It's a mixed bag. And in some ways it is more forgiving, as it is easier to correct mistakes. It doesn’t give you the same feedback as a larger sportbike, but it also doesn’t have the same learning curve, which can be important for developing your skills.

Depends on your goals. If you're stuck with a 125 due to license restrictions, and want to get the most out of it, then some mods can be fun. If you’re thinking about moving up soon, though, it’s not worth the investment.

It’s the way you ride it that matters. The fuel economy suffers in stop and go traffic. It sips fuel like crazy, but on open roads where you can maintain a steady speed.

Absolutely worth it! And the YZF R125 was my first bike and I couldn't have asked for a better learning platform. For newbies, it’s forgiving enough, but it still has enough pep to keep it interesting. It also looks like a proper sportbike, which is a big confidence boost when you start out.

I have done a 300 mile round trip on my R125 and although it wasn't the most comfortable ride ever, it was absolutely doable. If you can’t keep up with the bigger bikes on the highway, just plan for more frequent stops.