10TEN JHL Pit Bike Comparison
10TEN JHL MK110 vs MK125: Which Pit Bike Should You Choose?
The 10TEN JHL MK110 and MK125 share the same 14/12-inch chassis, 750mm seat height and upgraded suspension. The important difference is how the rider controls the engine: the MK110 is a semi-automatic 110cc bike, while the MK125 introduces a manual clutch and additional power.
The quick answer
Choose the 10TEN JHL MK110 for a beginner or developing rider who needs a proper geared pit bike but is not yet ready to operate a manual clutch.
Choose the 10TEN JHL MK125 for a rider who is ready to learn conventional clutch control and wants the stronger 8.5 hp 125cc engine. The MK125 is only £50 more, but that does not automatically make it the better choice—the rider needs to be ready for the clutch.
Easier to ride
10TEN JHL MK110
110cc, four-speed semi-automatic gearbox, 14/12-inch wheels and no manual clutch lever.
£949
View the MK110Manual-clutch progression
10TEN JHL MK125
125cc, four-speed manual gearbox, 14/12-inch wheels and a conventional manual clutch.
£999
View the MK125Two similar-looking bikes for different stages of riding
At first glance, the MK110 and MK125 look extremely similar. Both use the same mid-size 10TEN JHL platform, with a 14-inch front wheel, 12-inch rear wheel, 750mm seat height and 1130mm wheelbase.
They also share inverted front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, electric and kick start, a 3.5-litre fuel tank and broadly the same riding position.
The decision is therefore not primarily about physical size. It comes down to the rider's experience and whether they are ready to operate a manual clutch.
MK110 vs MK125 specifications
| Specification | MK110 | MK125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | HS110 four-stroke | Zongshen/BS125 four-stroke |
| Claimed maximum power | 7 hp | 8.5 hp |
| Gearbox | 4-speed semi-automatic | 4-speed manual |
| Clutch lever | No | Yes |
| Carburettor | PZ19 | PE19 |
| Starting | Electric and kick start | Electric and kick start |
| Wheel size | 14-inch front / 12-inch rear | 14-inch front / 12-inch rear |
| Seat height | 750mm | 750mm |
| Wheelbase | 1130mm | 1130mm |
| Front suspension | 43/45mm inverted forks | 43/45mm inverted forks |
| Brakes | Front and rear hydraulic discs | Front and rear hydraulic discs |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 litres | 3.5 litres |
| Front/rear sprockets | 15T / 41T | 16T / 41T |
| Price | £949 | £999 |
The main difference: semi-automatic vs manual clutch
The MK110 uses a four-speed semi-automatic gearbox. The rider still changes gear using the foot-operated gear lever, but there is no clutch lever to coordinate.
This lets a developing rider concentrate on throttle control, braking, balance, body position and selecting the correct gear without also having to learn clutch engagement.
The MK125 uses a conventional four-speed manual gearbox and clutch lever. The rider must control the clutch when pulling away and during gear changes, just as they would on a larger manual dirt bike.
That makes the MK125 an excellent progression bike, but only when the rider is genuinely ready for the extra control and coordination involved.
Why choose the MK110?
The MK110 is the more approachable of the two bikes. Its semi-automatic transmission makes it particularly well suited to riders moving up from an automatic bike or trying a geared petrol pit bike for the first time.
Unlike the smaller SK110, the MK110 uses a larger 14/12-inch chassis with a 750mm seat height. This gives the rider more physical room and better ability over uneven ground while retaining the simplicity of a semi-automatic gearbox.
- Better for riders who are new to geared bikes
- No clutch lever to coordinate
- Allows the rider to learn foot-operated gear changes
- Larger and more substantial than the compact SK models
- Same 14/12 chassis dimensions as the MK125
- Costs £50 less than the MK125
Why choose the MK125?
The MK125 is intended for riders ready to move onto a conventional manual-clutch motorcycle. Its Zongshen/BS125 engine produces a claimed 8.5 hp, compared with 7 hp from the MK110.
