Trusted by 1,000+ UK riders • Fast UK delivery available

MK125 vs LK125

10TEN JHL Pit Bike Comparison

10TEN JHL MK125 vs LK125: Which 125cc Pit Bike Is Right for You?

The 10TEN JHL MK125 and LK125 are both manual 125cc pit bikes, but they are built around substantially different chassis. The compact MK125 uses 14/12-inch wheels and a 750mm seat height, while the larger LK125 has 17/14-inch wheels and an 830mm seat height.

The quick answer

Choose the 10TEN JHL MK125 if the rider wants a compact, responsive 14/12 pit bike with a manual clutch and a claimed 8.5 hp.

Choose the 10TEN JHL LK125 if the rider needs more physical room, a taller 830mm seat and larger 17/14-inch wheels. The LK125 is the size upgrade, but it is not the power upgrade: its claimed output is 7.5 hp.

Compact 14/12 option

10TEN JHL MK125

Manual 125cc pit bike with 14/12-inch wheels, a 750mm seat and a claimed 8.5 hp.

£999

View the MK125

Larger 17/14 option

10TEN JHL LK125

Manual 125cc pit bike with 17/14-inch wheels, an 830mm seat and a roomier chassis.

£1,099

View the LK125

The same engine capacity does not mean the same bike

Both bikes have 125cc four-stroke engines, four-speed manual gearboxes and conventional manual clutches. However, the MK125 and LK125 are intended to suit different rider sizes and riding preferences.

The MK125 is built around the mid-size MK platform. Its 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheels help keep the bike compact, agile and relatively accessible.

The LK125 moves onto a longer and taller 17/14-inch chassis. This gives the rider more space and helps the bike travel across rough or uneven terrain more comfortably.

Choosing between them should therefore begin with rider fit—not simply engine capacity or price.

MK125 vs LK125 specifications

Specification MK125 LK125
Engine Zongshen/BS125 four-stroke HS125 four-stroke
Claimed maximum power 8.5 hp 7.5 hp
Gearbox 4-speed manual 4-speed manual
Clutch Manual Manual
Carburettor PE19 PE19
Starting Electric and kick start Electric and kick start
Wheel size 14-inch front / 12-inch rear 17-inch front / 14-inch rear
Seat height 750mm 830mm
Wheelbase 1130mm 1250mm
Overall dimensions 1600 × 700 × 1030mm 1780 × 740 × 1100mm
Front suspension 43/45mm inverted forks 35mm inverted forks
Rear suspension Rear suspension with CNC components 340mm mono shock
Wheel construction Steel rims with aluminium hubs Aluminium rims and upgraded aluminium hubs
Tyres 60/100-14 front / 80/100-12 rear 70/100-17 front / 90/100-14 rear
Wheel locks Not specified Front and rear
Brakes Front and rear hydraulic discs Front and rear hydraulic discs
Fuel capacity 3.5 litres 6 litres
Handlebar Steel Aluminium
Price £999 £1,099

The main difference: chassis and wheel size

The MK125 uses a 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheel combination. This keeps the bike compact and responsive while still providing more room and ground-covering ability than the smaller 10/10 and 12/10 bikes.

The LK125 has a 17-inch front and 14-inch rear wheel combination. Its larger wheels roll over bumps, ruts and uneven surfaces more easily, while its longer wheelbase produces a roomier and more stable riding position.

The change is substantial. The LK125 has an 80mm taller seat, a 120mm longer wheelbase and noticeably larger overall dimensions.

Do not choose from engine capacity alone

Both bikes are labelled as 125cc models, but they will feel very different beneath the rider. The MK125 is a compact mid-size pit bike, whereas the LK125 is a taller, longer large-wheel machine. Rider fit should be checked before comparing the finer specification details.

Why choose the MK125?

The MK125 is the better choice for riders who fit a 750mm seat height and want the agile character of a traditional mid-size pit bike.

Its Zongshen/BS125 four-stroke engine produces a claimed 8.5 hp, making it slightly more powerful on paper than the larger LK125. It also has a conventional four-speed manual gearbox, electric and kick start and front and rear hydraulic disc brakes.

The compact chassis should be easier for a smaller rider to manage at low speeds, when stopping and when moving the bike around. It also makes the MK125 feel more responsive in tighter riding areas.

  • Compact 14/12-inch chassis
  • Lower 750mm seat height
  • Claimed 8.5 hp output
  • Manual clutch and four-speed gearbox
  • Electric and kick start
  • Costs £100 less than the LK125
View the 10TEN JHL MK125

Why choose the LK125?

The LK125 is intended for a rider who needs more physical space than the MK125 provides. Its 830mm seat height, 1250mm wheelbase and 17/14-inch wheels create a noticeably larger riding position.

