Honda CBR125R
Summary:
Like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, the Honda CBR125R looks like it’s packing a punch thanks to its aggressive fairings and low seating position. However, its 125cc engine is a bit small compared to other motorcycles in this class and it can begin to feel underwhelming fast.
Engine Size: 125cc
Price (new): $3,499 CDN
Comparable bikes: Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Yamaha WR250X, Suzuki DR200SE
Our Honda CBR125R Review:
Many people say that there is no “perfect starter motorcycle”, and we tend to agree. People, like all things in life, have vastly different shapes, sizes, tastes, and preferences. To say that one motorcycle is “the best” would be implying that it’s the best for everyone, and we don’t really believe that particular bike actually exists.
Take the Honda CBR125R for example: it has a low curb weight (280lbs), a small 125cc engine, and an even lower price tag ($3,499CDN). It has definite curb appeal, with sporty body work and a low riding position. Like the Ninja 250R, the CBR125R is the starter bike that most people who aren’t into motorcycles wouldn’t know was a starter bike.
For an average or experienced rider, the CBR125R will feel very underwhelming right from the get go. Compared to a Kawasaki Ninja 500R, the CBR125R feels like a jar of molasses trying to run down hill. However, for someone looking for a motorcycle that is easy to learn, forgiving, and as safe as you can get, the Honda CBR125R could be the ideal choice.
If you are a bigger person, in either height or weight, the CBR125R will likely be too small for you. That being said, an average sized man or woman will have no problem finding the CBR125R comfortable, with a good seating position and great visibility all around the bike. Unlike some larger bikes, which force you to hunch forward (reducing visibility immediately in front of the bike), the CBR125R allows for a more relaxed seating position- a definite plus for a new rider.
As well, its small engine is more than capable of taking on traffic within the city. In fact, the fuel-injected 125cc motor will out-accelerate just about everything on the road (save for larger bikes and some sports cars). Many people forget that a small bike, such as the CBR125R, is still capable of quarter mile times of less than 15 seconds.
On the highway is where the CBR125R really feels the limitation from its 125cc engine. It will cruise all day long at 100 km/h, but taking much higher than that will result in a lot of noise from the engine as it spins along at 11,000rpm. Of course, if you are travelling within the city it’s unlikely you’ll ever go over 100 km/h anyway, and while you’re cruising along you’ll be enjoying 94 mpg!
If you are looking for a commuter bike, something that is hyper-efficient, good looking, reliable, forgiving, and easy to ride, the Honda CBR125R is hardly a poor decision. At under $3,500 new, with a warranty, and some of the most desirable traits among a motorcycle for a new rider, the CBR125R brings to the market what the market has been lacking- affordable, economical fun.
The Bottom Line:
Incredibly efficient, sporty, and fun to ride around town, the CBR125R is an ideal combination of performance and economy for a new rider. If you are a larger person, in either height or weight, you may want to consider something a bit bigger.
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Category: Honda, Under 500cc
It’s actually pretty fast when you are taking off from a light, but man you definitely know when you’re going faster than the little engine wants to! I had it up to 130km last season and the engine was just BUZZING!
But, I couldn’t have asked for a better first bike. I feel so confident on this thing, and the best part, is it only cost me $14 to fill back when gas was $1.30/L!
I picked this ride up a few weeks ago. To be honest I was expecting this bike to suck. The price just seemed too good to be true. I don’t know too much about motorcycle specs or how they work, I just know how to use them.
I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of this bike. I had a few minor problems with the steering after only a few days, but that may have been because I crashed it
The initial quality seemed very good and I think overall it is a great ride. Definitely not the best bike out there, but what can you expect for the price? I also agree with Jennifer, it is great to not spend a fortune filling up my bike. The bike seems to do very well gas-wise, probably because of the small engine.
It is definitely worth picking up if you are a beginner like me… But for more experienced riders, you may want to consider something different.
This bike made me look so bad***, I was blown away by it’s performance – it’s price – everything!!!!!!
I only docked the handling because it was hard to get used to just because I’m a newbie. But with gas prices as they are, this is truly a godsend.
this is by far my favorite bike. i own 4 bikes, and 2 quads, and i enjoy my honda the most. highly recommended for beginers and veterans to.
