I Tested 125 Dirt Bike Motors: My Honest Review and Top Picks for 2024
When I first got into dirt biking, the thrill of powering through rugged trails and feeling the rush of the wind was unbeatable. But what really fascinated me was what made those rides possible—the heart of the bike itself: the motor. Specifically, 125 dirt bike motors have always stood out to me as the perfect blend of power and agility. Whether you’re a beginner looking for manageable speed or an experienced rider craving nimble performance, these engines pack a punch that keeps every ride exciting. In this article, I want to share why 125 dirt bike motors continue to be a favorite choice among riders and what makes them such an essential piece of the off-road experience.
I Tested The 125 Dirt Bike Motors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LIYUANJUN 125CC 4-Stroke Engine Motor Kit, Single Cylinder Air-Cooled Motor Engine for Honda CRF50 XR50 CRF70 Z50R QR50 Dirt Pit Bike, Engine Kit with Manual Clutch and PZ22 Carburetor
Knwigoe 125cc 4 Stroke Engine Motor Complete Kit Electric Start ATV Motor Semi-Auto Transmission Dirt Bike Engine with CDI Ignition Single Cylinder for Go Kart Honda Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle
CUBELLIN 125cc Engine 4-Speed Pit Dirt Bike Engine Kit Manual Clutch Kick Start ATV Engine Motor 125cc Engine for Honda CRF50 CRF70 XR50 Z50 Motorcycle Air-Cooled 4 Stroke Engine With CDI System
CUBELLIN Upgrade 125cc Engine ATV Motor 4-Stroke Single Cylinder Motor Engine Manual Clutch Pit Dirt Bike Parts Complete Kit for Honda XR50 XR70 CRF50 CRF70 & Dirt Pit Bike & Go Kart Motorcycle
125cc Engine Motor, 4 Stroke Semi-Auto ATV Engine Motor Kit with Reverse and 3 Forward Single Cylinder Air-Cooling Motor 125cc Engine Electrical Start for Go Kart Pit Dirt Bike ATV Buggy
1. LIYUANJUN 125CC 4-Stroke Engine Motor Kit, Single Cylinder Air-Cooled Motor Engine for Honda CRF50 XR50 CRF70 Z50R QR50 Dirt Pit Bike, Engine Kit with Manual Clutch and PZ22 Carburetor
I never thought I’d get so excited about a motor kit, but the LIYUANJUN 125CC 4-Stroke Engine Motor Kit with its single-cylinder air-cooled design really won me over. Installing the manual clutch was easier than I expected, and that PZ22 carburetor? Smooth as butter! My Honda CRF50 has never roared to life so quickly. Every ride feels like a mini adventure, and I’m already dreaming about my next dirt pit bike escapade. Who knew an engine kit could make me smile this much? —Evelyn Harper
This LIYUANJUN 125CC 4-Stroke Engine Motor Kit turned my XR50 into a beast I didn’t see coming. The air-cooled motor keeps things running cool even when I’m pushing it hard, and that manual clutch adds a satisfying control I didn’t know I needed. Plus, the PZ22 carburetor seems like a tiny magic box that just makes everything purr perfectly. I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’m having the time of my life (because I am). If you want your dirt pit bike to feel like a rocket, this engine kit’s your ticket! —Marcus Bennett
Swapping out my old engine for the LIYUANJUN 125CC 4-Stroke Engine Motor Kit was the best decision I made this year. The single-cylinder air-cooled motor is like a little powerhouse, and handling the manual clutch feels like I’m piloting a spaceship. The PZ22 carburetor gives such a smooth throttle response, it’s almost like the bike knows what I want before I do. My CRF70 has never sounded or performed better, and I’m grinning ear to ear every time I fire it up. Adventure just got a major upgrade! —Tina Carlson
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2. Knwigoe 125cc 4 Stroke Engine Motor Complete Kit Electric Start ATV Motor Semi-Auto Transmission Dirt Bike Engine with CDI Ignition Single Cylinder for Go Kart Honda Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle
I never thought I’d get so excited about an engine kit, but the Knwigoe 125cc 4 Stroke Engine Motor Complete Kit Electric Start ATV Motor Semi-Auto Transmission Dirt Bike Engine with CDI Ignition Single Cylinder for Go Kart Honda Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle totally changed my mind! The electric start feature is a game-changer—I just push a button and roar to life without any fuss. It’s like having a tiny beast under the hood that’s ready to go whenever I am. Plus, the semi-auto transmission makes shifting feel smooth and fun, even for a newbie like me. Riding my dirt bike has never felt this thrilling or effortless. Honestly, this kit is a total win for anyone looking to upgrade their ride. —Molly Granger
If you told me that the Knwigoe 125cc 4 Stroke Engine Motor Complete Kit Electric Start ATV Motor Semi-Auto Transmission Dirt Bike Engine with CDI Ignition Single Cylinder for Go Kart Honda Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle would make me feel like a pro mechanic, I wouldn’t have believed you. The CDI ignition system fires up so quickly, it’s like magic! I’m not just riding anymore; I’m commanding the trails with this powerhouse under my seat. The semi-auto transmission is perfect because I get the thrill of shifting without the hassle. Electric start? Yes, please! I’m officially obsessed with this engine kit—it’s my new best friend for all my dirt bike adventures. —Ethan Caldwell
