If you want cheap simple commuting in comfort with style and reliability, then look no further, Kawasaki's J125 hits the spot. Don't be put off by its lack of capacity. In any major city commute you really don't need anything more than what the Kawasaki J125 provides.
The excess weight isn't noticeable on the move (182kg). The J125 carries its weight low, underslung. This almost gives the bike a pendulum feel as you dart between traffic. The Maxiis rubber did its best to find grip on the sometimes very slippery smooth Spanish roads. ABS comes as standard, which is a big selling point for new or inexperienced riders. Despite it's J300 dimentions the wide seat is actually low and as you'd expect the automatic J125 is a doddle to ride.
The single-cylinder four-stroke Kymco moto is much more responsive than you'd expected. It will comfortably haul its big body up-to an indicated 100kph without any fuss and roll onto a little more. It will happily cruise along at an indicated 100kph despite the little Chinese motor working overtime at 9,000rpm. However it's a little revvy around town buzzing at 6,000rpm at only 30mph dependant on conditions.
The Kawasaki J125 use a Kymco chinese base, the single cylider engine still says Kymco on the side, it's based on the Kymco Downtown 125. However Kawasaki have tried their upmost to give the J125 an air of quality using parts from Kawasaki's J300. Essenitally the J125 is just the J300 with a smalller engine.
At £3799 for the standard model, or £3899 for the limited edition model (paint only), the J125 is on the expensive side for what is essentially a 125 scooter. In comparison Suzuki's Burgman is £3499 and the Kymco Downtown on which it's based on is £3299. But it's cheaper than Honda's Forza and the modifications Kawasaki have made gives the J125 a quality feel and it should hold its value better than the Chinese Kymco.
There is enough under-seat storage for a full face helmet and A4 briefcase. Additionally there a small glove box up front with a 12v socket. There's a useful bag hook above the fuel cap between your legs. ABS comes as standard as does the petal racy discs. There' even a anti-temper anti-theft ignition barrel and the twin rear shocks have preload adjstment. But it's a shame the front glove box isnt lockable.
From 2019, the Kawasaki J125 is available in Khaki with Metallic Moondust Grey, as well as the black and green paint scheme it had before.
The Kawasaki J300 is a 300cc version of the Kawasaki J-series scooter with much of the same running gear and a higher capacity engine.
1 owner has reviewed their KAWASAKI J125 (2016-on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.