Because its chassis dimensions are the same as those of the MK110, the MK125 does not provide additional physical growing room. The upgrade is in the engine, clutch and level of rider involvement.
For only £50 more, it offers useful additional performance and a conventional manual setup. However, that small price difference should not be the only reason to choose it. A rider who is not ready for clutch control may learn more confidently and enjoy riding more on the MK110.
- Stronger 125cc engine with a claimed 8.5 hp
- Conventional four-speed manual gearbox
- Teaches full clutch and gear coordination
- Natural progression from a semi-automatic bike
- Same manageable 14/12 dimensions as the MK110
- Only £50 more than the MK110
Are the MK110 and MK125 the same size?
Yes. Both models use the same basic mid-size chassis, with a 750mm seat height, 1130mm wheelbase and 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheels.
Moving from the MK110 to the MK125 therefore does not create additional legroom or a taller riding position. It gives the rider a larger engine and manual clutch within a familiar-sized chassis.
Riders who need a physically larger bike should instead compare the MK125 with the 17/14-inch 10TEN JHL LK125.
How much more powerful is the MK125?
The MK110 has a claimed maximum output of 7 hp, while the MK125 produces a claimed 8.5 hp.
The difference is noticeable, but the way that power is controlled matters just as much as the headline figure. The MK110's semi-automatic arrangement is easier for a less experienced rider to manage, while the MK125 gives a more experienced rider greater control through its manual clutch.
For that reason, the MK125 should be treated as a progression model rather than simply the more powerful version everyone should buy.
Which one is better for a beginner?
Of these two bikes, the MK110 is normally the better choice for a beginner. The rider can learn how to select gears without having to operate a clutch lever at the same time.
A complete first-time rider may also benefit from looking at the smaller automatic SK70, depending on their height and confidence.
The MK125 is more appropriate when the rider already has some off-road experience, is comfortable controlling a geared bike or is specifically ready to learn a manual clutch under suitable supervision.
Which model suits which rider?
| Rider or priority | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First geared pit bike | MK110 | Introduces gears without a manual clutch |
| Moving up from an automatic bike | MK110 | Adds one new skill at a time |
| Ready to learn clutch control | MK125 | Uses a conventional manual clutch |
| Already confident on a semi-automatic | MK125 | Natural next step in control and performance |
| Needs a physically larger chassis | Neither | Consider an LK125 or LK140 with 17/14 wheels |
Our verdict
The MK110 is our preferred choice for a rider's first substantial geared pit bike. Its semi-automatic gearbox lets the rider learn gear selection while keeping the controls manageable.
The MK125 is the better progression model for somebody who is genuinely ready to learn a manual clutch. It provides additional power and conventional motorcycle controls without requiring a move to a physically larger chassis.
The price difference is only £50, but rider readiness matters more than price. Buying the MK125 too early can make the learning process unnecessarily difficult, whereas the right rider may quickly outgrow the simplicity of the MK110.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 10TEN MK110 have a clutch?
The MK110 has a semi-automatic transmission, so there is no manual clutch lever. The rider changes through its four gears using the foot lever.
Is the MK125 physically bigger than the MK110?
No. Both bikes have 14/12-inch wheels, a 750mm seat height and a 1130mm wheelbase. The main differences are the engine, power output and clutch.
Is the MK125 worth the extra £50?
It is worth the extra cost for a rider who is ready for a manual clutch. For a beginner who would benefit from simpler controls, the MK110 remains the more suitable choice despite the small price difference.
Do both bikes have electric start?
Yes. Both the MK110 and MK125 have electric start and a conventional kick starter as backup.
Which bike is best after a semi-automatic 110cc model?
The MK125 is the natural progression when the rider is ready to add manual clutch control. If they also need considerably more physical room, the larger 17/14-inch LK125 may be worth considering.
Are the MK110 and MK125 suitable for road use?
No. These are off-road pit bikes intended for use on suitable private land with the landowner's permission and appropriate protective equipment.
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