For parents
Their first bike is a big decision
You don't have to become a motorcycle expert to help them make the right one. We'll walk you through license classes, realistic budgets, what to check on a used 125, and which questions to ask the seller.
What parents ask us
These are the questions that come up first — and the ones that matter most for a safe, sensible first bike.
What may they ride at their age?
License classes decide almost everything. We show only what's legal for them, so you're not comparing bikes they can't ride.
Is a scooter or a 125 better?
It depends on the route, the traffic and what they want it for. Both are valid — the match asks the questions that separate them.
How much should we spend?
A realistic total: bike, gear, insurance, first service. Gear is not the place to save money.
Does it have ABS?
A safety-relevant question with a clear answer, and one of the filters we'd recommend you don't compromise on.
Is this used bike safe?
Tires, brakes, chain, crash damage: the inspection walks you through it in plain language.
Will we lose money on it?
125s hold their value well when they're looked after. A documented history is what makes the resale easy.
Bike Match
Sensible bikes, chosen together
You know your child; we know the bikes. Bike Match turns their license class, your budget and how they'll use it into a handful of options you can go through together.
- Only bikes that are legal for their license class
- Seat height and weight matter more than horsepower at this stage
- ABS and safety features as first-class criteria
- Running costs and insurance estimated before you fall in love with one
- 94%
Ducati Streetfighter V2
from $13,400
EmotionalSharp handlingSound - 91%
Triumph Street Triple RS
from $11,200
Sharp handlingEveryday usableHolds value - 86%
Yamaha MT-09 SP
from $9,800
Holds valueEveryday usableEmotional
At the viewing
What to check on a used 125
A 125 that's been dropped, thrashed or neglected looks the same in photos as one that hasn't. The inspection tells you exactly where to look — no experience required.
- Signs of crash damage that a quick clean can hide
- Tire age and brake wear, with what's acceptable and what isn't
- Documents and VIN: the check that prevents the worst outcome
- When to walk away, and when to pay a mechanic to look at it
Engine still cold on arrival
Every motorcycle
VIN matches the documents
Every motorcycle
- Check
Tire DOT code: 2023
Every motorcycle
Chain tension and wear
Sport bikes
Fork seals dry
Sport bikes
- Check
Belt condition through the inspection covers
Known for this model
Ask to see the 2024 service invoice
Based on what the seller said
Two findings are worth a second opinion — a professional inspection is recommended before you buy.
How to do this together
A calm way through the decision, from the license to the handshake.
- 1
Sort out the license class
It defines what's possible. Everything else follows from it.
- 2
Set a total budget
Bike, gear, insurance and the first service — not just the price in the ad.
- 3
Shortlist bikes together
Bike Match gives you a handful of sensible candidates with reasons, so it isn't your taste against theirs.
- 4
Inspect before you pay
Go to the viewing with the checklist and the seller's answers in your hand.
Questions
For parents
What's the best 125 for a 16-year-old?
There isn't one answer — it depends on their height, their route, whether they need to keep up with city traffic and your budget. What we can do is narrow dozens of options down to a handful that fit, and explain why each one made the list.
How do I know a used 125 hasn't been abused?
You look for the specific signs: crash damage, chain and sprocket wear, tire age, and whether the service history matches the mileage. The inspection walks you through all of it, in order.
I don't ride myself. Is this still for me?
Especially then. Everything is written so it makes sense without motorcycle experience, and nothing assumes you'll be the one riding it.
Early Access
Become a Founding Rider
Join during Early Access and secure a permanent Founding Rider badge, early access to new features, and exclusive benefits when we launch.
- A permanent Founding Rider badge on your rider profile
- New features before everyone else
- Exclusive benefits for early users at launch
- Direct influence: what you tell us shapes what we build next
No waitlist. No credit card.
The badge is dated and permanent — once Early Access closes, it can't be earned anymore.