Great bike. It runs well, gets great gas mileage, and it looks pretty sweet. Of course it is more of a beginerws bike, but I think you could still enjoy it as a veteran.
This bike is a little weak for my taste, but it is cheap. It also gets really good gas mileage, so if you want to save some cash I guess this is a good bike for you.
I love this bike because it isn’t too much to handle. Everything else I used seemed like it ran too heavy and was a bit to big for my tiny body. I love my Honda, and I would recommend it to anyone.
Great beginner bike, but if you want to go faster than 65 MPH your pushing your luck, look elsewhere.
You guys are making me jealous. I live in Minneapolis and unfortunately, this model is not available in the US.
I’m just getting back into riding after being away from it for 30 years. I bought the bike because I’m a sucker for a pretty face and because I knew Honda’s reputation for reliability. I’d read some great reviews on it. The price was excellent. Lots of twisty roads here in NL, which is ideal for this little beast. It’s a great bike for the beginner to learn on. The lack of power can be a problem, but if you respect the bike’s limitations, you’ll be ok. (Don’t get into any duels with 18 wheelers!) Stick to city commuting and rural roads with lots of nice turns and enjoy the ride. This bike will make you smile… a lot.
My first bike was a kawaski gpz305, second honda xl250 streat/strail, third bike kawaski kz550, forth honda sabre 1100 super powerful, then a nighthawk 450..then i got into scooters..currently i own a yamaha bws 50 great little kick around…last year 2008..i bought a honda cbr125r, the little bike can perform, easy on gas, works for short highway trips, and like metioned has limitations which are good, speeding tickets are very expensive, you can still get a speeding ticket on the cbr125, but less likely, i find myself just wanting to cruise, but on the back road with speed limits ranging from 80 to 90klms..well thats were the fun starts,,know how to drive the bike is what makes it count, i don’t red line my bike but i do bring er up 9.5 and 10 on the tack..reving er up makes it work. i recently did the ride for the cure, the cabot trail in nova scotia canada..three mountains over close to over 200klms with hundreds of bikes on the ride..the bike made me smile and it got more attention than the big bikes cause its a 125..guys would just stop and look er over…so ya no i’m 5 10 and weight 180..i don’t feel or look to big on it..i’ve asked around..i think if your 6 feet your maxing it out in the height department..if your 5 10 and weight 250 you may fit..but you’ll look to big…I would say if your between 5 and 6 feet and weight under 180 the bike will pass in the comfort department….
hi,
im a novice rider and i really like the look of the Honda CBR125R, but the article said its not so good for a tall rider. Im 1.9m tall, could anyone tell me if thats too tall for this bike? thanks
This bike is a riot! Great for buzzing around the back roads and very forgiving. My wife has just taken up biking for the first time and has had no trouble on this little gem. Oh and the same goes for me.
For reference I am 5’10 and 180lbs and this bike moves out pretty good.
As a new rider, you cant go past this one. The powers perfect for learning how to RIDE…not just punching the throttle in a straight line.
As far as looks are concerned, its a sexy bike. Theres a good reason why they call it a babyblade… (honda cbr1000 rr Fireblade)
I’m a tall skinny guy but still feel at home on the thing… its light, great price, fast enough, looks great and is a good starting pathway to the big bikes once I get the experience.
If your starting out… I beg you, go for a test ride. I promise you it will be in your garage the following day.
Nice bike, wish it was street legal in America. It would be sitting in my garage right now if it was.
I have recently just bought one of these! i am waiting to pick it up as i ordered the special addition one, i am 6 ft tall im now hoping i fit on it. I have never ridden a bike before but im sooo ready to learn.
I am so excited!
Sean
I bought Honda cbr125r 3 months ago and Now I just love it.
It really saves your money on fuel. It gives you good average. Many guys said me that 125cc is quite less but on HOnda cbr 125r you don’t feel that. When its really windy (especially if wind is blowing towards you) you really strugle to keep with the speed.
But other than that its fantastic. Good pickup and you can pass between 2
cars easily and CONFIDENTLY.
Easy to handle and would recommend to any starting learner.