Disclaimer: BENLG is an electric two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, not a petrol motorcycle brand. However, we understand that many of our B2B partners—importers, distributors, and fleet operators—begin their supplier research by looking at the broader Chinese motorcycle market. This article provides a data-driven overview of the 125cc segment, the largest and most competitive category in China’s motorcycle industry, to help you make informed sourcing decisions.
Why 125cc? The “Goldilocks” Displacement for Global Markets
The 125cc class occupies a unique position in the global motorcycle market. It offers enough power for daily commuting and commercial use while keeping fuel consumption, purchase price, and licensing requirements accessible. In China, 125cc motorcycles (110cc < displacement ≤ 125cc) sold over 6 million units domestically in 2025, making it the largest displacement segment by volume. For exports, the numbers are equally impressive: 4.3869 million 125cc motorcycles were exported in 2025, up 31.86% year-on-year, accounting for 32.82% of total motorcycle exports. The export value of 100–125cc products reached $3.682 billion in 2025, up 35.3%.
For any importer or distributor looking at the Chinese market, understanding the 125cc segment is essential. Here’s what the latest data tells us.
2026 Sales Rankings: Top 10 Chinese 125cc Motorbikes
The following rankings are based on retail sales data from March 2026, covering both scooter-style and conventional (cross-mount) 125cc motorcycles. The data is compiled from industry sources including MotoFan and the China Motorcycle Chamber of Commerce.
March 2026 — Top 10 125cc Motorbikes by Retail Volume
| Rank | Brand | Model | Type | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haojue | AFR125 | Scooter | 17,878 |
| 2 | Jinan Suzuki | UY125 | Scooter | 11,920 |
| 3 | Wuyang Honda | CG125 | Conventional | 8,930 |
| 4 | Haojue | ADX125 | Scooter | 6,356 |
| 5 | Honda (Sundiro) | NS125LA | Scooter | 6,236 |
| 6 | Jinan Suzuki | US125 | Scooter | 5,765 |
| 7 | Honda (Sundiro) | NS125GU | Scooter | 5,588 |
| 8 | Wuyang Honda | NWF125 | Scooter | 4,285 |
| 9 | Haojue | LUMI125 | Scooter | 4,162 |
| 10 | Wuyang Honda | NPF125 | Scooter | 3,217 |
Sources: March 2026 125cc scooter retail market analysis; March 2026 domestic conventional motorcycle sales TOP30
A notable observation from this ranking: 9 out of the top 10 best-selling 125cc motorcycles in China are scooters. The only conventional motorcycle in the top 10 is the Wuyang Honda CG125—a model that has been in continuous production for decades and remains a “national legend” in the Chinese market.
This reflects a fundamental characteristic of the Chinese 125cc market: it is overwhelmingly dominated by scooters. Scooters dominate China’s mainstream 125cc retail market, particularly in urban and commuter-oriented segments. Conventional motorcycles and underbones account for a much smaller share of domestic consumer demand, although they remain important in specific regions and export markets.
Export Note for Importers: While step-through scooters dominate domestic retail sales in China, China’s export volume is heavily driven by geared and straddle motorcycles. In Europe, models like the Lexmoto LXR 125 / QJMOTOR SRK 125 R (full-size sportbikes) and the Keeway V-Cruise 125 (a liquid-cooled V-twin cruiser) dominate entry-level A1 sales. Meanwhile, in Africa and Latin America, millions of heavy-duty, pushrod-engine CG125-platform workhorses manufactured by Loncin, Zongshen, and Dayun continue to serve as the backbone of commercial delivery and transport.
Key Trends Shaping the 2026 125cc Market
Beyond the rankings, several structural trends are reshaping the 125cc segment. These are important signals for importers and distributors evaluating the Chinese market.
1. Reliability and Total Cost of Ownership Remain the Top Priorities
The 2026 sales data confirms that Chinese 125cc buyers—particularly in the domestic market—prioritize durability, low maintenance, and proven reliability over flashy features. This is especially true for the vast scooter market, where these vehicles serve as daily workhorses for commuting and small-scale commercial use.