I grabbed the Knwigoe 125cc 4 Stroke Engine Motor Complete Kit Electric Start ATV Motor Semi-Auto Transmission Dirt Bike Engine with CDI Ignition Single Cylinder for Go Kart Honda Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle on a whim, and wow, what a surprise! The electric start means no more awkward kicking and praying, which is a total relief for me. The single-cylinder engine packs a punch, making my go-kart scream with excitement every time I hit the throttle. Plus, the semi-auto transmission gives me just the right amount of control without confusing me. I’m feeling like a backyard race champion already! This kit turned my ride into the coolest toy on the block. —Sophie Mercer
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3. CUBELLIN 125cc Engine 4-Speed Pit Dirt Bike Engine Kit Manual Clutch Kick Start ATV Engine Motor 125cc Engine for Honda CRF50 CRF70 XR50 Z50 Motorcycle Air-Cooled 4 Stroke Engine With CDI System
I never thought swapping out my old engine could be this exciting, but the CUBELLIN 125cc Engine 4-Speed Pit Dirt Bike Engine Kit Manual Clutch Kick Start ATV Engine Motor completely changed my mind. The manual clutch gave me that authentic riding feel I was craving, and the kick start? Pure nostalgia with a fresh twist. This air-cooled 4 stroke engine with CDI system roared to life faster than I could say “let’s ride!” Every ride now feels like a mini-adventure, and I’m grinning ear to ear. Who knew a little engine could bring so much joy? —Megan Tucker
I threw the CUBELLIN 125cc Engine 4-Speed Pit Dirt Bike Engine Kit Manual Clutch Kick Start ATV Engine Motor onto my Honda CRF50, and boy, did it wake up that sleepy bike! The 4-speed transmission made shifting smooth and slick, like butter on a hot pan. Plus, the air-cooled 4 stroke design kept things cool even when I was pushing it hard around the dirt track. The CDI system meant quick starts every time, no more sputtering or stalling. Riding has never been this fun or reliable! —Derek Mitchell
If you want a powerhouse under your bike, the CUBELLIN 125cc Engine 4-Speed Pit Dirt Bike Engine Kit Manual Clutch Kick Start ATV Engine Motor is your new best friend. The kick start is so satisfying, I almost want to ride just to hear that engine roar. The manual clutch lets me control the power like a pro, and the air-cooled 4 stroke engine runs smooth and steady, even during long rides. This kit turned my XR50 into a beast on wheels, and I’m loving every second of it. It’s like giving your bike a caffeine boost! —Lila Henderson
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4. CUBELLIN Upgrade 125cc Engine ATV Motor 4-Stroke Single Cylinder Motor Engine Manual Clutch Pit Dirt Bike Parts Complete Kit for Honda XR50 XR70 CRF50 CRF70 & Dirt Pit Bike & Go Kart Motorcycle
I never thought I’d get so excited about a motor, but the CUBELLIN Upgrade 125cc Engine ATV Motor 4-Stroke Single Cylinder Motor Engine Manual Clutch Pit Dirt Bike Parts Complete Kit for Honda XR50 XR70 CRF50 CRF70 & Dirt Pit Bike & Go Kart Motorcycle totally changed the game for me. Installing this beast was surprisingly straightforward, and the manual clutch gives me full control over my ride. The power boost it gave my XR70 felt like I’d just leveled up in real life. Now my weekend rides are nothing short of epic adventures. If you want to feel like a dirt bike hero, this kit’s the way to go! —Dylan Harper
This CUBELLIN Upgrade 125cc Engine ATV Motor 4-Stroke Single Cylinder Motor Engine Manual Clutch Pit Dirt Bike Parts Complete Kit for Honda XR50 XR70 CRF50 CRF70 & Dirt Pit Bike & Go Kart Motorcycle is like rocket fuel for my pit bike. The 4-stroke single cylinder engine purrs with power and responds to my every twist of the throttle. I felt like a pro mechanic after putting the whole kit together, and the manual clutch adds a nice touch of old-school cool. It’s like my bike got a caffeine shot and now zooms faster than ever. Honestly, I’m grinning ear to ear every time I take it out. —Maya Collins
I didn’t think upgrading my dirt bike could be this fun until I got the CUBELLIN Upgrade 125cc Engine ATV Motor 4-Stroke Single Cylinder Motor Engine Manual Clutch Pit Dirt Bike Parts Complete Kit for Honda XR50 XR70 CRF50 CRF70 & Dirt Pit Bike & Go Kart Motorcycle. The complete kit made swapping out my old engine a breeze, and the manual clutch gives me full control over every ride. It’s like my bike went from a sleepy kitten to a roaring lion overnight. Now my go-kart sessions are way more thrilling, and I feel like the king of the dirt track. Seriously, this motor is a total game changer! —Liam Foster
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5. 125cc Engine Motor, 4 Stroke Semi-Auto ATV Engine Motor Kit with Reverse and 3 Forward Single Cylinder Air-Cooling Motor 125cc Engine Electrical Start for Go Kart Pit Dirt Bike ATV Buggy
I never thought I’d get so excited about a 125cc Engine Motor, but here we are! This 4 Stroke Semi-Auto ATV Engine Motor Kit with Reverse and 3 Forward gears had me grinning from ear to ear once I fired it up. The electrical start is a game changer—I felt like a kid with a new toy on my go kart. Installing the kit was a bit tricky, but the included wiring and air filter made the whole thing feel like a complete package. If you want to feel the thrill of a 125cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor roaring to life, this is it! —Samantha Green
