Visually, the Chinese built Lexmoto XTR 125 S has wheels skinnier than you’d find on the aforementioned BMX, the fairing is a bit weedy looking but ‘fits’ the bike well with no gaping holes anywhere and the frame welds aren’t too messy either.
Annoyingly the sidestand flicks up if you take any weight off it and the analogue clocks are very 1980s. But let’s put cosmetics to one side for the time being – remember, this is a brand new bike with a 12-month warranty for less than the price of the computer I’m typing this on. In these cost-straitened times, that counts for a lot.
Like most modern small capacity bikes, the Lexmoto XTR S 125 comes with a simple air-cooled four-stroke engine; it’s got a five-speed gearbox and our test bike came with an aftermarket can already fitted.
The Lexmoto XTR S 125 starts fairly easily on the button (it also has a kick-start), but needed a bit of choke from cold. The skinny looking tyres didn’t really fill me with confidence but I must admit I was pleasantly surprised once I got the bike out on the road. The motor performs quite well and will top 70mph; it sounded like a pit bike through the stainless steel exhaust as a well so should impress down the chippy. The single disc front and rear brakes are superb and it’s easy to lock the rear wheel if you’re a bit heavy with the back pedal, great for... err..., backing it in on your favourite bends!
The Lexmoto XTR S 125 actually goes round corners better than I expected on its 100-section rear Continental ContiGo rubber so you can have a bit of fun on it, although the wildly oscillating fuel gauge is a little off-putting. Out of our three test bikes the Lexmoto was second quickest on the road, and was also the best for pillions, with a surprisingly well-padded seat and a handy rear grab rail. The XTR S looks a little dull in its black paint scheme but the alternative white and red options provide more street appeal.
Lexmoto has gone all-out to reassure potential customers that buying a cheaper bike doesn’t mean you’re on your own in terms of parts or dealer help. There is full backup with more than 60 dealers in the UK and currently 15 different learner legal bikes and scooters in the range. And for only £1,200, The Lexmoto XTR S 125 is undoubtedly a fun alternative.
Lexmoto XTR S 125 Specifications
Engine : 4-Stroke, Single-Cylinder, SOHC 2-Valve, Air-Cooled
Bore x Stroke : 56.5 x 49.6 mm
Capacity : 124 cc
Compression Ratio : 9.5 : 1
Induction : Carburettor
Transmission : 5-Speed, Chain Drive
Power : 11.3 BHP @ 9.000 RPM
Torque : 9.2 N.m @ 6.000 RPM
Top Speed : 110 Kph
Dimensions (LxWxH) : 1.925 x 680 x 1.156 mm
Wheelbase : 1.320 mm
Seat Height : 860 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity : 11 Litres
Weight : 115 kg
Frame : Steel Twin Beam Frame
Front Suspension : Telescopic Fork, Non-Adjustable
Rear Suspension : Monoshock
Front Brakes : Discs, with 2-piston Caliper
Rear Brakes : Discs, with 2-piston Caliper
Front Tyre : 70/90 – 17
Rear Tyre : 100/80 – 17
Color : Black, White & Red
Price : £1,200
Labels: Lexmoto, New Bike Review, Review