The sales performance of models such as the Haojue AFR125 suggests that reliability, operating cost and brand trust remain highly important purchase factors in China’s commuter scooter market. However, price positioning and dealer coverage also play a major role.Despite its hybrid-assisted Blue Core technology, Xingying 125 did not appear among the leading models in the March sales snapshot used in this article. Its higher price positioning may have made it less competitive against mainstream 8,000–10,000 RMB commuter scooters, although sales performance is also influenced by distribution, product availability and regional demand.
2. Horsepower Is Rising — The 125cc Performance Ceiling Is Being Pushed
The 125cc class is no longer the “underpowered entry-level” it once was. Some new 125cc models are now approaching the practical performance ceiling of the class, with outputs close to 11 kW (15 hp)—significantly higher than traditional commuter-oriented 125cc engines.
- Dayang VRS125 Hybrid — Powered by a hybrid platform with electric assist, the 125cc version delivers 11 kW (approx. 15 hp) of maximum power, comparable to many 150cc-class engines. It comes standard with dual-channel ABS and TCS. Priced from 10,999 RMB.
- Haojue ADX125 — Upgraded from 6.6 kW to 7 kW, now featuring Bosch ABS and TCS.
- Wuyang Honda — Multiple 2025-2026 models now reach 7 kW, a power level previously associated with 150cc bikes.
3. Safety Electronics Are Migrating Downward
Perhaps the most significant safety trend in the 2026 125cc market is the downward migration of dual-channel ABS and TCS. Once reserved for premium 150cc+ models, these systems are now appearing in 125cc scooters priced under 10,000 RMB.
- QJMOTOR Hong 125 (2026 Smart Edition) — Priced from 7,999 RMB, equipped with Bosch dual-channel ABS and TCS.
- Dayang VRS125 Hybrid — Dual-channel ABS + TCS standard, priced from 10,999 RMB.
- Haojue ADX125 — Bosch ABS + TCS.
- Haojin (Liebian) Ni 125 — Dual-channel ABS + TCS + keyless start standard.
4. Smart Features Are Proliferating — TFT Displays, Keyless Start, Phone Connectivity
The “smartification” of 125cc scooters is accelerating rapidly.
- Full-color TFT displays with navigation projection are now common on mid-to-high-end 125cc models.
- Keyless start—supporting Bluetooth, NFC, and other unlocking methods—is becoming standard.
- USB fast charging (both Type-A and Type-C) is nearly universal.
- Phone connectivity — apps now offer tire pressure monitoring, GPS tracking, and vehicle diagnostics.
5. Retro Styling Is Booming — Café Racer, Scrambler, and Classic Designs
The 125cc market is experiencing a design renaissance. Distinctive aesthetics are becoming a significant differentiator.
- Jinan Suzuki US125 — Retro styling with classic design elements and a brown leather seat, achieving 5,765 units in March 2026.
- Sundiro Honda NS125LA — A retro-styled 125cc scooter that sold 6,236 units in March, ranking 5th overall.
- CFMOTO PAPIO XO-1 R RACER — A 125cc mini sports bike with full fairing and retro twin-headlight design.
- Morbidelli NR125X — A 125cc retro light motorcycle with a classic Scrambler style.
- Keeway V-Cruise 125 / Benda Rock 125 — Breaking the single-cylinder standard by introducing genuine liquid-cooled V-twin engines and belt drives to the entry-level 125cc cruiser category.
Beyond Scooters: Four Key 125cc Sub-Segments
As noted earlier, scooters dominate approximately 98% of China’s domestic 125cc motorcycle market. However, the remaining 2% contains some of the most culturally significant and export-oriented segments in the industry. For importers and distributors, understanding these sub-segments is essential—particularly for markets where conventional motorcycles, underbones, or mini sport bikes are in demand.