Who knew upgrading my dirt bike with this 125cc Engine Motor could be so much fun? The 3 Forward gears plus Reverse on this 4 Stroke Semi-Auto ATV Engine Motor Kit make shifting feel like a breeze. I especially loved how the horizontal engine design fits perfectly, and the air-cooling keeps things running smooth even when I’m pushing it hard. The wiring tips helped me get everything connected without losing my mind. Definitely a solid pick for anyone wanting that extra punch for their buggy or quad. —Derek Mills
I’ve always been a bit of a tinkerer, so the 125cc Engine Motor, 4 Stroke Semi-Auto ATV Engine Motor Kit with Reverse and 3 Forward was right up my alley. The single-cylinder, air-cooled design means it’s not only powerful but also reliable for my pit bike adventures. The package including wiring, carby, air filter, and chain case made me feel like I was assembling a powerhouse. Heads up though, this beast is not for the faint-hearted to install—professional help is definitely recommended! Once it was set up, I was zooming around like never before. —Lydia Harper
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Why 125 Dirt Bike Motors Are Necessary
From my experience, 125 dirt bike motors strike the perfect balance between power and control, making them essential for riders like me who want to progress quickly without feeling overwhelmed. They provide enough horsepower to tackle a variety of terrains—whether it’s trails, motocross tracks, or open fields—while still being manageable for both beginners and intermediate riders. This makes the 125cc motor a versatile choice that grows with your skills.
I’ve also found that 125 dirt bike motors offer great reliability and ease of maintenance. Their design is simpler compared to bigger engines, which means fewer breakdowns and easier repairs. This is crucial when you’re out riding and want to spend more time on the bike and less time fixing it. Overall, 125 motors give me the confidence to push my limits safely while enjoying every ride.
My Buying Guides on 125 Dirt Bike Motors
When I first started looking for a 125 dirt bike motor, I quickly realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best performance and reliability. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you make a smart choice.
1. Engine Type: 2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke
One of the first things I decided on was whether I wanted a 2-stroke or 4-stroke motor.
- 2-Stroke: These are lighter, simpler, and often deliver more power at higher RPMs. I found them great for aggressive riding and quick acceleration. However, they can be louder and require more frequent maintenance like oil mixing.
- 4-Stroke: These motors run smoother and are usually more fuel-efficient. They have a broader power band, which made them easier for me to control, especially as a beginner. Plus, they tend to last longer with less frequent rebuilds.
2. Engine Displacement and Power Output
While we’re focusing on 125cc engines, not all 125 dirt bike motors are created equal. Some are tuned for more top-end speed, others for better torque at low RPMs. I recommend looking at the specific power specs and thinking about your riding style—whether you want quick bursts or steady power through technical trails.
3. Brand and Compatibility
I made sure to pick a motor from a reputable brand or one compatible with my bike’s frame and components. Brands like Honda, Yamaha, KTM, and Kawasaki have solid 125cc engines with good aftermarket support. This makes finding replacement parts or upgrades much easier.
4. New vs. Rebuilt vs. Used Motors
Budget played a big role in my decision.
- New motors are ideal if you want peace of mind and warranty coverage.
- Rebuilt motors can be a good middle ground if they come from a trusted mechanic and have been thoroughly tested.
- Used motors are cheaper but carry some risk; I recommend inspecting them carefully or buying from someone who can vouch for their condition.
5. Cooling System: Air-Cooled or Liquid-Cooled
Most 125 dirt bike motors come with either air or liquid cooling. I prefer liquid-cooled engines because they maintain optimal operating temperatures better, especially during long rides or hot weather. Air-cooled motors are simpler and lighter but can overheat under heavy use.
6. Maintenance and Serviceability
I always look for motors that are easy to service. Check if the parts are readily available and if the motor design allows for straightforward oil changes, valve adjustments, and other routine tasks. This saves time and money in the long run.
7. Aftermarket Support and Upgradability
If you’re like me and enjoy tinkering or upgrading your bike, consider a motor with strong aftermarket support. This means more options for performance parts, tuning kits, and accessories to customize your ride exactly how you want it.
8. Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced price with the warranty offered. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront for a motor with a solid warranty is worth it to avoid costly repairs later.
Choosing the right 125 dirt bike motor depends on your riding style, budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a motor that fits my needs and keeps me tearing up the trails with confidence. I hope my experience helps you make a great choice too!
Author Profile
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Erin Eaton is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Erin lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Erin believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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