This Super-Affordable New Street Bike Looks Like Entry-Level Nirvana

Between its dimensions and its good looks, this forbidden fruit moto just begs new riders to swing a leg over.

Close-up of a black motorcycle's rear section with red LED tail light and clear turn signals.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published February 3, 2026

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Updated February 4, 2026

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You may not be surprised to learn that for much of last year, the UK’s bestselling naked bike was the Honda CB125R.

Even in the US, where 75% of motorcycles sold are 750cc and larger, we’ve seen growing interest in more approachable options, with even mighty Harley-Davidson announcing plans for a sub-$6,000 bike.

Black and red Benelli motorcycle with exposed frame and disc brakes parked indoors. — Right out the gate, the BN 125 boasts a bold, aggressive street fighter style that belies its engine size and price tag.

Italian-born, Chinese-owned Benelli is clearly plugged into the trend, as the brand’s revamped street fighter takes direct aim at Honda with a price tag that severely undercuts the CB125R.

With good looks and competitive specs, the 2026 Benelli BN 125 hits the hole shot with gusto.

Italian (designed) stallion

When I say “severely undercuts,” I’m closer to understatement than hyperbole. While the CB125R has an MSRP of £4,799 (roughly $5,675), the BN 125 starts at just £2,599 (about $3,560 USD).

Granted, it does not have the beloved Honda name, long history of top-notch quality or the exact same bells and whistles, but it packs loads of style and first-timer approachability, plus features even seasoned riders can appreciate.

Close-up of a black and red Benelli motorcycle engine and frame with visible exhaust pipe and suspension. — The engine may be small, but it provides more than enough punch for urban commuting and joyriding.

The beating heart is Benelli’s BMT series 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, which makes 11 horsepower at 9,500rpm and 7 lb-ft of torque at 7,000rpm.

These are hardly mind-blowing numbers, but they do supply enough grunt to dart through city traffic and find some joy on twisty two-lane roads, if not highways (which I would not recommend tackling on any bike this size).

Black and red sport motorcycle with exposed red frame and rear license plate in an urban setting. — The steel trellis frame really pops in this black and red colorway, one of four variants Benelli offers.

Where the BN 125 scores high points for approachability is with its seat height and weight, which come in at 30.3 inches and 313 pounds (unladen), respectively.

Those numbers are catnip for newer and smaller riders, who should be able to handle the bike even during tricky low-speed maneuvers without fear of failing to keep the shiny side up.

Front view of a motorcycle headlight and orange turn signals illuminated in a dark setting. — Bright LED lighting is another nice feature in a bike at this price point.

Structurally, the bike rides on a trellis frame in steel tubes, which provides a stable yet responsive base in concert with a suspension system offering 35mm upside-down forks and a rear central shock with spring preload adjustment.

The 260mm front disk and 240mm rear disc feature a combined braking system for additional safety, nicely keeping the 17-inch alloy wheels in check.

Person wearing black helmet and jacket riding a black and red motorcycle on a road with trees and graffiti in the background. — The seat height and weight should make it easy for even new riders to get comfortable and confident quickly.

The BN 125 even boasts a bit of modern tech, as an LCD display offers data such as engine revs, gear position and fuel range. Not too shabby for a bike that would likely come in well under four grand if it were available in the US.

While that is not out of the question in the future, as Benelli is distributed here through Keeway America, I didn’t call it forbidden fruit for no reason.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Benelli BN 125 is rolling out now across the pond at a starting price of £2,599, or roughly $3,560 USD.

Black and red sport motorcycle with exposed red frame and black alloy wheels on a white background.

2026 Benelli BN 125

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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