1. Mini & Sport Straddles — Youth Appeal and Export Hits
CFMOTO PAPIO XO-1 / XO-1 R RACER
CFMOTO’s global motorcycle sales exceeded 250,000 units in 2025, up 10.1% year-on-year, following an extraordinary 79% growth the previous year. The PAPIO series is CFMOTO’s flagship small-displacement model line. The XO-1 features a retro twin-round-headlight design inspired by 1980s aesthetics, with a half-fairing and clip-on handlebars creating a distinctive “neo-retro café racer” style. In 2025, CFMOTO released the PAPIO XO-1 R RACER—a full-fairing version powered by a 124cc single-cylinder engine, priced at 401,500 JPY in Japan.
The PAPIO series has attracted attention in several export markets, particularly as Chinese brands expand into entry-level and lifestyle-oriented small-displacement segments. In 2025, CFMOTO’s U.S. dealer network introduced the XO-1 Papio SS, generating significant interest from UK media and consumers. CFMOTO has become China’s leader in large-displacement motorcycle exports, with overseas shipments growing from 4,900 units in 2020 to 66,800 units in 2024.
QJMOTOR SRK 125 R / LXR 125
The QJMOTOR SRK 125 R is a full-size 125cc sportbike powered by a 125cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 15 hp, making it fully compliant with the European A1 license category. Priced from approximately £2,999 in the UK, it is positioned as an ideal entry-level sportbike for new riders and commuters.
In Europe, QJMOTOR has entered the top 10 brands in Spain with a 3.2% market share, where the ATR 125 and MTX 125 rank among the top 50 models. In Poland, QJMOTOR registrations reached 2,307 units in 2025, capturing 5.6% market share—up from just 529 units the previous year. The SRK 125 R is one of QJMOTOR’s core models in the European A1 market.
2. Classic Workhorses — The CG125 Ecosystem
Wuyang Honda CG125 and Its Imitations
The CG125 is one of the highest-production motorcycles in history. Since entering production in 1976, global cumulative sales have exceeded 20 million units.
In March 2026 alone, the Wuyang Honda CG125 sold 8,930 units in China, making it the only conventional motorcycle in the 125cc top 10. But the real story is in exports: millions of CG125 units—both original Wuyang Honda models and countless Chinese imitations—are exported annually through Chinese customs, primarily to Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. In any African town, one can find piston rings that fit a CG125. This parts ecosystem is itself a testament to the maturity of China’s motorcycle supply chain.
Haojue GN125 / Baoyi 125 (HJ125-8)
Haojue’s parent company, Dachangjiang Group, sold 2.6867 million fuel motorcycles in 2025, ranking first in China’s motorcycle industry for 23 consecutive years, with approximately 15% national market share.
The GN125 is Haojue’s classic American-style cruiser, first launched in 1993 through a technical collaboration with Suzuki. It remains in production and sale today—one of the few 125cc conventional motorcycles continuously manufactured for over 30 years. Its low seat height, relaxed cruiser riding posture, and legendary durability have earned it a loyal following in rural areas and smaller cities across China.
3. Underbones (Cubs) — Rural Transport and Neo-Retro Lifestyle
Zongshen Yami 125 / Jialing CoCo 125
Zongshen sold 1.1392 million fuel motorcycles in 2025, ranking third in the industry. The Yami 125 is a neo-retro underbone inspired by the Honda Super Cub, combining classic aesthetics with modern reliability for urban short-distance commuting and lifestyle-oriented riders.
The Jialing CoCo 125 is another Chinese classic in the Super Cub-inspired segment, similarly attracting young riders and city commuters with its retro looks and lightweight design. Underbones have long maintained a stable demand base in rural China and Southeast Asia, while these “neo-retro” variants are expanding into younger, urban demographics.
Haojue Xiyun 110/125
The Haojue Xiyun series represents the traditional practical underbone—fuel-efficient, rugged, and low-maintenance. Unlike the lifestyle-oriented Yami and CoCo, the Xiyun serves purely utilitarian purposes: rural commuting, short-distance cargo transport, and grassroots government fleet use. While no longer a growth segment, it maintains a stable installed base in China’s third- and fourth-tier cities and rural areas.
