Tao Tao 125cc Dirt Bike (DB17) Review 2026: Specs, Top Speed, and How It Compares to the FRP FX125

What are the Tao Tao DB17 specs?

Tao Motor figures from taomotor.com/dirt-bikes-2/db17-2, checked September 28, 2026. The retailer price is a listing seen on Killer Motorsports on the same date and varies by seller. FX125 figures from the FRP product page on the same date. Prices exclude tax and can change.

How fast does a Tao Tao 125 go?

Tao Motor does not publish a top speed for the DB17, and it lists horsepower and torque as N/A, so there is no maker figure to work from. What the page does list is a 125cc four-speed with 17 in and 14 in wheels, which is the same layout as a full-size trail bike.

The FRP FX125 lists about 56 mph and 8.7 hp. The two bikes share a displacement class and a gearbox, so the practical difference is that FRP states the figure and Tao Motor does not.

What is the Tao Tao DB17 weight limit?

Tao Motor does not publish a rider weight limit for the DB17. The 30.7 in seat and 154 lb net weight are the fit guide. The FX125 lists a 265 lb maximum rider load.

Who should buy a Tao Tao DB17?

The DB17 is the right choice if:

• You want a lower seat on 17/14 wheels. The DB17 is 30.7 in; the FX125 17/14 build is 33.9 in.
• You want the lighter bike. 154 lb net against the FX125's 163.9 lb.
• You want a dealer near you. Tao Motor's page links a dealer locator.
• You are happy to kick-start the bike every time.

Who should NOT buy a Tao Tao DB17?

The DB17 is the wrong choice if:

• You want electric start. The DB17 lists kick start only.
• You need a rider weight rating in writing. Tao Motor does not give one; the FX125's is 265 lb.
• You want a published warranty on the product page. The DB17 page lists none.
• You want to know the price before you shop. Tao Motor's page has none, so the price depends on the retailer.

What are the Tao Tao DB17's real strengths?

1. A lower seat on big wheels. 30.7 in on 70/100-17 and 90/100-14 tires.
2. Weight. 154 lb net, about 10 lb under the FX125 17/14 build.
3. Disc brakes at both ends. Tao Motor lists a front and a rear disc.
4. A dealer locator. The DB17 page links dealers near you.

What are the Tao Tao DB17's main weaknesses?

1. Kick start only. There is no electric start listed.
2. No power, speed or rider limit. Horsepower and torque read N/A.
3. No price or warranty on the page. You compare retailer listings.
4. Shipping on top. The listing we saw added $279.95.

Where does the FRP Moto FX125 give ground?

The FX125's 17/14 build has a 33.9 in seat, which is 3.2 in taller than the DB17, and it is about 10 lb heavier. FRP has no dealer network, and the FX125 is not sold in California. A shorter rider can choose the 14/12 build with a 28.1 in seat, and a smaller child may start on the FX40.

Is the Tao Tao DB17 the right buy?

What the DB17 delivers is what Tao Motor lists: a 125cc four-speed with disc brakes, 17/14 wheels, a 30.7 in seat and a 154 lb weight, kick-started. What it does not deliver is a published power figure, a top speed, a rider weight limit, a warranty on the page or a price.

For a rider who wants a lower seat and a dealer, the DB17 is a sound choice. For a rider who wants electric start, a 265 lb rating and a one-year warranty at the same price, the FX125 covers more ground. The FX125 product page has the specs for both builds, and the FRP dirt bike lineup shows the whole range.

What do FRP FX125 owners say?

The FX125 product page shows 5 reviews with a 4.4 average. Two of them:

• Britney H., verified buyer, 5 stars, September 12, 2026: “My 12 year old is loving this bike. Took no time for him to get the hang of the clutch and shifter. Very happy with my purchase!”
• Alessandro S., reviewer, 5 stars, August 10, 2026: “Supper fun will deffenetly be buying this one when i get the money”

The first review is the real-world answer to the manual-clutch question: a 12-year-old picked up the clutch and shifter quickly.

Reviews quoted as posted on the FRP FX125 product page, checked September 28, 2026.

What did a rider who bought the FX125 report in his own videos?

Darzrt bought an FX125 17/14 and posted a TikTok series about it from June to August 2026, plus the first-look video above. Here is what he said, in his own words or close to them:

• Unboxing: the bike came in a metal crate, with a bag holding a backpack, a water pack, goggles and gloves.
• First start: he changed the engine oil (about 0.6 quart), fueled it, and started it with the key and the electric start button. He pointed out the digital dash.
• Fit: at about 6 ft and 200 lb he said he was comfortable on it and called the frame beefy.
• Speed: on a later ride with a friend, including hill climbing, he said it did 52 mph with him on it at 195 lb. FRP lists about 56 mph.
• Using it: he entered the bike in a county fair pit bike race, changed the grips for it, and said he wanted to try the FX140 next.

As with any new bike, check the engine oil level before the first start and go over the bolts after assembly.

FAQ

Where to go from here

If you want a lower seat on 17/14 wheels and a dealer nearby, the DB17 is a sound choice. If you want electric start, a published rating and a one-year warranty, look at the FX125.

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