Lifan KPX250 vs the Honda CT125: TWICE the Motorcycle for LESS!
- Randy Reek, The Great Out There
- Jun 16
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 24
The Lifan KPX250 is the fun commuter and trail dual sport motorcycle – for over $2,000 LESS!
Ever since Honda introduced the CT90 trail bike back in the 1960’s, I have wanted one! It is quirky, unique, and cool.
Honda’s marketing was inspired. They never attempted to market the CT90 to hardcore bikers. Instead, they targeted housewives, students, and campers. The Honda CT90 was a motorcycle designed for people who otherwise had no interest in big, loud, and expensive motorcycles.
Remember the sales pitch? "You meet the nicest people on a Honda."
Fast forward 60 years and the Honda CT90 is now the CT125. It still looks like fun.
The basic design remains the same. While buyers appreciated the economy of the CT90 in the 1960’s when gas was 25-cents a gallon, current owners REALLY appreciate the economy of the tiny motorcycle at today’s prices! The CT125 remains one of Honda's most popular models, and motorcycle riding is STILL fun!
BUT - WHY is the Honda Trail CT125 the motorcycle its owners love to HATE?
Why are CT125 forums and owner’s groups on Facebook full of negative posts?
Why does it seem like HALF of CT125 owners want to sell, including some like-new bikes with less than 100 miles? If the CT125 motorcycle is the pinnacle of versatility, what are owners (and prospective owners) complaining about?
Top complaints about the Honda CT125:
1. Poor availability. Most Honda dealers typically stock ONE CT125 - or NONE. It’s obvious that dealers prefer to sell Honda 500’s and 1800cc Goldwings, along with side-by-sides with much higher profit margins. Many dealers have a waiting list for the CT125, with delivery that can take months.
2. No color choices. It’s a small thing, but not everyone wants a yellow motorcycle (or green, or red, or whatever the single “color of the year” is.) Production of the CT125 in Thailand is limited. Next year, if you want to buy a matching CT125 you are out of luck.
3. Lack of accessories. The Honda website lists only 2 (TWO) accessories for the CT125. Because the CT125 (Hunter Cub) is sold around the world, many North American owners are forced to order accessories directly from Asian sources. Because of the unique design, there are few generic parts available for the CT125.
4. Dealer service departments. This is not a complaint that is exclusive to Honda owners.
MOST motorcycle owners dread taking their bike into the dealership.
First, the hourly rate is typically around $150 per hour, and few services are not charged for two or more hours, plus shop supplies, waste and disposal fees.
Second, most shops are painfully overbooked and SLOW. You might not get an appointment for several weeks, and then need to wait longer for the service to be completed.
Third, satisfaction with the completed repairs is dismal. There are legions of stories about being charged for services (valve adjustments, for example) that were never completed. Others complain about misdiagnosis of problems adding to time delays.
Fourth, there is a good chance that the "technician" assigned to your motorcycle has never worked on that model! When you combine the hundreds of motorcycle models with the high turnover of personnel, many paid service technicians don't know any more about your motorcycle than you do.
Then there is the high cost of parts (even basic oil and filters) on top of the expensive labor. First, there is a slim chance the required part is in stock, adding to the delays. Then, you pay "through the nose" for the Honda brand.
In the end, most motorcycles will not be returned without a bill that totals several hundred dollars – even for a basic machine like the Honda CT125.
5. The HIGH purchase price of the CT125. Like all things, inflation has caught up to the Honda CT125 and the current 2025 MSRP is now $4,099.00.
Over the MSRP, Honda dealers add $300 for incoming freight, plus several hundred dollars more for set up and paperwork fees. The “out the door” price ends up totaling close to $5,000, NOT including taxes and license! $5,000 is "serious" money and that cuts into the “fun factor” of this little motorcycle
More than any other motorcycle model, the owners of the Honda CT125
simply suffer from Buyer's Remorse.
The Honda marketing overpromises and under-delivers. After the dealer hassles and high purchase price, there are HUNDREDS, maybe THOUSANDS of CT125s for sale at any moment because the riding isn't FUN!
After CT125 owners have often waited months or traveled to another state to make the purchase, then paid a premium to buy the Trail 125, they are soon disappointed. These owners turn around and list their like-new motorcycles for sale - or accept a $1,000 loss on a trade.
WHY? The long list of CT125 complaints continues:
6. Lack of power. This complaint amazes me since all CT125 owners KNEW that this cycle has ONLY EIGHT horsepower! For comparison, my Honda walk-behind LAWNMOWER has a 170cc motor. And yet these owners are dismayed that the 125cc motorcycle won't top 45 miles per hour?
