Compare 125cc Motorbike Insurance

A 125 is the biggest bike you can ride on L plates once you've done compulsory basic training (CBT), so for many learners it's the obvious first bike. That makes insuring one a little different from insuring something bigger: who's riding, and on what licence, matters as much as the bike itself. Comparing quotes through this site could help you find cover that fits, whether you're on a provisional licence or have held a full licence for years.

What counts as a 125cc bike?

In licence terms, a 125 is a category A1 "light motorcycle". GOV.UK defines A1 as a bike with:

• an engine size up to 125cc
• a power output of up to 11kW
• a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.1kW per kg

All three limits apply, so a 125cc engine doesn't settle it on its own. A bike tuned beyond 11kW falls outside the category, whatever its engine size.

The same rules cover geared bikes and twist-and-go scooters. A 125cc scooter is an A1 machine, not a moped. Mopeds are a separate category (AM), covered on our moped insurance page, and there's more on scooters of all sizes under scooter insurance.

Can you ride a 125 on a provisional or car licence?

Yes, as long as you've completed CBT and you're at least 17. GOV.UK says that after CBT you can ride a "motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW if you're 17 or over", on L plates. What else you can do depends on the licence you hold; our guide to motorbike licence categories covers every category in detail.

Your licence	Can you ride a 125?	L plates	Pillion passenger	Motorways
Provisional licence and CBT	Yes, from 17	Required	Not allowed	Not allowed
Full car licence and CBT	Yes, as a learner	Required	Not allowed	Not allowed
Full car licence, no CBT	No	–	–	–
Full A1, A2 or A motorcycle licence	Yes	Not needed	Allowed, if the bike is designed to carry one	Allowed

The car licence row is the one that catches people out. A full car licence lets you ride other kinds of vehicle on the same conditions as a provisional licence (Road Traffic Act 1988, section 98). So after CBT you ride a 125 as a learner, with the same restrictions as anyone else on L plates.

Without CBT, a car licence covers a moped up to 50cc at most. If you passed your car test before 1 February 2001, you can ride a 50cc moped without CBT. GOV.UK is clear that this doesn't stretch any further: "You must take CBT … if you want to ride anything larger than a 50cc moped."

Riding on L plates

On a provisional entitlement, a few rules shape how you can use a 125 day to day:

• L plates: you must display them, or L or D plates in Wales (GOV.UK).
• No passengers: "Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger" (Highway Code, rule 85).
• No motorways: motorways must not be used by "holders of provisional motorcycle licences" (Highway Code, rule 253). If you'll commute on a 125, plan a route that avoids them.

CBT isn't a licence in itself. GOV.UK says you must pass your theory test and full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years, "otherwise you'll need to complete CBT … again or stop riding". Riding without a valid CBT certificate can mean a fine of up to £1,000 and up to 6 penalty points (GOV.UK).

Changes to CBT under review

DVSA has consulted on changes to CBT, including how long certificates stay valid. No decision has been published yet, so the current rules above still apply. Our licence guide sets out the proposals.

What affects the cost of insuring a 125

Each insurer weighs things differently, and with a 125 the rider often matters as much as the bike. Factors that can affect your quote include:

• Your licence: whether you're riding on a provisional licence and CBT or hold a full motorcycle licence, and how long you've held it.
• Your age and riding experience.
• Where the bike is kept overnight: a locked garage, a driveway or on the street.
• Security: insurers may take locks, alarms and tracking devices into account.
• How far and how you ride: your estimated annual mileage, and whether you ride for social use only or commute too.
• The bike itself: its make, model and value, and any modifications.

Not every insurer quotes for learners. Comparing quotes through this site lets you see prices from 25+ providers, including if you're on a provisional licence. For general cover, such as the different levels of policy, see motorbike insurance.

Riding for work or deliveries

If you'll use a 125 for deliveries, check that your policy covers that use. Delivery work is usually insured separately from social and commuting riding; see courier insurance.

Running costs alongside insurance

Insurance is only part of what a 125 costs to run. A 125 falls in the lowest vehicle tax band for motorcycles, and GOV.UK publishes the current rates. Once it's old enough, it also needs an MOT; GOV.UK explains when the first one is due.

Moving on from a 125

Passing the full A1 test, theory and practical, means no more L plates. You can also carry a passenger on a bike designed for one, and use motorways. From there you can move up to A2 and then A, either directly or by progressive access; our guide to motorbike licence categories explains the routes and ages.

Passing your test may change what insurers offer you, so it's worth comparing quotes again when your licence changes.