How does Lexmoto’s LS-Z 125 fare in our road test?

Does Lexmoto’s LS-Z 125 learner-legal naked live up to its sporty styling when taking on twisties, town traffic and tackling the daily commute? We found out so you don’t have to.

WORDS: Ross Mowbray PHOTOS: Gary Chapman

For the uninitiated, Lexmoto Motorcycles has been selling a whole host of small-capacity bikes built by Chinese manufacturers since 2007. And over the last 15 years it’s built up an enviable reputation, supplying some of the best-value machines on the market to learners, commuters and cost-conscious riders across the length and breadth of the UK.

Lexmoto was actually kind of ahead of its time with the way it imported bikes back in the day. While many companies were selling off-the-shelf, rebadged bikes designed and built by Chinese factories, Lexmoto got its hand on prototypes which it tested, tweaked and collaborated on to create the bikes that it wanted to sell. It seems like a sensible way to do things – which is probably why most importers in the UK have followed suit and do things in much the same way. The Exeter-based firm also recognises the importance of a strong dealer network and a plentiful supply of parts and spares, which is why it’s worked hard to build up an enviable collection of over 120 retailers who all have easy access to every single Lexmoto part (which is also UK based to ensure you can get back on the road as quickly as possible). That’s more than can be said for many bigger, more established manufacturers in the UK.

Of course, there are still a few issues regarding the perception of Chinese manufactured machines by the wider motorcycling community in the UK. But with each passing year quality improves, and the suggestion that Chinese motorcycles are poor quality machines that’ll fall apart before you’ve even ridden them out of the dealership is increasingly far from the truth. I’ve ridden more than my fair share of cheaper Chinese machines over the past few years and although there’s still some poor quality kit out there, Lexmoto has more than proved that its bikes are up for taking a bit of a beating.

But that’s more than enough about Lexmoto as a whole, now let’s hone in on its latest learner-legal naked, the LS-Z, which is also known as the Zongshen ZS125-39 in its native China.   

Looking at the LS-Z in the flesh for the first time, there’s no denying it’s a good-looking machine. Physically it shares styling cues with Yamaha’s MT range and Kawasaki’s Zs and Ninjas, and from afar you’d easily be forgiven for thinking there’s more than a 125cc on offer, with its big-bike styling disguising its limited, learner friendly power output. But when you get up close and personal, it’s immediately clear that things are a bit more compact than they first appeared. I’m 6ft 1in tall and swinging my leg over the bike and settling into the relatively small and sporty seat I felt a bit more cramped than I’m used to. Of course, it’s important to remember that this bike isn’t really designed for me. It’d be much better suited to a stylish youngster who’s a bit more flexible and less accustomed to roomy adventure bikes with big seats and wide bars.

That said, the LS-Z is well laid out and easy enough to get on with as you flick the ignition and take to the road. It’s powered by a 125cc four-stroke single-cylinder water-cooled engine which kicks out just 11bhp so it’s not going to be setting any records for speed. But it’s plenty nippy enough off the mark, even if acceleration does quickly become a little more laboured on its way up to its top speed of around 60mph. Consequently, overtakes are pretty much out of the question – and instead, you’d do better to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Surprisingly, there’re actually six gears to work your way through. You’ll quickly rattle your way through them if you keep the throttle pinned, with the 125cc motor screaming under the strain until it settles down to a more comfortable level of rpms in sixth. 

From a braking perspective the Lexmoto is kitted out with a set of single disc brakes at the front and rear. They’re linked, which is actually now a legal requirement for bikes without ABS (and presumably helps to keep costs down). As you’d probably guess, the linked brakes work together. If you touch the back brake the front one engages, and vice-versa. Although a little strange to get used to, the linked brakes offer ample stopping power, and in an emergency stop they pulled me up with relative ease, with just a little skid from the back wheel.

Suspension comes in the form of a set of upside-down forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Although the set up is far from sophisticated, the springs are more than up to the job of keeping the lightweight Lexmoto in check – and offer a decent level of performance while leaning towards the stiffer end of the spectrum. It works for the style of bike, but don’t expect much help if you barrel through a pothole by mistake… you’ll definitely feel it. Touching back on its low weight, the 149kg LS-Z is very easy to hustle around. It’s probably its best when flicking in and out of traffic when riding through towns or cities, but it’ll also come alive being thrown from side to side on twistier stretches of road (where it has a bit more of a chance of keeping up with the traffic).

I think that there’s a lot to like about Lexmoto’s LS-Z. It’s light, compact, efficient on fuel and super, super stylish. But is that enough?

It could be. It kind of depends on who you are. There’s a hell of a lot of competition out there for the hearts and minds of young riders, and there’s no point pretending that you can’t get a hell of a lot of used bike for close to three-and-half-grand – but that’s why I reckon this bike’s probably best suited to a new rider who’s after a brand-new bike with a couple of years’ warranty (and the peace of mind that comes with it). It’s close to a grand cheaper than some of the big-name competition, and when you’re 17 that’s a hell of a lot of money.

In truth, it might not be the most exciting ride in the world (even if it does look like it), but it’s a safe pair of hands from a proven company which has made a name for itself producing exactly these kind of bikes and looking after their customers. 

PRICE

This is no budget bike. In the past I’ve ridden Lexmotos that cost as little as £1500 – but the LS-Z is a different proposition altogether. Costing £3169.99 (and a bit extra to get it on the road), it is still at the cheaper end of the market, although you could pick up a nearly new bike from a big name and still have a bit of change leftover. You won’t get two years’ warranty, though…

COMFORT

There’s no getting around the fact that the LS-Z is compact. I’m not exactly a giant, standing at 6ft 1in tall, but I actually felt a bit cooped up on the learner-legal naked. Interestingly, the photos don’t seem to tell the same story – but while the bike might carry its rider well, I think the 810mm tall seat would be better suited to someone shorter. 

LOOKS

The little Lexmoto’s actually a pretty stylish number, blending the sharp angles of the Kawasaki Z range with the shockingly bright wheels and futuristic front end of Yamaha’s line-up of MTs. It’s a nice combination.

MOTOR

The performance from the LS-Z’s 11bhp 125cc four-stroke single isn’t exactly remarkable, but with it there’s enough zip to make good progress in and around town. The factory claims it’s capable of reaching 69mph, but I really struggled to get there as I worked the gearbox hard to make the most of every ounce of power available.

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