Mexico’s best-selling motorcycle is the Italika FT125, backed by businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, while Colombia’s most popular street bike is the AKT AK125 NKD from entrepreneur Manuel Santiago Mejía, according to InformaBTL.
The outlet reported the comparison on Wednesday, highlighting how each country has its own dominant budget-friendly commuter model. The Italika FT125 has seen mass adoption among Mexican riders, while the AKT AK125 NKD holds the top spot on Colombian roads, per InformaBTL.
Both motorcycles are positioned as affordable, everyday transportation options in their respective markets. The FT125 is tied to Salinas Pliego’s broader retail and manufacturing network in Mexico, while the AK125 NKD comes from Mejía’s AKT brand, a major player in Colombia’s two-wheeler segment. InformaBTL did not provide specific sales figures or model specifications in the report.
The distinction underscores how local manufacturers and business leaders shape regional riding habits. In Mexico, Italika has long been a household name for low-cost mobility, and in Colombia, AKT has carved out a similar role with the NKD line. The report frames both models as the "queen of the streets" in their home markets, reflecting their widespread visibility and rider preference.
What to watch next: whether either brand expands its dominant model into new Latin American markets, or if shifting consumer preferences toward electric bikes begin to challenge these combustion-engine leaders.