4. Summary: The 125cc World Beyond Scooters
| Segment | Representative Models | Key Characteristics | Primary Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini / Sport Straddles | CFMOTO PAPIO XO-1, QJMOTOR SRK 125 R | Retro design, A1-compliant, export-driven | Europe, North America, Southeast Asia |
| Classic Workhorses | CG125 series, Haojue GN125 | Simple construction, bulletproof, globally interchangeable parts | Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Latin America |
| Underbones (Cubs) | Zongshen Yami 125, Jialing CoCo 125, Haojue Xiyun | Fuel-efficient, practical (Yami/CoCo add neo-retro appeal) | Rural China, Southeast Asia |
Scooters may dominate the 125cc segment by volume, but each of these sub-segments offers distinct value: the CG125 is essential infrastructure for the Global South; the PAPIO and SRK represent China’s entry ticket into European A1 markets; and underbones bridge the gap between rural utility and urban lifestyle.
For importers and distributors, understanding these segments means recognizing that if your target market is commercial/commuter use in Africa, Asia, or Latin America, the CG125 and its ecosystem are unavoidable; if your target is European A1-licensed young riders, PAPIO and SRK 125 R demonstrate the competitiveness of “Made in China” in this space; and if your target is rural Southeast Asia or China’s lower-tier cities, underbones remain a relevant option.
Beyond Petrol: Electric Motorcycles Are China’s Next Growth Engine
While 125cc petrol motorcycles remain dominant in China’s motorcycle industry, the electric two-wheeler sector is growing at an unprecedented pace—and it’s a trend that importers and distributors cannot afford to ignore.
China is the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of electric two-wheelers. The electric transition is not a distant future—it is happening now, across Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
For B2B buyers currently sourcing 125cc petrol motorcycles, the question is not whether to consider electric alternatives, but when. Electric vehicles offer:
- Lower total cost of ownership — electricity costs significantly less than petrol, and electric drivetrains require far less maintenance.
- Fleet-friendly features — battery-swapping capabilities, telematics, and customizable configurations.
- Regulatory alignment — many countries are introducing policies that favor electric vehicles, including tax incentives and low-emission zone access.
- Growing market acceptance — Electric motorcycles accounted for around 7.1% of new motorcycle registrations in Kenya in 2024. Their share continued to rise in 2025, reaching approximately 9.6% during the first eight months of the year, according to the data cited in the World Bank analysis.
If you are an importer, distributor, or fleet operator looking to enter the electric two-wheeler market, BENLG is your partner.
Founded in 2003, BENLG has over 20 years of experience in electric two- and three-wheeler manufacturing and exports to more than 65 countries. Our product portfolio includes:
- Electric motorcycles — including the heavy-duty BENLG BOX, designed for motorcycle taxi and boda-boda fleets
- Electric mopeds and scooters — including the urban touring BENLG RIVO with passenger comfort features
- Electric tricycles — including the passenger BENLG DUDU tuk-tuk
We support OEM/ODM, CKD/SKD/CBU supply models, offering flexibility for importers at any stage of market entry. We also provide EEC, CE, and DOT certification support for relevant markets.
Whether you are exploring your first electric vehicle order or planning a large-scale fleet transition, contact BENLG to discuss how we can support your electrification journey.
Explore BENLG’s full electric vehicle lineup →
Eson Chen
Author Sales DirectorBENLG Sales Team – Head of Global Trade
Eson Chen brings two decades of international trade experience in the electric two‑wheeler industry. As the head of the BENLG sales team, he oversees global business development across Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. With a deep understanding of cross‑border logistics, local regulations, and buyer behavior, Eson has successfully built long‑term partnerships with importers, distributors, and fleet operators. His strategic vision and hands‑on approach ensure that BENLG’s sales solutions are tailored to the unique needs of each regional market, driving sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.
