Keeway Superlight 125
The Keeway Superlight 125 has a top speed of 95–105 km/h (estimated; note: restricted versions may be limited to ~90 km/h for A1 compliance), produces 11 hp and weighs 118 kg. Motoryk rates it 6.5/10.
The Keeway Superlight 125 is a retro-styled lightweight motorcycle produced by the Chinese manufacturer Keeway, a brand under the Qianjiang Group (which also owns Benelli). Introduced in the mid-2000s, it was designed to appeal to European A1 licence holders and beginner riders seeking a classic café racer aesthetic at an affordable price point. It became notable as one of the more stylish entry-level 125cc options in the European market, competing with similar retro-inspired commuters.
11 hp
Power
9 Nm
Torque
118 kg
Weight
95–105 km/h (estimated; note: restricted versions may be limited to ~90 km/h for A1 compliance)
Top Speed
2.5–3.5 L/100km (approx. 28–40 km/L, typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Chinese Engine Reliability
The Superlight 125 uses a basic single-cylinder Chinese engine that is generally reliable for city commuting but requires strict oil change intervals every 2,000-3,000 km to avoid premature wear.
Watch Electrics Carefully
Electrical gremlins are among the most common reported issues, including faulty switches, weak charging systems, and poor connector quality — inspect wiring thoroughly before buying used.
Low Resale Value
Keeway bikes depreciate quickly due to their budget brand perception, meaning you can find used examples at very low prices, but expect to recover little of your investment when selling.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original retro-styled 125cc single-cylinder, spoke wheels, basic instrumentation, classic scrambler-inspired design.
"Cute retro styling, Chinese reliability demons lurking underneath."
The Superlight 125 looks the part — those spoke wheels and scrambler proportions genuinely turn heads at cafe stops, and at 118 kg it's flickable enough that town riding feels almost playful. But live with it beyond the honeymoon period and the cracks show: electrics that develop mystery gremlins around the 8,000 km mark, a carb that needs rejetting straight out of the box if you're above sea level, and a gearbox with a notchy second gear that never quite smooths out no matter how many miles you put in. That 11 hp figure is honest at least — it'll cruise comfortably at 90 km/h but asking for 110 km/h sustained is an optimistic reading of a very flat power curve.
Pros
Cons
Updated fuel system, revised exhaust, minor bodywork refinements, improved Euro emissions compliance introduced.
Used Buyer Review
"Style over substance, but honest value for A1 licence riders."
$1,500-$2,800 usedThe Keeway Superlight 125 is one of those bikes that looks better in photos than it does in a dealer forecourt, but honestly? For the money, it punches its weight. The retro cafe racer styling genuinely turns heads, and the 125cc single-cylinder engine is predictable and smooth enough for city commuting. Don't expect fireworks — it's making around 11bhp and that's the ceiling. Twist it flat and you'll see an indicated 70mph on a good day, downhill, with a tailwind. Used examples tend to cluster around the three to five year mark, and that's where you need to be sharp. Check the chain and sprockets hard — owners often neglect them. The electrics can be temperamental on higher mileage bikes, and the Chinese switchgear feels exactly as cheap as it is. Mirrors vibrate badly above 50mph too, which gets old fast. That said, for a new rider wanting cafe racer style without cafe racer money, it makes real sense. Just budget fifty quid for a decent chain set and you'll be fine.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Keeway Superlight 125 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALCold start behavior, rough idle, hesitation on throttle
Battery voltage at idle, flickering lights, dead battery
Cold start rattling noise from engine top end
Oil residue on fork legs below seals
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent budget bike, needs regular maintenance attention
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Keeway Superlight 125
Yamaha Xsr125
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
Husqvarna Vitpilen 125
Yamaha Xsr 125
Husqvarna Vitpilen 250
Compare Keeway Superlight 125 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Keeway Superlight 125 vs Yamaha Xsr125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Keeway Superlight 125 vs Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Keeway Superlight 125 vs Husqvarna Vitpilen 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Keeway Superlight 125 vs Yamaha Xsr 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Keeway Superlight 125 vs Husqvarna Vitpilen 250
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Keeway Superlight 125 Guides
More from Keeway
View all Keeway models →Community Reviews
Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Keeway Superlight 125? +
Carburetor gumming and poor idle: Cold start behavior, rough idle, hesitation on throttle (moderate) | Rectifier/regulator failure, battery drain: Battery voltage at idle, flickering lights, dead battery (serious) | Cam chain tensioner wear, rattling: Cold start rattling noise from engine top end (moderate)
Is the Keeway Superlight 125 a good motorcycle? +
Style over substance, but honest value for A1 licence riders. Rating: 6.5/10. Best for: New A1 riders wanting affordable cafe racer style. Avoid if: You need reliable long-distance touring capability.
What is the horsepower of the Keeway Superlight 125? +
The Keeway Superlight 125 produces 11 hp @ 9,000 rpm (approx. 8 kW; estimate based on typical 125cc single-cylinder output for this model), with 9 Nm @ 7,500 rpm (estimate) of torque. Top speed: 95–105 km/h (estimated; note: restricted versions may be limited to ~90 km/h for A1 compliance).
Is the Keeway Superlight 125 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Keeway Superlight 125 is a reasonable choice for new riders (11 hp is manageable), weighing 118 kg. New A1 riders wanting affordable cafe racer style
Is the Keeway Superlight 125 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Keeway Superlight 125, notably: Rectifier/regulator failure, battery drain (Battery voltage at idle, flickering lights, dead battery). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Keeway Superlight 125 good for daily use? +
New A1 riders wanting affordable cafe racer style Fuel: 2.5–3.5 L/100km (approx. 28–40 km/L, typical real-world average).
How fast is the Keeway Superlight 125? +
The Keeway Superlight 125 reaches a top speed of 95–105 km/h (estimated; note: restricted versions may be limited to ~90 km/h for A1 compliance), producing 11 hp at 118 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Keeway Superlight 125? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Keeway Superlight 125, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/keeway/superlight-125/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
