Hungarian brand Keeway, now operating under the umbrella of China’s QJ Motor, has been steadily building its presence in India with unique, niche motorcycles. Among its offerings, the Keeway SR125 stands out as a retro-styled commuter that blends vintage aesthetics with everyday practicality. With a 125cc engine and a classic design language, the SR125 aims to deliver an affordable yet stylish riding experience for urban India.
This blog takes you through every detail of the Keeway SR125 — from styling and performance to variants, features, and market positioning.
🛠️ Design & Styling: Retro-Cool in a Compact Frame
The Keeway SR125 is a nod to old-school motorcycling — a genre that’s picking up speed among young urban riders looking for something distinct yet accessible. The motorcycle flaunts:
- Round halogen headlamp with chrome bezel
- Teardrop-shaped 14.5L fuel tank
- Fork gaiters for a scrambler look
- Brushed metal accents on the engine
- Flat ribbed seat with faux leather finish
- Wire-spoked wheels
Despite its compact proportions, the bike oozes charm. The upright handlebar and centre-set foot pegs contribute to a relaxed riding posture, making it ideal for city commutes and short weekend jaunts.
⚙️ Engine & Performance: Easygoing and Efficient
Powering the Keeway SR125 is a 124cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that’s tuned for city-friendly performance.
- Max Power: 9.8 PS @ 9000 rpm
- Max Torque: 8.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed gearbox
- Cooling: Air-cooled
- Fuel System: Carburettor
While the numbers aren’t groundbreaking, the SR125’s light 120kg kerb weight ensures peppy acceleration at lower speeds. It’s not meant for highway touring, but for urban conditions, the power delivery is smooth and predictable. The engine is refined for the segment and delivers a laid-back riding experience.
🛞 Chassis, Suspension & Handling
The SR125 is built on a simple double-cradle frame that ensures easy handling and stability at low speeds.
- Front Suspension: Telescopic forks
- Rear Suspension: Dual spring-loaded shock absorbers
- Front Tyre: 110/70-17
- Rear Tyre: 130/70-17
- Brakes: Disc brakes front & rear
- Wheels: Spoke wheels with tube-type tyres
The suspension is tuned more for comfort than sportiness, soaking up road undulations well. The wide tyres provide a confident grip, and the motorcycle’s low seat height of 775mm ensures it’s beginner-friendly.
🧱 Build Quality & Fit-Finish
Keeway has maintained decent quality levels despite being an affordable offering. The switchgear, seat, paint finish, and metal parts feel reasonably premium for the price point. The instrument cluster, though basic, is a semi-digital unit with a speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and gear position indicator.
📊 Features & Tech
While the SR125 doesn’t compete with feature-rich rivals, it offers the essentials in a charming package:
- Halogen headlamp with LED DRLs
- Semi-digital instrument cluster
- Engine kill switch
- Electric start
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- 5-speed transmission
Don’t expect advanced connectivity or ride modes — this motorcycle is all about analog fun and simplicity.
🔋 Fuel Tank & Mileage
One of the SR125’s strongest suits is its impressive 14.5-litre fuel tank, which is quite large for a 125cc bike. Combined with its frugal engine, the SR125 delivers a real-world fuel efficiency of 50–55 km/l, giving it a range of over 700 km on a full tank — excellent for city riders.
💸 Variants & Pricing
The Keeway SR125 is offered in a single variant, but comes in multiple color options.
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price (Delhi) |
|---|---|
| SR125 Standard | ₹1.20 lakh |
🎨 Available Colors:
- Glossy Black
- Glossy Red
- Glossy White
While this price is on the higher side for a 125cc commuter, the SR125 justifies it with its retro design, large fuel tank, and imported styling.
🔄 Comparison with Rivals
Here’s how the SR125 stacks up against key competitors in the retro-commuter segment:
| Bike | Engine | Price (Ex-showroom) | Mileage | Design Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keeway SR125 | 124cc | ₹1.20 lakh | 50–55 km/l | Retro-classic |
| Bajaj CT 125X | 124.4cc | ₹77,216 | 55–60 km/l | Rugged commuter |
| Hero Glamour | 124.7cc | ₹87,000 – ₹93,000 | 60 km/l | Modern commuter |
| TVS Raider 125 | 124.8cc | ₹95,000 – ₹1.03 lakh | 57 km/l | Sporty commuter |
Clearly, the SR125 is more of a lifestyle machine than a budget commuter. It’s for those who value style and exclusivity over just numbers.
📍 Market Positioning & Target Audience
Keeway positions the SR125 as a premium, retro-styled urban commuter targeted at:
- Young urban professionals
- College students looking for something stylish
- First-time bike owners who want a unique design
- Riders who prefer analog riding over tech-heavy options
It’s not about outright performance or features — it’s about style, simplicity, and vintage character.
🧰 Ownership & After-Sales
Keeway is expanding its dealership and service network across India. The SR125 comes with:
- 2 years / unlimited km warranty
- Optional extended warranty and AMC
- Basic service costs are reasonable, though parts may be pricier due to import sourcing
You can check availability or book a test ride via Keeway India’s official website.
🏁 Verdict: Who Should Buy the Keeway SR125?
The Keeway SR125 is not for everyone — and that’s exactly the point. It’s a niche motorcycle meant for those who value classic aesthetics and easy riding over raw performance or aggressive pricing.
Why You Should Buy:
✅ Unique retro styling
✅ Easy to ride
✅ Lightweight and beginner-friendly
✅ Huge fuel tank & decent mileage
✅ Ideal for casual urban riding
Why You Might Skip:
❌ High price for a 125cc bike
❌ No modern features
❌ Limited service reach in tier-2/3 cities
If you’re tired of cookie-cutter commuter bikes and want something with real old-school charm and decent practicality, the Keeway SR125 is a refreshing alternative worth considering.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Keeway SR125 good for beginners?
Yes, its low seat height, light weight, and easy engine make it ideal for new riders.
Q2. What is the top speed of SR125?
Top speed is around 90–95 km/h, suitable for urban roads.
Q3. Is it worth the price?
If you’re buying for looks and uniqueness, yes. But for performance-per-rupee, rivals offer more.
Q4. Can I tour on this bike?
Short tours are fine, especially with the large tank. But it’s not meant for long highway rides.