The bigger wheels should also make the bike feel more settled across ruts and uneven ground. Aluminium rims, upgraded aluminium hubs, wheel locks and a larger six-litre fuel tank further distinguish it from the smaller MK model.

Its HS125 engine produces a claimed 7.5 hp. The LK125 should therefore be selected for its chassis size and larger-wheel handling—not because it offers more engine performance.

  • Larger 17/14-inch wheel combination
  • Taller 830mm seat height
  • Longer 1250mm wheelbase
  • Aluminium rims and upgraded aluminium hubs
  • Front and rear wheel locks
  • Larger six-litre fuel tank
View the 10TEN JHL LK125

Is the larger LK125 more powerful?

No. According to the stated specifications, the MK125 produces a claimed maximum of 8.5 hp, while the LK125 produces 7.5 hp.

The LK125's larger model designation refers to its LK chassis family rather than an increase in engine capacity or output. Both bikes are 125cc models, but they use different engines.

Riders who want the larger 17/14-inch chassis with additional engine performance should compare the LK125 with the 10TEN JHL LK140.

Which bike will fit the rider better?

Seat height provides a useful starting point, but it should not be used in isolation. Leg length, riding experience, confidence and the rider's ability to control the bike when stationary all matter.

The MK125's 750mm seat is likely to feel more manageable for a smaller or less confident rider. The LK125's 830mm seat gives a taller rider considerably more space between the seat and footpegs.

Ideally, the rider should be able to support the bike confidently and operate all of its controls without stretching. The fact that a rider can touch the ground does not automatically mean that a bike is the correct size.

See our complete 10TEN JHL pit bike size guide for a wider comparison across the range.

Which model suits which rider?

Rider or priority Best choice Why
Needs a lower seat MK125 750mm rather than 830mm
Wants a compact, agile pit bike MK125 Shorter wheelbase and smaller wheels
Needs more legroom LK125 Taller seat and longer chassis
Frequently rides rougher ground LK125 Larger 17/14 wheels roll over obstacles more easily
Prioritises engine output MK125 Higher claimed power figure
Wants a larger 17/14 bike with more power Consider LK140 Same larger chassis with a claimed 9.5 hp

Our verdict

The MK125 is the better all-round choice for riders who fit its 750mm seat height. It provides the full manual-clutch experience, a claimed 8.5 hp and the responsive handling of a compact 14/12 pit bike.

The LK125 should be chosen when the rider genuinely needs a larger chassis. Its 17/14 wheels, 830mm seat and longer wheelbase provide more room and improved ability across uneven terrain.

The LK125 is not automatically an upgrade in every area. It is bigger and better equipped in several chassis components, but the MK125 has the higher claimed power output. The correct choice depends primarily on rider size and preferred handling.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the MK125 and LK125?

The main difference is chassis size. The MK125 has 14/12-inch wheels and a 750mm seat, while the LK125 has 17/14-inch wheels and an 830mm seat.

Is the LK125 faster or more powerful than the MK125?

Not according to the stated power figures. The MK125 produces a claimed 8.5 hp, while the LK125 produces a claimed 7.5 hp. The LK125's advantage is its larger chassis rather than greater power.

Do both bikes have a manual clutch?

Yes. Both use four-speed manual gearboxes with conventional clutch levers.

Is the LK125 worth the extra £100?

It is worth considering if the rider needs its taller, longer chassis and larger wheels. If the MK125 already provides a suitable fit, paying more for the LK125 may not improve the riding experience.

Which model is easier to handle?

The smaller MK125 will generally be easier for a shorter or less physically confident rider to manage. The LK125 may feel more stable across rough ground but is taller and physically larger.

Are the MK125 and LK125 road legal?

No. These are off-road pit bikes intended for use on suitable private land with the landowner's permission. Appropriate protective equipment and responsible supervision should always be used.

Continue comparing the 10TEN JHL range

Why buy from Garland Powersports?

Garland Powersports is a UK specialist in electric dirt bikes, kids electric bikes, pit bikes and off-road machines. We focus on proper product knowledge, clear buying advice and reliable UK support before and after your order.

UK Stock
10TEN JHL bikes are held in UK warehousing ready for dispatch.
Specialist Advice
We help riders choose the correct model, not just the most expensive one.
Assembly Options
Choose boxed delivery or fully assembled preparation before delivery.
After-Sales Support
Support from a real UK retailer if you need help after purchase.

Learn more about our warehouse and dispatch process

Explore the complete 10TEN pit bike range

Compare the different engine sizes, wheel combinations and transmission options available across the new 10TEN JHL range.

Shop 10TEN pit bikes