https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/rss https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/are-chinese-125cc-bikes-reliable-uk-buyer-s-guide-pros-cons-common-problems Here at Springheadbikes weve sold hundreds and still selling them, so Id say were well qualified and have seen most of the niggles, issues and annoyances of the Chinese 125 bikes on the market. To start the conversation we have to face the elephant in the room most people that buy them are on a budget and its a price driven purchase rather than a desire. Is this to say its a bad purchase absolutely not. Weve had many Mutts, Lexmotos, Hanways, AJS, Heralds, Blurocs and everything in between that have provided no issues. The start of the journey is how they have been pdid at point of first sale, if the dealer has cut corners not greased the connectors, pins, bearings and torque checked the fixings your more likely to come across problems. How to start preventative maintenance if you have just bought one. To start with we strip the brakes clean the pistons, sliders and brake pad pins, clean and lube the chains and check all the nuts and bolts are tight and free from corrosion which could be a problem in the long run. Then cover them in a wax product or a silicone based product on all the metalworks. Most Chinese bikes use a copy of a Suzuki GN125 engine which has been modernised and fuel injection has been added. Keep this in mind they were built to use E5 fuel not the modern problematic E10 fuel. The fuel injection system is quite robust but the common issues that come to mind are the engine temperature sensor, O2 sensor and idle control valve other than that the rest of the sensors are quite good. They generally ride quite well although basic and little bit stiff, most could benefit from better tyres, brake pads and a heavier duty chain but none of this is a necessity. The parts are quite easy to get now especially Lexmoto which keep most in stock and are a really good price. So should you buy one? If you like the style, buy from a reputable dealer and keep it clean and on top the general maintenance its a cheap way to get into biking with 26 a year and upto 150mpg its more a question of why you shouldnt buy one? Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 BST https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/mutt-akita-125-review At Springhead Bikes we get to ride most of the 125cc bikeson the market and this is our take on the Mutt Akita 125 First Impressions The fuel tank is the main feature of this bike along with the chunky tyres take you back to something Steve Mcqueen would have been riding. The Specs The 16 litre fuel tank and over 100mpg fuel economy won't need you visiting the fuel station much. 18" Spoked wheels with high side walled scrambler style tyres Suzuki GN125 derived engine which have been proven to be builletproof LCD dash with fuel guage and gear indicatior Twin Rear shocks The Ride When you sit on it you immediately realise its not actually that high off the ground and the low seat height will appeal to newer riders and people with a shorter inside leg. As you get going theres a little of vibration through the seat and handlebars but nothing excessive or that would put you off riding it, it gets upto 63mph and would buzz along all day at that sort of pace. It handles quite well easy to go into corners and the tyres aren't too harsh on the road. The instrument cluster is basic but effective and all the controls are in the usual place. What to look for? If you are looking to buy a Mutt Akita 125cc these are the faults we've found in the past to cause us issues The engine management light is usually caused by the o2 sensor as a result of using E10 fuel they will run it but it soots up the sensor and it fails Hard to start from cold or cuts out when warm is sometimes caused by a sticking idle control valve or more commonly the temperature sensor reading -60 degrees when the engines cold and wont register much past 0 degrees altering the fuelling and messing up the mixture The finish on the front engine cradle,wheelsand swingarm isn't the best and if used in all weathers and not cleaned and protected will allow rust to form. The Mutt Akita 125 is a fantastic first bike and will teach you everything you need to know about basic maintenance and the first steps to getting you big bike license. Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 BST https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/bimota-back-in-world-superbikes Following on from the World Superbike icons we've had instock recently at springheadbikes.co.uk Bimota have officially announced they are entering back into world superbikes in 2025. With wins from riders likeDavide Tardozzi (5) and Stephane Mertens (2) and more recently the late AnthonyGobert they are joining with the KRT Kawasaki Racing Team to form a new infastructure. They did enter in 2014 with Christian Iddon but unfortunately didnt get off the ground sucessfully with that project. Heres what they had to say "Now after Kawasaki competing for nearly four decades in the Superbike World Championship we are proud to be part of a new era forming the infrastructure of the new Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. For sure we will spare some time to reflect on and celebrate the heritage of Kawasaki in Superbike racing but we are also extremely excited to be a core component of this new Bimota and Kawasaki joint venture. "This is an evolution for Kawasakis approach to the top level of production racing and we are honoured to play our role in this new project. I am confident we have the technology and human resources necessary to succeed and it will be a fresh, energising experience fielding an impressive two rider team in the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. At Springheadbikes we're avid follows of World Superbikes and are keen to see what this will bring to the world superbike championship. Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 BST https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/top-10-legal-questions-about-laws-on-125cc-motorbikes Top 10 Legal Questions about Laws on 125cc Motorbikes Question Answer 1. Can I ride a 125cc motorbike on a car license? Oh, the age-old question! The answer is, it depends on where you live. In some places, as long as you have a full car license, you can ride a 125cc motorbike without any additional training or testing. But in other places, you may need to take a motorcycle training course and obtain a motorcycle license. Always check your local laws and requirements! 2. Are there age restrictions for riding a 125cc motorbike? Well, isn`t that a tricky one! In many places, the minimum age for riding a 125cc motorbike is 17, but there are exceptions. Some countries allow younger riders to operate a 125cc motorbike with restrictions, such as supervision by a licensed rider. Make sure to research the specific regulations in your area. 3. Do I need insurance for a 125cc motorbike? Ah, insurance, the necessary evil! Most places require motorbike insurance, including for 125cc bikes. It`s important to protect yourself and others in case of an accident. Make sure to shop around for the best rates and coverage options that suit your needs. 4. Can I carry a passenger on a 125cc motorbike? Ah, the joy of sharing the ride! In many places, it is legal to carry a passenger on a 125cc motorbike as long as the bike is designed for two riders and equipped with the necessary footrests and seat. However, always double-check your local laws to ensure compliance. 5. Are there any restrictions on where I can ride a 125cc motorbike? Oh, the wide open road! Generally, you can ride a 125cc motorbike on most public roads, but there may be restrictions in certain areas, such as highways or motorways. Additionally, off-road riding may have its own set of regulations, so be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws. 6. Do I need to wear a helmet when riding a 125cc motorbike? The age-old debate! In the vast majority of places, wearing a helmet is mandatory when riding a 125cc motorbike. It`s not just about lawit`s about your safety. So, always protect that noggin and wear a helmet when you hit the road. 7. Can I modify a 125cc motorbike to make it more powerful? Ah, the allure of more power! It`s generally illegal to modify a 125cc motorbike to increase its power output beyond legal limits. Such modifications may not only violate the law but also compromise safety. Always follow the manufacturer`s guidelines and local regulations. 8. Are there noise restrictions for 125cc motorbikes? The sound of the open road! Many places have regulations on the noise level produced by motorbikes, including 125cc models. It`s important to ensure that your bike`s exhaust system complies with noise regulations to avoid potential fines and conflicts with fellow road users. 9. Can I ride a 125cc motorbike with a learner`s permit? The thrill of learning the ropes! In some areas, it`s possible to ride a 125cc motorbike with a learner`s permit, but there may be restrictions, such as supervision by a licensed rider. Always check the specific requirements for learner riders in your jurisdiction. 10. Are there specific maintenance requirements for 125cc motorbikes? Ah, the care and keeping of your trusty steed! 125cc motorbikes, like any other vehicle, require regular maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation. Be sure to follow the manufacturer`s maintenance schedule, perform regular checks, and address any issues promptly to keep your ride in top condition. Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/tips-on-buying-a-125cc What are the running costs on a 125cc bike? Its far cheaper to run a bike than a car. Road tax is super cheap for a 125cc - 20 a year. A bike MOT is around 30. As with cars, new bikes dont need to be MOTd for 3 years. 