to ride the machine.

Scooters do not have a motorcycle’s design. Instead, they possess a flat floorboard. This design is called a “step-through,” and it is preferred because it allows people to easily get on them, particularly if they are short or have difficulty swinging a leg over a bike.

Electric scooters are becoming common on the roads. People in the U.S. are finding them useful and practical. They may not be suitable for highways, but they are surely a useful and eco-friendly mode of transport in busy areas.

Scooters usually have storage boxes beneath the seat that can be used for grocery bags, backpacks, or even helmets. Motorcycles typically do not have this kind of storage integrated into the design of the bike.

Therefore, though scooters and 125 cc motorcycles are both fun and easy to ride on city roads, scooters have more appealing features to most US riders. They mainly attract new and practical riders or short-distance commuters.

The surprising thing we have observed is that the cost between a 125 cc motorcycle and a slightly larger motorcycle, 250 cc or 300 cc in the USA, is pretty close. It may not seem like a huge increase in the size of the engine, but the additional power is everything to the American riders. Let's see why:

While a 125 cc motorcycle can stall on highways, a 250 cc or 300 cc bike has adequate power to maintain with traffic. This makes them much safer when going outside the city or riding on the freeways.

It can be rather stressful to merge on a freeway, especially if it is a fast one on a slow bike. More power means a larger motorcycle can get to speed quicker, thus easily merging safely on the freeway.

Large bikes are usually more comfortable and have better suspension than small bikes. This makes a big difference for your back and overall comfort during the extended periods of motorcycle riding.

Thus, although a 125 cc motorcycle can cost you a little less compared to a motorcycle of a larger capacity, the latter's benefits are very obvious. This is the reason why displacement and bigger motorcycles are more popular and preferable for most riders in the US, especially for those who aim at riding outside city limits.

Thus, although 125 cc bikes are not everywhere, they are still present in the US to some extent. Of course, there is a group of riders who love these small bikes due to their unique characteristics. Here's why these small bikes, especially minimotos, hold a special place in some riders' hearts:

Say goodbye to costly and frequent trips to the gas station. 125 cc motorcycles are extremely cheap in fuel consumption, which is why they are suitable for new and young riders. For example, the Honda Grom has a claimed fuel economy of 166.5 mpg. Less money spent on fuel means more can be spent on other things, such as motorcycle accessories or weekend trips.

These bikes are among the easiest to maneuver because of their light construction. They can be easily maneuvered, especially in congested urban areas, and are best suited for use in busy traffic.

It is not easy to ride a motorcycle, particularly for those who are starting to learn. Since a 125 cc motorcycle is a smaller bike with less power, it is ideal for a novice to gain confidence on two wheels before moving on to the next bike.

Regardless of size, a 125 cc motorcycle is fun to ride. Not only for beginners, many trained riders and stunt performers use 125 cc motorcycles, like the Honda Grom, to have fun on two wheels. A 125c motorcycle is fun to ride, specifically in areas with relatively low allowed speed.

125 cc motorcycles are suitable for many different regions in the world. However, they are rare in the US. This has to do with a few key factors. First, Americans crave large and muscular motorcycles. Second, the presence of a wide network of highways and open roads makes 125 cc motorcycles unsuitable.

Still, it does not mean the 125 cc motorcycles scene is gone. Some riders still prefer them for their excellent fuel economy, easy maneuverability, and ability to provide a perfect ride in stop-and-go traffic. Also, some famous models, such as the Honda Grom, show that such small motorcycles can be exciting to ride.

It is necessary to underline that only the requirements of a motorcyclist and the style of the ride can define whether a 125 cc bike will be enough or if a person needs a more powerful motorcycle. If you are on a tight budget or a first-time buyer wanting to have fun commuting on your bike, a 125 cc motorcycle may suit you.

However, if you intend to dominate roads and travel longer distances, you may need a motorcycle with more power. Whatever you choose to ride, remember that a whole world of excitement can be discovered on two wheels.