Honda Cb125r
The Honda Cb125r has a top speed of ~115 km/h, produces 15 hp and weighs 127 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Honda CB125R was introduced in 2018 as part of Honda's Neo Sports Café lineup, replacing the older CB125F with a far more premium and stylish offering aimed at A1-licence riders in Europe. It featured a liquid-cooled engine, USD forks, and build quality previously unseen in the 125cc segment, setting a new benchmark for small-displacement motorcycles. The model received updates in 2021 with revised styling, a new headlight design, and improved suspension components, cementing its status as one of the most desirable learner-legal bikes on the market.
15 hp
Power
11 Nm
Torque
127 kg
Weight
~115 km/h
Top Speed
2.5 L/100km or ~40 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Honda Reliability Pedigree
The CB125R uses a fuel-injected single-cylinder engine derived from Honda's proven commuter lineup, making it exceptionally reliable with minimal maintenance needs. Owners regularly report trouble-free running well past 20,000 km with basic servicing.
Watch the Front Fork
The USD front forks on pre-2021 models are known to develop minor oil seepage over time, so inspect them carefully on used examples. It's an inexpensive fix but a useful negotiating point when buying secondhand.
Strong Resale Value
The CB125R holds its value better than most 125cc competitors due to Honda's brand reputation and its premium neo-sports café styling. A well-maintained example typically retains 70-80% of its value after two years.
Generations & Specs by Year
Liquid-cooled 125cc single, USD forks, cast wheels, LED lighting, trellis frame introduced.
Revised bodywork, new headlight design, updated instrumentation, improved throttle body, refined ergonomics.
Used Buyer Review
"The most stylish way to commute on a 125, full stop."
$3,000-$4,500 usedThe CB125R is Honda doing what Honda does best — building something reliable enough to bore you into confidence. Neo-Sports Café styling punches way above its displacement, and you won't feel embarrassed parking it next to bigger bikes. The liquid-cooled single pulls cleanly without drama, and that USD fork up front is genuinely premium kit for the class. Used examples from 2018 onwards have proven bulletproof if maintained properly. That said, let's be honest about what this is. Top speed sits around 70mph and it'll feel strained getting there. Filtering through city traffic? Brilliant. Any dual carriageway commuting? You'll be hanging on for dear life. Check the service history religiously — skipped oil changes on these small singles can accelerate cam chain wear fast. Also inspect fairings carefully since low-speed drops are common with newer riders. Buy one for £2,800-£3,800 and you've got a genuinely stylish urban weapon that Honda will support parts-wise for years. Just be clear-eyed about where it ends.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Honda Cb125r — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
Cold start noise, metallic rattling from engine top
Jerky throttle response, erratic idle, warning lights
Oil residue on lower fork legs, soft front end
Coolant level, radiator fins blocked, fan operation
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Generally reliable, but pricey parts for small bike
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Honda Cb125r
Bmw G 310 R
Ktm Duke 125
Benelli Tnt 135
Suzuki Gsx-s125
Kawasaki Z125 Pro
Compare Honda Cb125r Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Honda Cb125r vs Bmw G 310 R
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cb125r vs Ktm Duke 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cb125r vs Benelli Tnt 135
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cb125r vs Suzuki Gsx-s125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cb125r vs Kawasaki Z125 Pro
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Honda Cb125r? +
Cam chain tensioner rattle at startup: Cold start noise, metallic rattling from engine top (moderate) | Throttle-by-wire sensor glitches: Jerky throttle response, erratic idle, warning lights (moderate) | Fork seal leaks on older units: Oil residue on lower fork legs, soft front end (minor)
Is the Honda Cb125r a good motorcycle? +
The most stylish way to commute on a 125, full stop. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Urban commuters wanting premium looks on a budget. Avoid if: You regularly ride faster A-roads or motorways.
What is the horsepower of the Honda Cb125r? +
The Honda Cb125r produces 15 hp @ 10,000 rpm, with 11 Nm @ 8,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: ~115 km/h.
Is the Honda Cb125r good for beginners? +
Yes — the Honda Cb125r is a reasonable choice for new riders (15 hp is manageable), weighing 127 kg. Urban commuters wanting premium looks on a budget
Is the Honda Cb125r reliable? +
The Honda Cb125r has no widely-reported critical reliability issues. 4 minor issues are documented — see the Common Problems section above.
Is the Honda Cb125r good for daily use? +
Urban commuters wanting premium looks on a budget Fuel: 2.5 L/100km or ~40 km/L (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Honda Cb125r? +
The Honda Cb125r reaches a top speed of ~115 km/h, producing 15 hp at 127 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Honda Cb125r? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Honda Cb125r, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/honda/cb125r/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
