Honda CBR 125R

The Honda CBR 125R is probably one of the cheapest 125cc bikes around and is also extremely popular, so much so that a lot of replica bikes have been produced imitating the look and style, such as the Skyjet, but these are lesser quality bikes and don’t get the well-known Honda reliability (as mentioned below), so it is worth paying that little bit (and it is a little bit), it get the actual Honda CBR 125.

GENERAL INFORMATION
DIMENSIONS
Weight 302 lbs. (136.9 kg)
Wheelbase 51.7 in. (1,313 mm)
Seat Height 31.2 in. (793 mm)
ENGINE
Engine 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, chain-driven SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement 124.7 cc
Bore x Stroke 58 x 47.2 mm
Compression Ratio 11:1
Fuel System PGM-FI fuel injection
Fuel Capacity 3.4 gal. (13 l)
Cooling Liquid
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive O-ring sealed chain
BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES
Brakes Front: 276 mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Rear: 220 mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tires Front: 100/80-17
Rear: 130/70-17
OPERATIONAL
Suspension Front: 31 mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. (120 mm) travel
Rear: Single shock; 5 in. (126 mm) travel
OTHER
Colors Asteroid Black Metallic, Two-tone Terra / Silver Metallic
Chassis/Suspension
- Powerful front and rear disc brakes mean sure, predictable stopping power and light effort at the brake lever and pedal.
- A slim yet sturdy twin-spar steel frame and a box-section swingarm reduce unwanted flex for better control during spirited riding.
- 17-inch U-section six-spoke cast aluminum wheels mounted with high-traction sport tires look great and ensure excellent traction.
- A short wheelbase combined with carefully calibrated suspension components mean sporty handling, reassuring control, and excellent comfort.
- High-tech chassis components contribute to the CBR125R's easy-to-handle weight.

What it has going for it is its looks, Honda build quality and durability, grown-up features such as electric start and a complete instrument panel with analogue dials for speed, revs, fuel level and coolant temperature – and at R22 500, price. But only a schoolboy would enjoy commuting on a bike this intense, that’s this much hard work to ride. The CBR is pointed with typical Honda accuracy right at its target market, which is why it’s the UK’s biggest seller.

The non-adjustable front suspension (31mm conventional forks) is firm without being harsh, controlling the front wheel even on bad roads and delivering light, accurate steering at any speed the bike is capable of. The rear wheel is monitored by a straight monoshock set-up without any linkages that seemed, as so often on small Oriental machines, a little underdamped for South African conditions (big rider, bad roads). Nevertheless, it keeps the plot under control even when going faster downhill than the bike’s top speed on the flat.