125s do around 75-100+mpg. It takes around 12 to brim the tank and thatll do around 200-250 miles. Theyre super cheap in terms of fuel. Servicing costs vary depending on whether you go to a dealership, local bike mechanic, or do it yourself. We do most of our bike servicing ourselves, so we just need to pay for parts. A minor service (oil & filter) is around 25. A major service (oil & filter, air filter, spark plug) is closer to 50. The usual consumables: brakes, tyres etc are cheap and theres only two to worry about. Tyres for a 125cc are around 30-50 each. Brake pads are around 10-20 a pair. Dealerships charge top-end and, in my opinion, can be a bit transactional. If we need to go to a mechanic we use a local, independent one. Sometimes they can be a bit more rough & ready, but I quite like that. They usually give you the best advice to make things cheaper as opposed to dealerships who always tend to err on the side of expensive. So MOT & road tax is 50 each year, fuel is cheap and servicing is 30 - 150 depending on how keen you are on getting your hands dirty. There may be other consumable costs like tyres and brakes but these are low compared to a car. All-in, a 125cc motorbike is very cheap to run. How much is 125cc motorcycle insurance? How longs a piece of string? It all depends on your risk profile: age, where the bike is kept, car experience etc. My advice is to go onto GoCompare and run a quote. Unless youre very young, live in central London and / or dont have any car experience then it should be a few hundred pounds. Id always go for a reputable bike insurer where possible: Bennetts, MCN etc. Some of the cheaper, lesser known insurers look attractive but their excesses can be high and mid-term adjustments (changing address, bike etc) can be as silly as 50. Dont be tempted by the sports 125s (CBR 125, YZF 125 etc) as they cost more to insure. Youll most likely do very few miles on a bike so set your annual mileage low. If you know an experienced rider then putting them on as an additional rider will lower your premium. You collect No Claims Bonus when riding a 125 so getting at least a years experience on your CBT licence will make your big bike insurance a lot cheaper. What bike security do I need? I wish this section wasnt necessary but unfortunately bike theft happens all the time. If they cant steal it, chances are theyll smash something when attempting to steal it. Lesley and I have both had theft attempts which have caused 100s of pounds of damage. This photo shows my CBF in my living room because it was hot-wired the week before but they couldnt get through my chain. Id just got it fixed and was selling it the next day so took it inside to be safe! Deter bike thieves as much as possible by using as much security as you can. Garaging at home or in the back garden is ideal - out of sight, out of mind. When thats not an option or away from home, a disc lock should be used at the very minimum. For the price, a bike cover is worth it as it keeps the elements off the bike and its less attractive to an opportunist thief as it takes time for them to get the cover off and get to work. Ideally a heavy chain around the frame (or rear wheel but not the front wheel) and a secure object like a lamp post. Cheap chains are useless, pay as much as you can or look for a bargain on Gumtree. Ive seen CCTV of how fast they get through them. When my bikes are at home I always use a ground anchor to secure the chain. Ive used both Oxford or Mammoth security and have been happy so far. A banger is sometimes the best security. Thieves tend to like expensive and/or fast bikes. Annoyingly, the younger ones tend to like 125cc bikes to joy ride. How do I gain riding experience & confidence? Your CBT usually only takes you around town; its not geared to give you experience at 50-60mph on A / B roads. This is where the all the fun happens! I remember building up my experience and I made plenty of mistakes: going over to the other side of the road, down shifting too many gears and locking up my rear wheel, getting so cold that I couldnt concentrate, dropping my bike the list goes on! Id advise slowly building up your experience with short trips, then gradually move to longer trips. Start off going out when its not busy definitely not rush hour. Dont let faster vehicles bully you to the left of the road. Stick to your lines and at a speed youre happy with. Theyll overtake when they can. The best way to learn is to follow the lines and spend time with a rider with more experience than you. Just make sure the rider is sensible and doesnt push you out of your comfort zone too fast. Lesley is a good rider and can easily ride long days on back roads. Her experience was built up over a few years including riding mountain passes in the Lake District and through Glenshee in the Highlands. Most experienced