Two 125cc 4-speed manual trail bikes, closely matched on paper. The deciding factors aren't speed — they're start type, fit, and price.
The FRP Moto FX125 and Apollo DB-X18 are closely matched 125cc 4-speed manual trail bikes (~55–56 mph, hydraulic disc brakes, similar 17/14 wheels). The FX125 is the more flexible buy: it adds electric start (the DB-X18 is kick-only), comes in two wheel sizes including a low 28.1″ build the single-size Apollo doesn't offer, lists a 265 lb rider load, and starts lower at $799.99. The DB-X18 is a proven race-style bike with a twin-spar frame and big aftermarket — but it's kick-only, one tall size (~33″ seat), and usually priced higher. Both are off-road only — helmet and full gear every ride.
The Apollo DB-X18 is one of the best-known budget 125 pit bikes, so it's a natural cross-shop against the FRP Moto FX125. On the engine and speed, they're nearly identical. The real differences show up in how you start them, who they fit, and what they cost.
FX125 vs Apollo DB-X18: at a glance
| Spec | FRP Moto FX125 | Apollo DB-X18 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 125cc air-cooled 4-stroke | 125cc air-cooled 4-stroke |
| Top speed | ~56 mph | ~55 mph |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual | 4-speed manual |
| Start | Electric + kick | Kick only |
| Wheel sizes | 14/12 or 17/14 (two builds) | 17/14 (one size) |
| Seat height | 28.1″ or 33.9″ | ~33″ |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc f/r | Hydraulic disc f/r |
| Frame | Steel | Twin-spar steel |
| Rider load | 265 lb (listed) | Not published |
| Warranty | 1-year | Varies by seller |
| Price | $799.99–$1,049.99 | ~$1,100 (varies) |
Apollo DB-X18 figures are from Apollo and major US retailers; budget pit-bike specs can vary by model year and seller, so confirm the exact listing. Top speed on either bike depends on rider weight, gearing, and terrain.
The two differences that decide it
Start type. The FX125 has electric start with a kick backup; the DB-X18 is kick-only. For a younger rider or anyone who'd rather push a button than master a kick, that's a real day-to-day convenience.
Fit. This is the big one. The Apollo DB-X18 comes in a single, tall build (~33″ seat) — great for a taller teen or adult, but too big for a younger or shorter rider. The FX125 offers the same big-wheel size (33.9″) and a low 28.1″ small-wheel build, so it fits a 12–15-year-old or a full-grown adult. If your rider isn't tall yet, that flexibility matters. See our FX125 wheel-size guide.
Where the Apollo DB-X18 makes sense
The DB-X18 is a proven design with a heavy-duty twin-spar frame and one of the biggest aftermarket and tuning followings in the pit-bike world. If you specifically want that ecosystem, are sizing a taller rider anyway, and don't mind kick-starting, it's a solid, well-supported bike. You're mainly trading away electric start, the small-wheel option, and a published rider-weight rating — usually at a higher price.
Which should you choose?
Choose the FRP Moto FX125 if…
You want electric start, need a build that fits a younger or shorter rider (the 28.1″ small-wheel), want a published 265 lb rider load, or want the lower $799.99 entry price. It's the more flexible, more convenient pick for most families.
Choose the Apollo DB-X18 if…
You specifically want Apollo's twin-spar frame and deep race-aftermarket ecosystem, you're sizing a taller rider, and kick-only starting at a higher price isn't a dealbreaker.
Safety and the law
- Neither is street legal — ride on private property or designated off-road areas.
- Helmet, gloves, boots, and eye protection every ride; supervise younger riders.
- The FRP Moto FX125 is EPA off-road only and not sold in California.
Frequently asked questions
Is the FRP Moto FX125 or the Apollo DB-X18 better?
They're closely matched 125cc 4-speed manual trail bikes, but the FX125 is the more flexible buy: it adds electric start (the DB-X18 is kick-only), comes in two wheel sizes including a low 28.1-inch small-wheel build the single-size Apollo doesn't offer, lists a 265 lb rider load, and starts lower at $799.99. The Apollo DB-X18 is an established race-style bike with a twin-spar frame and a big aftermarket, but it's kick-start only, one tall size, and typically priced higher.
Does the Apollo DB-X18 have electric start?
No. The Apollo DB-X18 is kick-start only. Among these two, only the FRP Moto FX125 has electric start (with a kick backup).
What is the seat height of the FX125 vs the Apollo DB-X18?
The Apollo DB-X18 has a tall seat around 33 inches in one size. The FX125 comes in two builds: a 28.1-inch small-wheel build for younger or shorter riders and a 33.9-inch big-wheel build for taller teens and adults — so it fits a wider range of riders.
How fast is the FX125 vs the Apollo DB-X18?
Both are rated in the same range — about 56 mph for the FX125 and about 55 mph for the DB-X18. Real top speed depends on rider weight, gearing, and terrain, so the small difference on paper isn't a deciding factor.
Are the FX125 and Apollo DB-X18 street legal?
No. Both are off-road only and not street legal. Ride on private property or designated off-road areas with a helmet and full gear. The FRP Moto FX125 is not sold in California.
The bottom line
On the engine, the FX125 and Apollo DB-X18 are nearly a wash. The FX125 pulls ahead on the things you live with: electric start, two wheel sizes that fit more riders, a published rider-weight rating, and a lower starting price. The DB-X18 is the pick if you want Apollo's frame and aftermarket and are sizing a taller rider. Match the bike to the rider, then gear up.
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