7. Uncomfortable seating position. Owners complain about the saddle on the CT125, but it isn't the seat. The seating position is upright, like sitting in a chair with your legs out in front. ALL the weight is on your butt. No saddle can absorb all the bumps and cracks in the pavement or trail.
8. Uncomfortable riding position. On a conventional motorcycle, your legs help support your weight and absorb shocks. Your back is relaxed because you lean slightly forward. But on the CT125, you sit straight and invite pain in your back, neck and arms after just a short ride.
9. Poor ergonomics. It seems that the compact CT125 was just not designed with larger Americans in mind. Anyone over 5'6" knocks their knees on the handlebars. You can't slide back because of the small saddle - and the ridiculous, painful raised bar at the front of the rear rack!
10. Quirky, unnatural transmission and shifting pattern. Honda designed the CT125 (and Super Cub) without a clutch lever to appeal to non-motorcycle riders. Great marketing, but the transmission shifting is not intuitive, especially for experienced riders. The 4-speed shift pattern doesn't adequately cover the speed range, and the odd heel/toe lever adds to the awkwardness.
11. POOR trail capabilities. Despite the "Trail" name, the CT125 is woefully inadequate off the paved road.
The small and narrow 17" wheels and street tires don't provide needed traction. The narrow rims and low front fender make installation of true dual sport tires impossible. Plus, installing new tires adds parts and labor costs to the already high price.
The seating position makes the weight distribution uneven front to back, impacting steering control on and off road.
The large rear rack encourages riders to add more weight, further adding to the imbalance.
The foot peg position is designed for a flat-footed, for a seated rider. The position makes standing uncomfortable for anyone over 5 feet tall - with handlebars that are too close and too low.
Sadly, TOO many Honda CT125 owners purchase the little cycle for emotional reasons. Even worse, some BUY the CT125 without even taking a test ride! (Not that local Honda dealers have a CT125 in stock or ALLOW test rides...)
The CT125 stirs nostalgic FEELINGS. But the high turnover confirms the dissatisfaction with the riding experience. I really can't think of another product that so many people buy and hate immediately. Only a small percentage of CT125 owners are willing to tolerate the inadequacies of this model.
What is the alternative? Is there an economical motorcycle that is also affordable? Is there a motorcycle that is fun to ride, but also comfortable? Is there a motorcycle with the features that overcome the deficiencies of the Trail CT125?
YES - American Lifan offers the KPX250 which has delivered reliable transportation and fun for THOUSANDS of riders across North America!
The KPX250 is the all-road, all-purpose BEST dual sport motorcycle value! Let's compare the Lifan KPX250 vs the Honda CT125:
The KPX250 is handsome, rugged, and equipped with ALL the essential features that dual sport riders demand. The KPX250 is equipped with a proven 250cc, air-cooled counter-balanced engine with DOUBLE the horsepower of the CT125 - and that is only the FIRST huge upgrade.
Lifan KPX250 vs Honda CT125. Compare the Specs:
Specifications Lifan KPX250 Dual Sport Honda CT125 Trail
Engine Type: Single-cylinder, Four- stroke Single-cylinder, Four- stroke
Engine Cooling: Air cooled* Air cooled
Engine Starter: Electric Electric/Kick Starter
Fuel delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Displacement: 249cc, Overhead Cam, 124cc, Overhead Cam
Counterbalanced
Power Rating: 20 hp @ 7000 rpm 9.7 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Max Torque: 20.5 nm @ 5000 rpm 7.7 nm @ 5,500 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 72 mm x 61.4 mm 50.0mm x 63.1mm
Compression Ratio: 8.7:1 10:1
Transmission: 6-speed (520 drive chain) 4-speed (420 drive chain)
Standard hand clutch Semi-automatic clutch
Brake(front/rear): Single Disk/Disk Single Disk/Disk
Suspension: Inverted front fork Front telescopic fork
3-link Rear Uni- shock Rear double shocks
(adjustable) (non-adjustable)
8.5” front/8.5” rear travel 4.3” front/3.4” rear travel
Wheels: Wire spoke, Aluminum Rims, Tube Wire spoke, Steel Rims, Tube
Tires(front/rear): 90/90x21; 120/90x18 dual sport 2.5x17; 2.5x17 street
Top Speed: 80 mph w/standard gearing** 50 mph w/standard gearing**
Fuel Capacity: 3.0 gallons (locking gas cap) 1.4 gallons (under saddle)
Fuel Economy: 84 mpg** 125 mpg**
Range (@90%): 227 miles** 150**
Lights: LED headlight, taillight, LED head and taillight,
turn signals turn signals
Instrumentation: Electronic dash: speedometer, tach, Electronic dash: speedometer,
odometer, trip odometer, gear, tach, odometer, trip odometer,
neutral light, high/low headlight, gear indicator, neutral light,
turn indicators/hazard, fuel gauge, turn indicators, fuel gauge,
clock, multi-color display clock.
