How Much Does a 125cc Dirt Bike Cost? (29 Models Compared)

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, the 125cc dirt bike offers the perfect blend of power, size, and versatility.

Because of this, these smaller dirt bikes, despite their reduced displacement continue to be one of the most popular dirt bike classes for both beginners and experienced riders.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a 125cc dirt bike though, you’re probably wondering how much they cost.

So to answer this question, we did a ton of research to find the new and used price for all the most popular 125cc dirt bike models, ranking them from least to most expensive.

Key Takeaways

• Expect to spend $3,000 to $6,000 for a quality 125cc dirt bike, with cheaper off-brands under $1,500 and premium high-performance bikes over $7,000.
• Used 125cc dirt bikes offer great value, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on model, age, and condition.
• Beyond the initial purchase price, owning a 125cc dirt bike requires budgeting for additional costs like protective gear, maintenance, repairs, and insurance.

New 125cc Dirt Bike Cost (Least to Most Expensive)

As you can see from the table, when purchasing a new 125cc dirt bike, you can spend anywhere from $1,000 for a cheap off-brand model to more than $8,000 for a brand-name high-performance model.

However, most riders usually spend between $3,000 and $6,000 for a quality 125cc dirt bike.

At the lower end, off-brand bikes like the Apollo DB-X18 and MotoTec X3 can be picked up for less than $1,500 brand new.

While the Suzuki DRZ125 and entry-level Hondas such as the CRF125F, Grom, Trail 125, and Monkey models will usually cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,200.

Intermediate models like the Yamaha YZ125X usually fall in the $6,000 range.

While advanced high-performance 125cc dirt bikes from manufacturers like Gas Gas, KTM, Sherco, Beta, and Husqvarna typically range from $7,000 to more than $8,000.

When shopping in the 125cc dirt bike class there are affordable options for any budget, however, you tend to get improved features, suspension, materials, and overall performance as the price increases.

Especially when you get into the $6,000+ range.

Factors that Affect the Cost of a 125cc Dirt Bike

The cost of a 125cc dirt bike can vary greatly based on many different factors.

However, these five key elements have the biggest impact:

• Brand Name & Reputation – A dirt bike’s brand name and reputation play a major role in pricing. Well-known brands like Honda and Yamaha command higher prices. While less familiar Chinese brands like Apollo and MotoTec offer very low prices to compete.
• Engine Type & Materials – While all 125cc dirt bikes have the same displacement, there can be a big difference between engines. For example, high-performance 125cc engines are often lighter for a better power-to-weight ratio and offer premium features like electronic fuel injection (EFI). In addition, materials used on the bike can have a big impact on price as aluminum frames, and carbon fiber parts cost more compared to steel and plastic components.
• Features & Capability – The features and capability difference between a basic “beginner” 125cc dirt bike versus a fully loaded “expert level” bike directly impacts the price. Advanced features like suspension adjustments, traction control, brake modulation, and more can add considerable cost.
• Used vs. New – As with all dirt bikes, if you’re willing to buy used, you can save a lot of money, as you’ll see in the next section. However, as a trade-off for that cheaper price tag, you sacrifice warranty protection, engine lifespan, and often reliability.
• Dealers, Sales & Promotions – Shopping around dealers and websites for sales and promotions can help score a great deal. It’s not a small amount of savings either, as you can often save as much as $500 or more. For even more savings consider purchasing the leftover previous model year bikes when the new model year arrives.

Used 125cc Dirt Bike Cost (Least to Most Expensive)

Used 125cc dirt bikes can offer significant savings compared to new ones, as they generally cost between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on the model, age, and condition.

Looking at current listings, you can find solid starter bikes under $1,000, like the 2021 SSR SR125 for only $899.

Older models from the early 2000s like the 2001 Yamaha TTR 125L range from $1,995 to $3,500, depending on condition, usage hours, and updates.

You’ll also see prices broadly vary, even among the same model.

For instance, as you can see from the table, which are actual listings pulled from Cycle Trader, a 2014 Honda CRF125F is listed for $2,500 while a substantially newer 2021 model is only listed for a few hundred bucks more, at $2,888.

More premium brands and late model years creep closer to new bike prices, such as the 2023 KTM 125 XC at $6,799.

However, with some diligence in researching listings and having a trusted mechanic inspect them, you can score an incredible 125cc dirt bike value buying secondhand.

As used 125cc dirt bikes generally cost half as much compared to new ones.

Just be prepared to potentially replace worn items like tires and brake pads or rebuild the top end when purchasing higher-hour bikes.

Dirt Bike Pricing Across Engine Classes

Engine displacement plays a major role not only in dirt bike size, power, and handling but also in pricing across classes.

When comparing dirt bikes of different engine sizes, there is a significant pricing difference when you move up and down in displacement, as you can see below.

