Firstly, we've reviewed the Lexmoto Tempest here: kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-lexmoto-tempes.../

The Tempest, priced at £1800, is significantly cheaper than rivalling 125cc bikes - meaning it sells like hotcakes to learners looking for a cheap and cheerful first ride. The bike also comes with a two-year parts and labour warranty for some extra piece of mind. However, there is some backing to the fact that Chinese bikes, like the Tempest, are less reliable than other manufacturers. Honda, for example, has a fantastic reputation for quality and reliability. And it has a much stronger dealer network if something were to go wrong. But small bikes like the Suzuki GSX-S125 (kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-suzuki-gsx-s12.../) and Honda CB125R (kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-honda-cb125r/) will likely be out of your budget.

Point being, if you're on a little budget - you'll have to decide whether you want something newer, but possibly less reliable for your money as opposed to a secondhand bike. It also depends a lot on whether you plan to ride the 125cc for a couple of years or more long-term. If you don't plan to go to a bigger bike then it makes sense to get a good quality 125. You don't want to be throwing money into a cheap bike.