Spec
So, with all small capacity motorbikes, the first thing people always ask is 1) how fast is it and 2) what is the power output. The LXS 125cc comes in at 13.8hp, which is at the higher end of the Chinese motorcycle power output, and remember UK law states that all 125cc bikes have to be restricted to 14.75hp, so this bike is creeping up to the upper limit. The only other bikes on the Chinese market that can boast this is the Lexmoto LS-N at 13.7hp or the Riding Review’s favourite - the Zontes ZT125 series at 14.48hp.
As for the top speed, there have been reports on the smorgasbord of motorbike forums that this bike will get you to a blistering 75mph. This could well be true under the right circumstances, but I expect that in real-world circumstances you should be expecting 68 to 70mph. The engine in this bike is the same as the Lexmoto LXR, but it has been tuned to coax a little more power. The engine itself is a water-cooled single overhead Cam (SOHC) with a 6-speed wet clutch gearbox. It does produce a little vibration at slow speeds but as it gets faster they do melt away. The suspension on this is fairly soft, so you will get a comfortable ride.
There are parts on this bike that have been added to keep the cost down like the CBS braking system instead of the ABS (like on the LS-N) or the steel swingarm instead of aluminium (like on the lexmoto LXR 125 SE). It comes with a digital display that tells you what gear you’re in, the speed, time and RPM, and comes with projection headlights and LED lights all around.
Design
The Lexmoto LXS 125cc takes its design cues from the racing bikes of old, like the Kawasaki Ninja or the Honda CBR. It has that racing look and the bike comes in several colours: Matt Grey/Fluro Yellow or Black/Blue. The LXS has a similar look to the LXR but is shorter and lighter with a lower seating position. This bike comes with an LED running light, rear light and indicators with front projection high and low beam.
Comfort
This bike looks as if you should be leaning on the tank to drain every last drop of power out of the 125cc lump, but this isn’t really the case as the bike will force you to take a more upright stance. This will take a bit of pressure off your wrist and make for a more comfortable ride.
This bike walks-the-walk but doesn’t really talk-the-talk. It is a 125cc at the end of the day, so I wouldn’t categorise this as a sports bike, maybe more of a sports/commuter. The suspension gives you a more of a comfortable ride as it is rather soft for a racing bike and is more suited to commuting.
My only issue on the seating position is the shape of the tank - with the squared design, I find it digs into your legs a bit as you grip. This is the same on the LXR, but this may just be me. The LXR does have a pillion seat, but I’m sure this too would be uncomfortable as there are limited places to hold on to and the seat isn’t exactly big. But at only 125cc, I would avoid taking a pillion anyway.
Cost of riding
The Lexmoto LXS 125cc comes in at the minute at £2799.99 with OTR on top (usually between £100 to £200 depending on where you purchase). Servicing should cost between £140 to £300 depending on where you get it serviced, but there will be a Lexmoto dealer within 40 miles on average in the UK. Your first year’s tax comes with the bike and after that, it will be £21.
The bike has a 10-litre tank which should take you near the 300-mile range. Most 125cc motorbikes are really efficient and will usually do 80+ MPG.
Insurance is difficult to predict because so many factors are taken into consideration when quoting. It can range from £250 to £1500, depending on location, where the bike is kept, what security you have and crime rates in your area. We have found that on average for this type of bike, Bikesure or Lexham provide the best offers.
Pros and cons
The LXS isn’t a Japanese bike, but nowadays nor are the Japanese bikes. That being said, it doesn't come with the Japanese price tag either. There are some price saving designs on this bike, like the CBS brakes and metal swing arm, but you will still be saving around £2000 over a Japanese bike.
For style, it’s a good pick for those that want the comfort of a commuter bike with a sporty look, though I would recommend test-riding to ensure the comfort meets your requirements.
This bike is a bit smaller than the LXR, with a seat height of 790mm and a weight of 155kg, which is a bit on the heavy side for its size. That being said for a £3000 bike I think it has a lot to offer.
Verdict
For the bike, condition of the market and supply chain due to COVID, I think Lexmoto have done well to keep the price below £3000. You will see with other importers, the prices are climbing monthly, to the point where I think they are pricing themselves out of the market. But thankfully this isn’t the case here.
Whether you are interested in this one, or the LXR, as long as you keep the bike well and have it properly serviced, either should last well into the future, so if you want a sports/commuter bike, you would be hard-pushed to find anything better for the price.
