If you still think you need 150 horsepower for adventure, the Benelli BKX 125 will quickly put you back on track – with 15 horsepower, some common sense and a lot of style. It's a versatile on-off bike, created for young riders (and those at heart) who want to explore the world beyond the asphalt curbs – and do so with a smile. It's also one of the largest bikes in its class, where even big or heavy riders won't be too big for the bike.
Benelli BKX 125 is a completely new two-wheeled model class A1, designed as a true urban-rural versatility. It was conceived in the design studio Benelli Style Center in Pesaro, Italy, where it was given a playful, modern design with distinctive DRL lights and clever details. The front indicators are integrated into the handlebars, and the rear brake lights are hidden right in the rear indicators – which for a 125cc engine almost feels premium.
The author of the article sits on a motorcycle and is 183 centimeters long and weighs over 90 kilograms. It is one of the largest motorcycles in its class. EICMA 2025
Engine: 11 kW, 12 Nm and 6 gears of pure fun
Under the hood, a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 125 cm³ single-cylinder engine hums, developing 11.0 kW (15 hp) at 9,500 rpm and 12.0 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The bore/stroke ratio is an almost square 54.0 × 54.5 mm, and the compression ratio is a concrete 12.0 : 1. The electronics are supported by Bosch's Motronic MES 8.0 system, fuel injection is via a 28 mm flap, and the transmission is via a 6-speed gearbox and chain.
It is homologated to Euro 5/5+ standards, depending on the market, but the performance remains the same.
Speed? Forget seconds, smiles count
There are no official data on top speed and acceleration (0–100 km/h) yet, European catalogs currently state “nd” (not specified). But let’s be honest – no one buys a 125 to break records on the highway. The Benelli BKX 125 is measured in smiles per kilometer, not seconds to a hundred.
Consumption and reach: modesty is a virtue
With a 12-litre tank and a claimed fuel consumption of just 2.4 l/100 km, a range of around 500 km is quite realistic if you drive calmly. CO₂ emissions are 53 g/km, making the engine one of the greenest in its class. For regional trips or the daily commute, this means minimal fuel costs – and no more panicking at every traffic light when the amber reserve light is on.
Chassis: a component that convinces
The Benelli BKX 125 has a serious chassis – a steel trellis frame, 41mm USD forks up front that are fully adjustable (preload, compression, rebound), and a monoshock at the rear with a lever and adjustable preload and rebound. The front and rear travel is 180mm – which is much more than is usually found in this class. This means: no problem over city potholes, curbs or any dirt road.
The wheels are true adventure dimensions – 19″ front, 17″ rear, shod with 90/90-19 and 120/90-17 tires. The wire wheels provide a classic SUV look, and are even more comfortable for “off”.
Brakes: different catalogs, same trust
The brake thing is interesting. At EICMA they showed a model with a 240mm disc up front and a radial 4-piston caliper, while the European sales pages list even 280mm. In any case, there is a 240mm disc at the rear and standard ABS.
What counts? The brakes are strong, responsive and more than capable for dynamic driving even with a little more luggage – or a passenger.
Dimensions and ergonomics: it won't be too small for you
With a length of 2,100 mm, a width of 910 mm, a height of 1,210 mm and a wheelbase of 1,426 mm BThe KX 125 is one of the largest motorcycles in its classThe ground clearance is an impressive 233 mm, which means it can easily sprint over a forest path or city curb.
The seat height is adjustable in three levels: 830, 855 and 880 mm – so even taller drivers won't sit "in the hat". And if, for example, you are 182 cm tall and weigh close to 100 kilograms – you'll look like a serious biker on the BKX 125, not like a grown child on an oversized scooter. This is a real rarity among 125cc motorcycles.
Electronics and equipment: without exaggeration, with a head
All lighting is LED, the instrument panel is LCD and – which is almost a must these days – there is also a built-in USB charging port. Everything is minimalistic but clear: speed, gear, fuel level – what you see is what you get. And no, your phone will no longer “die” before you reach the viewpoint.
Design: Italian dot on the i
The lines of the BKX 125 are clean, without unnecessary kitsch. The DRL lighting and integrated indicators give a high-class feel, and the color combinations are anything but boring. The BKX looks like a bike you can proudly park anywhere – be it in front of a camper trailer or a hipster café in the city center.
Prices and colors: adventure at an affordable price
According to the Italian price list (which is a good indicator for the EU as well), the BKX costs 125 3.790 €, version BKX 125 S (with a road emphasis) but 3.390 €.
Colors for the BKX 125 include white, gray, blue and sand, while the S version has a more “urban” selection: gray, blue, green.
Version S – in two sentences
The BKX 125 S is a more street-oriented version – it has 17-inch alloy wheels, 150 mm of travel and a lower seat (795 mm). An ideal choice if you spend most of your time on asphalt and want something lighter for city navigation.
Who is the BKX 125 for?
For anyone with an A1 license who is not just looking for the “adventure” look, but for an authentic experience. For beginners who want something more than a plastic “naked”. And for those who know that the feeling of control on bad asphalt is much more important than the final speed in the left lane.
Technical highlights – no search
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Engine: 1-cylinder, 4T, 125 cm³
11.0 kW (15 HP) @ 9,500 rpm
12.0 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
EFI 28 mm, Bosch MES 8.0, 6 gears
Euro 5/5+ -
Chassis:
Steel trellis frame
41 mm USD fork, adjustable (180 mm travel)
Rear mono with lever, also adjustable
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Wheels/tires:
Front: 19″ (90/90-19)
Rear: 17″ (120/90-17)
Wire rims -
Brakes:
Front: radial 4-piston caliper, 240 or 280 mm disc
Rear: 240 mm
ABS -
Dimensions and weight:
2,100 × 910 × 1,210 mm
Wheelbase: 1,426 mm
Ground clearance: 233 mm
Weight: 148 kg
Seat: 830 / 855 / 880 mm -
Tank: 12 l (+ 1.5 l reserve)
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Consumption/CO₂: 2.4 l/100 km, 53 g/km
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Equipment: LED lights, LCD meter, USB
Conclusion: fewer horses, more paths
The Benelli BKX 125 is exactly what the A1 class has been needing for a long time – a serious, thoughtfully designed motorcycle that wants to be nothing more and nothing less than a reliable companion when discovering the world. No bluffing, no excessive digitalization – just a bike that works. With long-travel suspension, wire wheels and ergonomics that suit even taller riders, the BKX 125 is ready to take you further than you first thought.
And for the price that many people spend on an electric scooter with an app.