It seems that Lexmoto has recently released the Skyjet SJ-125-24, an updated version of the Skyjet SJ-125-23, similar to many imported motorbikes under different manufacturers. However, because of the numerous amount of problems with the 125-23, there seems to be little hope for the new version; it seems almost an impossibility that all of its problems will be fixed in one quick update. My brother owns a Skyjet SJ-125-23, and consequently, I was able to test it out.
However, typical of the build of many Chinese imports, after traveling 6000 miles, the gearbox has blown. Later this week I will be stripping Skyjet SJ-125-23 of its engine and tuning it up to make sure it will run properly. I will also be replacing all the screws and bolts, because I find that once you take them off, they never go back on without breaking/snapping.
Lexmoto hasn’t had any new information released to its suppliers about the previous problems with the SJ-125-23. All 125-23’s are made the same way, with the same parts, regardless of the manufacturer. Nothing new has been said about the bad quality of the parts, or the constant rattling of the engine that makes riding so unbearable. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the problems still exist, and the only thing that has changed is a superficial revision in the design of the bike.
Personally, I have been begging my brother to scrap this piece of junk and buy a CBR 125 or YZF-125, but he still wants to ride the Skyjet SJ-125-23 and later transition to a car when he is ready. Of course, this decision is lazy as well as costly. The Skyjet SJ-125-23 is prone to breakdowns, which means I’m responsible for repairing the devilish monstrosity. Repairing the Skyjet sometimes requires days, if not weeks of work, depending on what has broken and how long it takes to receive the new parts after ordering them online. Normally I receive them within three business days, but sometimes it could take up to a week to receive all the parts.
Take my advice: stay away from the CBR replicas. I have tried many imported scooters and bikes, and don’t get me wrong: most of them are fine. But when companies try to replicate a good racing bike such as the Honda CBR 125, they run into problems. Simply put, they cannot keep up with the performance of the real bike, using cheap parts. Higher end imports that you buy locally guarantee the best performance, while buying online could result in you buying a damaged product, often returned and resold. When you buy online, you have no one to complain to when things go wrong (and believe me, you are guaranteed to get even a slight problem in functionality).