Accessories: Standard passenger seat and pegs, Rear cargo rack
Standard side stand, tool box, Standard side stand & center stand
Standard rear rack
Wheelbase: 55 in 49.5 in
Dimensions: L 84.5 in x W 33.5 in x H 46.9 in L 77.2 in x W 31.7 in x H 42.7 in
Ground Clearance: 11.5 in*** 6.5 in
Seat Height: 35.6 in 31.5 in
Net Weight: 309 lb 256 lb
Warranty: TWO-year, 12,000 Miles**** One-Year
Colors: Blue, Red, Green Yellow
*Optional: External oil-cooler.
**Depending on rider weight, elevation, etc. Optional front/rear gearing available.
***With stock 50/50 tires, higher with off road knobby tires
****1 to 4-year extended warranties are available from Aftercare
Lifan KPX250 owners tend to fall into two categories:
First, the KPX250 is a favorite of new motorcycle riders.
These riders appreciate the nimble handling, performance, and economy of the 250cc engine in the lightweight chassis. New riders enjoy the simplicity of the dash, controls, and especially the low-maintenance requirements of the KPX250. It doesn't hurt that the KPX250 LOOKS expensive (but it's not!)
The KPX250 is the most versatile "town and country" motorcycle option. Commute for pennies per day - and tour the backroads every weekend!
The second (and largest) category of KPX250 dual sport owners are experienced bikers who already own several motorcycles.
The dual sport style is the ultimate all-road, all-purpose motorcycle. It is streamlined and minimalist. Experienced riders are attracted to the KPX250 because it ISN'T high-tech. Just turn the key and ride. OR add your sleeping bag to the standard rear rack and set off on an overnight adventure!
The budget-priced KPX250 is also the PERFECT bike to customize. There are countless aftermarket accessories to trick-out your KPX250 into the ultimate street warrior or adventure bike.
The Lifan KPX250 delivers DOUBLE the horsepower over 125cc mini-moto bikes, including the Honda CT125 and Super Cub, Grom, and Monkey. I can cruise the backroads at 55 mph and the 250cc motor just loafs along - at 80 miles per gallon!
When I need to ride the highway, I can stay ahead of cars and speeding semis - easily topping 65 mph. On a Honda Trail - forget it!
The Lifan KPX250 dual sport has a MSRP of only $2,999.99 including a TWO-Year warranty! This price INCLUDES delivery to your door from Venom Motorsports!
Compare the KPX250 vs the Honda CT125: There is NO comparison!
The CT125 has an underpowered 125cc, 10 HP motor with 4-speed transmission, 1.4-gallon gas tank, and ONE-year warranty. It is overpriced: MSRP $4,099 plus dealer fees and markup (average $4,600 to $5,000, NOT including taxes and registration.)
The Lifan KPX250 is simply BETTER in EVERY category.
The KPX250 is a modern commuter and trail motorcycle with the features that experienced riders demand. This dual sport has earned a reputation for durability and low maintenance. The STOCK KPX250 is a FAR BETTER trail bike than a modified “Trail” CT125 - after spending even MORE for tires and other "trail" necessities!
The Lifan KPX250 is the UNMATCHED BEST Value:
TWICE the power and torque
HIGHER weight capacity, rider and passenger
Wide, soft COMFORTABLE saddle
LARGER aluminum wheels and dual sport tires
GREATER ground clearance
HIGHER top speed
LARGER gas tank and LONGER riding range
HIGHER power output for electric accessories
BETTER seating position for MORE comfort
DOUBLE the suspension travel
HUGE selection of accessories
WITH ALL THESE FEATURES AND BENEFITS, WHY IS THE KPX250 PRICED SO LOW?!
Venom Motorsports sells the KPX250 DIRECT to its customers - bypassing retail dealer hassles and added markups. Then American Lifan offers BETTER support with DOUBLE the warranty coverage. In addition, there is an active KPX250 Facebook Owner's Group for additional tips and modification ideas.
The Bottom Line: The KPX250 is a complete town and country, dual sport motorcycle that ALSO costs as much as $2,000 LESS! See VenomMotorsports.com for more details.
Best of all, you don’t need to wait months to ride your KPX250. Venom Motorsports has motorcycles IN STOCK for immediate delivery. With shipping, you can still be riding in one to two weeks!
Would you like a PDF document of the comparison of the Lifan KPX250 versus the Honda CT125?
Click the Button below to send me an email. Be sure to ADD "KPX250 Specs" and I will reply with the PDF document attachment that has all the specs listed above to help your comparison shopping!
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