125cc Motorbike Insurance
Learners, CBT & full licence riders- Motorbikes, scooters & mopeds
- Chinese 125cc bikes covered
- One quick form, multiple quotes
Compare 125cc motorbike insurance quotes from over 25 FCA regulated UK providers. Quotes available for most makes, models and styles - including Chinese brands.
Cover available for all licence types, usage classes and rider ages.
Compare 125cc motorbike insurance
Learner friendly insurance options
Most 125cc makes and models
From Aprilia to Lexmoto to Zontes
Multiple quotes in just a few minutes
Easy to amend coverage options
You could find cheaper 125cc insurance
25+ quotes, UK brokers, more choice
125cc insurance from 25+ brokers compared, including:
125cc bike & scooter insurance
Compare 125cc motorbike insurance quotes from over 25 FCA regulated UK providers.
Whether you ride a 125cc motorbike or scooter, quotes are available for most makes, models and styles. Cover is available for all licence types, rider ages and usage classes.
Are 125cc motorbikes cheap to insure?
125cc bikes are often cheaper to insure than larger motorcycles thanks to their smaller engines, lower values and modest performance.
However, insurance costs still depend on factors like:
- Your age and riding experience
- Where the bike is kept
- The level of cover you choose
- Your licence type and claims history
- Annual mileage
- The type of 125 you ride
Why can 125cc insurance still be expensive?
Although 125cc bikes often sit in lower insurance groups, they’re commonly ridden by younger and less experienced riders. Daily use and a higher accident risk can all contribute to increased premiums.
125s are also frequent targets for theft, especially in towns and cities.
125cc insurance for learners
Many 125cc motorcyclists are riding with their CBT on a provisional licence, however cover is available for more experienced riders and all types of motorbike licence:
- CBT & L-plate riders
- A1 licence holders
- A2 licence holders
- Category A licence holders
Do you need insurance for a 125cc bike?
All 125cc motorbikes and scooters ridden on UK roads must be insured by law, whether you ride on L plates or hold a full motorcycle licence.
Third Party Only (TPO) is the minimum legal level of cover required in the UK.
How you could get cheaper 125cc motorbike insurance:
You may be able to reduce the cost of your 125cc insurance by:
Improving security
125cc bikes are lightweight and can be stolen quickly if left unsecured. Use a high quality Sold Secure rated chain or disc lock, ideally securing the bike to a fixed object.
Using multiple layers of security (e.g. chain + disc lock + ground anchor) can further reduce risk.
Keep your bike out of sight
If possible, store your bike in a locked garage. If not, keep it off the street and out of view, ideally under a cover rather than parked in full view on a public road.
Reduce annual mileage
Higher mileage usually means higher risk, which can increase your premium. Try not to overestimate your annual mileage when getting a quote, especially if your bike is not used daily.
Pass your test
Your premiums could go down when you are no longer a learner rider, and you may also benefit from lower excesses and access to a wider range of policies.
Increase voluntary excess
A higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium, but you’ll pay more if you make a claim. Make sure the level you choose is affordable if you need to use it.
Choose a less sporty 125
As a rule of thumb, sportier 125’s are seen as a higher risk. Choose a more sensible option until you can build up some riding experience and a no claims bonus.
Buy an older bike
Less valuable bikes tend to be cheaper to insure. Choosing a well maintained, older 125 can reduce premiums and also limit depreciation losses when you sell.
Avoid carrying pillion passengers
It’s not much fun carrying a pillion on a 125 (and is not allowed prior to passing your test). If you have passed your test, only include this if you genuinely expect to carry passengers.
Compare quotes
Comparing quotes is the simplest way to see what different insurers will offer based on your exact details. Results are ranked from cheapest to most expensive, helping you quickly identify the most suitable option for you.
125cc scooter & moped insurance
You can also compare quotes for 125cc scooters and mopeds - including many popular Chinese brands.
Simply enter the registration number of your scooter or moped to compare quotes.
Chinese 125cc bikes and scooters
Chinese bikes and scooters are becoming increasingly popular in the UK market. You can compare insurance for most Chinese motorcycle and scooter brands including:
- Lexmoto
- Sinnis
- Zontes
- Keeway
- Voge
The reality of first-time 125cc insurance
Back in 1997, insuring a sporty Yamaha TZR125 as a 17-year-old cost more than the bike itself - over £1,000 at the time, or roughly £2,400 today. Unfortunately, cheap 125cc insurance can still be difficult to find for younger riders.
Thankfully, comparing quotes is much easier today. Instead of ringing multiple brokers individually, you can compare quotes from a range of providers in minutes with one quick form.
For many riders, a 125cc motorbike is the starting point for a life on two wheels. It's also the first time many riders must face one of motorcycling's biggest frustrations: insurance.Mark Hopwood - Motorbike insurance specialist. Former 125 rider, founder of Biker Insure
Take the hassle out of finding the right cover by comparing quotes for your 125cc bike today.
Whether you ride a Honda, Yamaha, Lexmoto, or another 125cc bike or scooter, Biker Insure could help. Get a 125cc insurance quote now and see how much you could save:
125cc Insurance FAQ's
How much is insurance for a 125cc motorbike in the UK?
As with all motorbike insurance, the cost of a 125cc policy depends on your individual circumstances. Factors such as your age, occupation, location, riding experience, licence type, and how you use and store your bike all affect the price.
The bike itself also plays a major role. Some 125cc makes and models are more expensive to insure than others, and value, age, and security will also impact your quote.
It’s not possible to give a single price for 125cc insurance, but you can find out what you’ll pay by comparing quotes via Biker Insure.
Can I ride a 125cc on a CBT?
Once you’ve completed Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), you can ride a 125cc motorbike if you are over 17 and hold provisional motorcycle entitlement.
You must display L plates and have valid insurance (at least Third Party Only) to ride legally on UK roads.
Can you insure a 125 without a CBT?
You cannot legally ride a 125cc motorbike or scooter in the UK without completing the CBT first.
The only exception is for riders who passed their car test before 1 February 2001, and even then this only applies to 50cc mopeds — not 125cc bikes.
To ride a 125cc, you must have a valid provisional motorcycle licence, and have completed the CBT before riding on the road.
Do 125cc bikes need tax?
125cc motorbikes must be taxed before they can be used on UK roads.
As of 2026, motorcycles up to 150cc fall into the lowest tax band, currently £27 per year when paid annually (or slightly more if paid in instalments).
If you’re not using the bike on the road, you can declare it off-road using a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) instead of taxing it.
How can I find the cheapest 125cc motorbike insurance?
The most effective way to find cheaper 125cc insurance is to compare quotes from multiple providers, as prices can vary significantly between brokers.
You can also reduce costs by improving security, lowering mileage, choosing a less sporty bike, and increasing your voluntary excess.
Comparing quotes via Biker Insure lets you see multiple options in minutes with one simple form.
Can you get temporary insurance on a 125?
Temporary 125cc insurance is available for short term cover, such as borrowing a bike or test rides. See our temporary motorbike insurance page for more details.
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