• 50cc: $1,000 – $2,000 – As the smallest bike class, 50cc dirt bikes are the cheapest dirt bikes available. They provide an introduction to powersports for young kids, thanks to their lower horsepower and torque, which makes the bike easier to handle.
• 85cc: $2,000 – $3,500 – Slightly more costly than the 50s, but still reasonably priced for kids transitioning into more power. 85s add bigger wheels, more power and torque, and more adjustable components.
• 125cc: $3,000 – $8,500 – There is huge pricing variation among 125cc bikes spanning entry-level to professional-grade – but still reasonably affordable. Lower-cost 125s compete with higher 85 prices, while pro 125 factory motocross bikes approach small 250cc bike prices.
• 250cc: $6,500 – $9,500 – You pay a premium jumping to the very quick and powerful 250 class compared to 125s. But 250 prices pale in comparison to professional 450-class bikes.
• 450cc: $9,000+ – The ultimate performance motocross bikes with engine, chassis, and components purpose-built for racing see prices in the $9,000 range and up.

Other Costs Associated with Buying & Owning a 125cc Dirt Bike

While the purchase of the bike is the largest cost associated with buying and owning a 125cc dirt bike, it’s certainly not the only cost.

As there are several other additional costs you need to factor in for a true picture of the full cost of ownership, which we’ve highlighted below.

Gear & Safety Equipment Costs

Unless you own or have owned other bikes in the past, you’ll need to purchase a wide range of gear to safely ride the bike.

Investing in proper riding gear and safety equipment is a must for 125cc dirt bike owners. This protective apparel and accessories can add around $1,000 or more depending on the options and level of protection selected.

Here’s an overview of average pricing for common dirt bike safety gear:

• Helmets: $150 – $600 – A helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment you need while dirt bike riding. Expect to spend $150 for a basic off-road style helmet meeting DOT certifications and up to $600 for a premium motocross helmet with the highest safety ratings.
• Goggles: $20 – $100 – High-velocity debris and roost requires durable, sealable goggles starting around $20. Higher-end goggles featuring better ventilation, anti-fog, and optical correction can approach the $100 range.
• Jersey & Pants: $90 per item – Moisture-wicking, abrasion-resistant jerseys and pants designed for motocross to protect upper and lower body impacts will usually cost around $90 per item.
• Gloves: $20 – $150 – Off-road riding requires full finger protection with motorcycle gloves costing between $20 for basic versions up to $150 for premium options featuring protected knuckles and touchscreen-compatible fingertips.
• Boots: $100 – $500 – Reinforced boots with ankle support, gripping soles, and steel shanks help prevent lower leg injuries. Prices start around $100 for basic pairs and can cost up to $500 for high-end racing boots.
• Knee & Chest Protection: $90 per item – Hard shell chest and knee guards protect these vulnerable body parts when riding aggressively, expect to spend around $90 per item.
• Neck Braces – $100 – $300 – Restricts mobility but prevents potential devastating neck injuries in the case of crashes, can range from $100 to $300.

Ongoing Ownership & Maintenance Costs

Operating and maintaining a 125cc dirt bike extends beyond just purchasing the bike and safety gear.

As you should also expect regular expenses for preventative and ongoing maintenance and repairs over the years.

• Oil Changes & Air Filter Cleaning/Changes – Changing oil and oil filters and cleaning/replacing air filters. DIY costs $40+ per service interval.
• Tire Replacement – Replacing worn-out front/rear dirt bike tires usually costs between $50 and $80 for each, installed.
• Replacing Wear Parts – As brake pads, chains, and sprockets wear down with use they’ll need to be replaced, which can cost anywhere from $50 to over $200, depending on the part.
• Periodic Valve Adjustments – Occasionally required, valve adjustment cost is usually around $100.
• Top-End Rebuilds – After 5 to 10 years, a top-end rebuild may be necessary to freshen up the engine and replace worn or leaking internal parts, which can cost $400 to more than $1,000 for parts and labor, depending on what’s being done and replaced.
• Unforeseen Mechanical Issues – Even with proper maintenance mechanical issues can and will happen. While repairs for these issues can vary greatly, anything major can easily cost $500 or more.

Yearly cost for maintenance and repairs on a 125cc dirt bike can easily tally $250+ factoring periodic servicing, wear item replacement, and typical upkeep.

However, the exact total will vary based on the age of the bike, hours used, riding intensity/type, and DIY wrenching abilities.

Additional Dirt Bike Ownership Costs

Along with gear and ongoing maintenance, 125cc dirt bike owners also need to budget for expenses like:

• Insurance – Carrying dirt bike insurance protects against liability, damage, and injury risks. Expect to pay $150 to $800 annually for recreational policies based on the coverage level selected.
• Transport Costs – A dirt bike hitch carrier, trailer, or ramps are required to transport your machine to/from riding locations. Prices range from $250 for a carrier up to $1,000+ for a trailer.
• Taxes & Registration Fees – Check your state laws – often dirt bikes used exclusively off-road don’t need registration. If required, however, registration tax averages $60 to $150 annually.
• Riding Location & Track Fees – If you don’t have private land access, public state/national parks and private motocross tracks generally charge $20 to $30 for day passes or $200 to $500 for annual riding permits.
• Safety Training Courses – Hands-on training classes for beginner/intermediate riders run from $100 to $300 for 1 to 2-day courses.
• Gear Upkeep – Expect to periodically repair or replace damaged/worn boots, body armor, gloves, and goggles over time.

Additional Dirt Bike Resources:

• Are Dirt Bikes Air Cooled? (Everything You Need to Know)
• Why Do Dirt Bikes Have Spoked Wheels? (Answered)
• Why Do Dirt Bikes Have Twist Throttles? (Answered)