The Taiwanese-built WK 125R is an entry-level 125cc motorcycle for British riders on a budget. Imported by the same team behind Quadzilla Quads, it’s a cheap, cheerful and functional alternative to more expensive European or Japanese learner machines. It’s a little basic, quite heavily outmoded and unlikely to last a lifetime, but it’s also fairly cool, fun to ride and gets the job done for well under two grand.
WK won’t confirm the origin of the engine, but the ever-ready Honda CB125 is the most likely donor. It makes a smooth 11bhp, but requires the use of a choke to get it breathing. It’s nothing like as capable, low-maintenance or slick as modern fuel injected 125cc engines, but makes enough power to boost you around up to motorway speeds and adds to the bike’s 20th century parts-bin appeal.
On the down side: very vague. On the up side: great for learners. The suspension is bouncy and soft and the gear selector and clutch are loose and imprecise. But, the clip on bars are easy to reach and mingle café-racer styling with learner-friendly handling. The mirrors are perfectly adequate, power rises very smoothly and the bike feels safe and stable at everything from low-speed manoeuvre speeds to the 70mph mark. It’s very difficult not to be charmed by the WK 125R’s comfortable, easy-going ride.
An odd mixture. The clocks are incredibly imprecise: reading the full 10,000 revs whenever the throttle is opened (regardless of still rising engine noise) and indicating 90mph at what is clearly more like 70mph. The side stand is inexplicably short too. That said, it has a decent centre stand, a comprehensive grab rail and a helmet lock tab. Ultimately it’s let down by the WWII-spec analogue clocks which – though charming – are somewhere beyond obsolete. The Scorpion exhaust (a £299 extra) is well worth the investment, giving a fruity little burbling noise that seriously adds to the WK 125R’s appeal.
General quality is exactly what you’d expect for a £1699 bike: adequate but far from premium. WK bikes come with a 12-month unlimited mileage parts and labour warranty, which is reassuring. Whether it will survive a winter or a year of drops and scrapes remains to be seen.
Even with the Scorpion exhaust, at £1998 the WK125R is £1172 cheaper than a Honda CBR125R and £1697 cheaper than a KTM 125 Duke. They’re in another league when it comes to performance and build quality, but are they twice the fun as well as twice the price? It’s doubtful. Resale values aren’t likely to be high, but with the initial saving in your pocket it’s easier to swallow.
Top speed | 78mph |
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| 1/4-mile acceleration | secs |
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| Power | 11bhp |
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| Torque | ftlb |
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| Weight | 135kg |
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| Seat height | mm |
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| Fuel capacity | 16 litres |
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| Average fuel consumption | mpg |
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| Tank range | miles |
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| Insurance group | |
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| Engine size | 124cc |
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| Engine specification | Single-cylinder, air cooled, four-stroke, carburettored, 5 gears |
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| Frame | Steel cradle |
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| Front suspension adjustment | Hydraulic telescopic fork |
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| Rear suspension adjustment | Hydraulic adjustable shock |
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| Front brakes | Twin piston, 270mm disc |
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| Rear brake | Twin piston, 140mm disc |
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| Front tyre size | 110/70 - 17 |
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| Rear tyre size | 140/60 - 17 |
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