riders find the trips we do together hard to believe! Other beginner biker pointers & tips Here are a few other things to think about when starting out biking: If you dont like getting cold and wet, dont get into biking! See hi-vis image above. Get a neck gaiter / buff. Theyre only a few quid and help cut out the wind. Layer up to keep warm. Gear under your protective layer doesnt have to be biker specific. Any outdoor, skiing / hill walking clothing under your protective gear is fine. If in doubt, one more layer! Make sure you have plenty of energy and are hydrated before jumping on your bike. You burn more calories than you think and the majority of accidents are down to the Human Factor. Learn how to regulate your temperature through helmet vents, zips vents etc. In time you can do this while riding along but to start with, theres no harm in pulling over to adjust your clothing. Being too cold or too warm isnt ideal for concentration. Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/5-influential-female-motorcycle-racers-of-the-21st-century Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/what-bike-can-i-ride%3F Getting a motorbike licence can seem overly complicated, it's quite different from getting a car licence. Whether it is your first vehicle, or you are buying a motorcycle to add to your collection, it is important to have all the relevant information. This guide looks at everything youll need to know about motorbike licenses. How to get a motorbike licence There are two commonly known routes to getting a motorbike licence you can choose to take depending on your age and riding experience, but before you decide on either, you will have to consider the provisional driving licence. Do I need a provisional driving licence to learn to ride? Yes, you must have a provisional licence, this is the first thing you need to apply for before you take your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) you cannot begin learning to ride a motorbike without one. CBT is a course you usually have to take before you ride a moped or motorcycle on the road. Can I ride a moped with only a full driving licence? Yes and no, the answer to this depends on when you passed your driving test. If you passed your driving test before 1 February 2001 you can legally ride a moped (up to 50cc) with no L plates, without taking a CBT course or the full moped test. In this instance you will, however, need to take a CBT if you want to ride anything larger than a 50cc moped. Anyone who passed their driving test after 1 February 2001 will have to complete their CBT before being able to legally ride a moped or motorbike. You will also not need to complete your CBT if you want to ride a motorcycle and have a full moped licence from passing a moped test since 1 December 1990 or if you live and ride on some offshore islands. The direct access route The direct access route is when a non-rider decides to get a licence based on what their age group permits them to with no previous riding experience. This route entitles you to an: AM licence (allowing you to ride a 50cc bike) if you are 16 or over A1 licence (allowing you to ride a 125cc bike) if you are 17 or over A2 licence (limiting you to a bike up to 35kw) if you are 19 and over A licence (allowing you to ride any bike of any sized engine) if you are 24 or over. The progressive route The progressive route, on the other hand, allows you to progress up through the bike licences gaining riding experience along the way to attain your full A licence at a younger age. If you begin riding at 16 you can work your way through the categories consecutively which will eventually mean a rider can attain a full A motorcycle when they are 21 as opposed to waiting until they are 24. Providing you adhere to the right number of years' experience, and your theory test certificate is valid, this route entitles you to an: AM licence (allowing you to ride a 50cc bike) if you are 16 or over A1 licence (allowing you to ride a 125cc bike) if you are 17 or over A2 licence (limiting you to a maximum bhp of 47) if you are 19 and over A licence (allowing you to ride any bike of any sized engine) if you are 21 and have held your A2 licence for two years or more The other benefit of the progressive route is if you progress through the licencing system, gaining the appropriate number of years' experience with each licence, you will not need to retake your motorcycle theory test. Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-your-motorcycle Not only does cleaning your bike properly keep it looking great, it also helps to stop its parts getting damaged by built-up dirt and the elements. Common questions include, How to clean your motorcycle?, How to clean matt paint motorcycle? and How to clean motorcycle chain? Well, youre in luck, we are here to provide the answers! Pre-clean The first thing to do is give your bike a quick pre-clean. Spray your whole bike with a gel cleaner and leave it on for a few minutes so that it reaches all those tricky places that its hard to get to like the nooks and crannies around the engine. A product like the Tru Tension Bike Cleaner is just the ticket! Once the gel has worked its magic, use a brush to dislodge any remaining dirt before giving your bike a rinse. For a bike with a matt paint finish, you should use only car wash soap and water. Use a microfibre cloth and plenty of water to clean it regularly. Even a bit of dirt on a matte finish can make a scuff mark on the paint. Deep cleanse Next, youll want to deep cleanse your engine and all of the metal parts on your bike with motorcycle degreaser such as the Muc-Off Motorcycle Degreaser to make sure your beauty is shining. Scrub these areas carefully with a brush to get rid of any build ups and then hose off. The devil is in the detail! Your brake discs and pads can develop a layer of surface rust and dirt on them over time so its important to make sure you clean them thoroughly. Use a brake cleaner such as the Muc-Off Motorcycle Disc Brake Cleaner which will break down this pesky grime and then wipe away the excess cleaning fluid. Simples! Chain reaction Now onto your bike chain. Youll need a chain cleaner and a specially designed brush like the Muc-Off Chain Cleaning Brush, to remove the dirt on your chain effectively as it can get quite stuck on due to the grease. We recommend you get yourself a chain cleaner which prevents flash rusting, like our Tru-tension PrimeShine Motorcycle Chain Cleaner. Flash rusting is caused by metals being exposed to corrosive environments and often happens when wet surfaces are left to dry naturally. If you dont use a chain cleaner with a rust-inhibiting formula, you risk causing flash rusting when removing these contaminants. Always use protection Protecting your bike from any future corrosion is a key part of looking after your bike. There are plenty of multi-purpose sprays on the market, including the Tru-Tension PrimeShine TT78 Multi-Use Spray which is designed specifically for motorcycles and Muc-Off Motorcycle Protectant which protect parts and also act as a lubricant for stiff components. Lube up! Lastly, make sure you apply some non-fling lubricant to your bike chain. A lube such as our Muc-Off All Weather Chain Lube or Tru Tension Motorcycle Chain Lube provides long-lasting protection by penetrating deep into the chain links so that it stays in top condition and performs well in even the most extreme weather conditions. Why not come Visit us, see what range of bikes we sell.... Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.springheadbikes.co.uk/blog/chain-maintenance Motorcycle chains transfer power from the engine to the rear wheel. They require regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation and longevity. Materials Needed: Chain cleaner, a soft brush, and clean rags. Process: Put the bike on a center stand or rear paddock stand for easy access to the chain. Use a chain cleaner or a mild degreaser to spray the chain thoroughly. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the chain, sprockets, and chain sliders. Rinse with water and dry the chain completely using clean rags. Materials Needed: High-quality chain lubricant. Process: After cleaning and drying, apply chain lubricant evenly along the entire length of the chain. Turn the rear wheel slowly to help the lubricant penetrate the links. Wipe off excess lubricant with a clean cloth to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime. Check the Owners Manual: Follow manufacturer recommendations for the correct chain tension. Typically, there should be a specified amount of slack (usually around 1-1.5 inches) when measured midway between the sprockets. Adjustment: Loosen the rear wheel axle nut. Use the chain adjusters to achieve the recommended chain tension. Ensure the chain tension is equal on both sides to maintain wheel alignment. Tighten the axle nut after adjustment. Check the chain for signs of wear, such as kinks, rust, or tight spots. Inspect the sprockets for wear and ensure they're not hooked or worn out. Look for any damaged or missing O-rings or X-rings on an O-ring or X-ring chain. Keep an eye on the chain's condition and address any issues promptly to avoid potential hazards. Clean and lubricate the chain approximately every 500-600 miles, or more frequently if riding in adverse conditions (dirt, rain, etc.). Inspect the chain regularly, especially before long rides or after riding in harsh conditions. If you're unsure about chain maintenance or notice significant wear, seek the expertise of a professional motorcycle mechanic. By following these steps and maintaining a regular schedule for chain care, you'll ensure a longer lifespan for your motorcycle chain, better performance, and a safer riding experience. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT