There is a lot to be said about these new-era 125s! They are nothing like 125s of old, with big bike feel and all the same technology. It's just motorcycling in a more accessible, safer package! Brilliant review of a brilliant bike!
@@shahan484 you know not all English bikers are old and familiar with 2strokes and to be fair we used 2 stroke for a longer time as our emission standards became strict later and we still have quite a lot still running on the roads, rd350 is one of them. No need to be butthurt about such things. English have had cricket since inception and still suck,so?
i do agree... and they completely fooked up with the new Hornet 750 that said, i absolutely love the (fake) renders based on the 2024 CB1000R patent filings... no retro whatsoever this time but i hope the actual CB1000R ends up looking as close to those renders as possible
100% agree. I was shopping for the 650 version last year, and was sold on it after seeing the thing up close in person. It's desperately pretty from every angle.
CB's got a significantly different look here in Indonesia, and sadly they didnt move on onto the neo sport cafe one like the rest of the world 🥲 personally i love the modern classic looks of the CB lineup but oh well it is what it is
Hey Dan, I got my A1 driving license about 2 years ago at 16 years old and I decided to get this exact bike. It was and still is a lot of fun even though I'm a lot bigger now. It's obviously one the best 125cc bikes you could get, next to the Duke and XSR. It's nice to see this small bike get recognition as well, I love to see it and great review.
They still go like slugs and there must be a load more power in there but strangled. I had a CB125 and flat out at 60. But I have a full licence and bigger bike but like a lightweight as I am older and weaker now. Can they be unrestricted? They would not be sold elsewhere like that.
Hello everyone thought i would give an update. I’ve upgraded to an A2 license and since exchanged my Honda for an A2, 2023 MT-07. It’s a completely different experience from a speed and torque perspective, however it’s a similar experience in manoeuvrability. I can only recommend both bikes.
Literally just bought the 2024 CB125R today, £3800 one previous owner 1800 miles, I know nothing about bikes just need a reliable commuter but my Dad told me I wouldn’t find a better bike for a better deal! Nervous to start riding it next week!
Got 2022 yamaha xsr125 also for £3.8k with 1 previous owner and 2k miles. 1 thing that turned me down was the top speed of this Honda. I managed to get up to 65 no bother and 70 downhill with 90kg. What do you get on your Honda?
I came to motorcycle riding later in life and passed my test 18 months ago. Prior to that I had one of these for a year. I bought it because it felt like a bigger bike and looked 'grown up. 12 months and 4.5k miles later I traded it in for a four year old Street Triple and got only £300 less than I paid for it! A great little bike. Looked fantastic and handled brilliantly.
I have this bike and have been learning on it for a little over a year. I'm really happy with it and think it's awesome. I've changed the levers as there's no span adjustment, but that's a very minor point. I can get 70 out of mine - but only on the flat, and only after a while. Great review Dan.
I have a 2018 CB125F I bought locally. I went a 50 mile round trip on it yesterday. I only have had it 1 week and got to say I am loving it! Definitely got to 69.9 mph Ideal starter bikes these series!
Cb125f is 8kw few miles slower then cb125r which is 11kw 15 BHP I think ur about 70kg rider beceause we have cb125f 2020 and 2015 max speed 57mph downhill 59 Im 110kg and my friend who have 2015 model is 100kg
Great bike - I had one for 12months between my CBT and completing my DAS and sold it on for exactly what I paid for it. Looks great with good road presence - same frame/chassis as the larger 350cc offering. I considered cheaper/older offerings but it was a great buy...and would make a great city bike.
What goes on in your neck of the world - vehicles parked on verges everywhere! Nice review, youngsters have no idea what we oldies put up with in them thar days, but, my 65 Honda 125 was at least a twin!!!
Listening to that engine rev out brought back memories of both my S90 and my XL200 dual sport - the similar character of the engine note was uncanny! From our original Monkey bike when I was a teenager, through to my vintage 1986 VF500(sold on last year), I have always loved Hondas, and am considering one final fling on one this summer. Possibly a CB300R... Nice work.
At 16, I had a brand new Honda MT50 (50cc 2 stroke). I can't remember the power output, but I think 50mph was about max on a flat road. This 125 definitely would have been a welcome step up.
Watching this a year after selling my 125 to upgrade my car- love my car but damn the cb125r is a great bike. If I had more money I get another one! Defo reccomend if you’re looking at one.
Beautiful bike! I rode this bike while getting my A1 license and I must say it was the best 125 I've ridden so far. I bought a Kawasaki Z125 which I had for 2 years, but sadly it broke down on me. I've ridden a few 125s and if I were to get one now I would probably choose between the CB125R or a Grom depending if I wanted a full size bike or if I just wanted to have a small one to mess around with (the Grom is a lot more fun to mess around with). Both of these bikes are really reliable, but the CB125R is more powerful and much more comfortable for going on long rides with. It's also great looking and has one of the better sounds in my opinion. I'm now getting a CBR650R in the end of march so I'm really hyped for that :D Great video! Keep it up
Enjoyed this machine as my first bike. I had a 18 reg one. Brought back the memory. Thanks Dan. And I quite agree with you on the intended biker’s weight. It’s more for the slim rider for sure, from personal experience!! 😂
The 18 Reg one was 11 BHP which is why I bought a Suzuki GSX-S125 instead! If the Honda 14.x BHP New CB125 had been around 2 years ago I might have bought one but the Suzuki was better then!
I had this bike 4-5 years ago. Great bike for urban commuting. One down side is the position of the battery. I had to lift up the gas tank to change the battery…. Had to take out 20 screws before I could change the battery.
Yes! That is by far the worst design idea in this bike. I had to change the battery in the middle of trip around Europe and it took me hours to even find out where is battery has been hidden from me. Really annoying design.
This is a CB150R in Thailand. That extra 25cc makes a lot of difference. I almost bought the 300 but opted for a secondhand 390 Duke, and I'm glad I did. This series of Hondas look very stylish. I prefer the dash this 125 has to my 390's TFT. The XSR125 is a 155 here, and it's the same engine as my Aerox 155 scooter.
@@alastairpearce8278 I'm not sure how does it work in other parts of the world, but in Europe any bike >149cc can go on the highway That's a big difference, this is a cheaper bike for young teenagers that aren't generally supposed to go thousands of miles away from home
True.I bought Zontes U125.It has 15 HP.It is stunning.It can go 100 kmh all day autobahn.But too noisy.Definetly If it was Zontea U155 I would buy that.But there are not in my country,only 125cc. 15 HP vs 19 HP is difference you can feel it especially at higher speeds
I live in Thailand and looked at buying this (it comes with a 150cc engine in Thailand) but ended up buying the Honda CB300R that is difficult to distinguish them apart. The CB300R is very underrated in the UK and Europe in my opinion.
In Europe it drops into a grey area. Due to our licensing laws. You have to be a particular age to want to have such a small capacity engine. If you’re above 25 and on a full licence we usually go over 500cc
@@Labgorilla Great info, I was about to ask why the Europe market get the 125cc while in Vietnam, the lowest one is 150cc. Love the bike, hate the part of getting another License for higher cc
I have a 2021 cb125f, and considered the 125r, but the £1600 extra for the R model seems a tad excessive for what doesnt appear to be that much better performance & quality, with a far superior MPG of the 125f. you aint going to get earth shattering performance from any 125, so i'm pretty happy with my decision, but thanks for the review, and no-one can be disappointed with either, as honda just know how to build a bike for a target market. GL
I have a 20 plate model with 13HP and I got 82mph 😂 down hill with a stiff breeze behind me, wicked starter bikes but as you said a bit steep price wise
Red line these bikes and get ready for the engines to let go. I’ve had to rebuild 2 top ends when the piston rings let go due to me using the bike on dual carriageways. Glad I’m now on a 650 which cruises at 70 mph.
Good to see you reviewing bikes again after your message a while back on Instagram. Anyway, cracking bike, looks like a beaut and would be an amazing first bike 👍
What a great review. I love the look also. I’ve done my full test but I will be getting this bike for the commute. Also be good to give it my son in a year or two.
@@christga100 I plan to get a bigger bike come summer time but at the moment it’s a perfect little bike, and when it’s time to sell I’ll not really lose much as they seem to hold their value quite well as they are perfect for young riders doing their CBT and Mod1/2
I have this bike, and I do weigh less (60 kg)... I got it to 137kmh (85mph) (126kmh GPS (78mph)) at which it cuts power; that was on positive wind and flat ground and another time downhill; I've also done some touring on the bike and being 17 the seat is fine. I actually feel the engine and brakes are lacking some power, but that is more of a problem of the bike category (also isn't great having my dad's VFR800 as a reference lol). Already done 7300km over 9 months and I'm pretty happy with the bike. Great review btw!
Thanks for the extra info, nice to hear from the target audience of thid bike. Sadly I am a bit heavier than you. I'll blame my girlfriends baking haha! Ride safe and thanks for watching!
@@no.3802 I'm 173, and it's quite comfortable for being a 125cc, it is really light, and the seat isn't a torture. The only issue it has for me is that at higher speeds you want to tuck to get all of what does 11kW can give you. So if you're planing on doing quite a lot of highway you may consider something with more wind protection. For secondary roads, the posture is great and my butt only started hurting after 6h of riding (the last hour was tucked on the highway...). Btw, I live in Spain, so terrain doesn't really help the lack of power, if you live somewhere flatter you might feel like the power isn't lacking.
Lovely bike. Wittled down my options to either this or the Zontes G1 - Went for the latter. Looks as good if not better and £1.5k less. Gets my 90kg upto 65mph in decent time.
I agree its a very nice looking bike. Dont fancy the price though. With that price tag a very lightly used Rebel 500 or maybe a new one if you stretch. Different style of bike though, so might not be a fair comparison. Still, its nice to see bikes that you can properly push its engine without being uncomfortable.
I see this bike as one of, if not the most premium of the 125 class. Definitely a bike I would have loved to own when I had L plates! Thanks for watching!
I've a TVS Raider 125 here in India with 11.5bhp and 11.3nm torque. I once clocked 121kmph on a free highway which is also the top speed I've ever touched.
In Indonesia we have Honda CB150R, a street fighter design with 150cc single cylinder. I hope Honda bring this in Indonesia, with 150cc motor on it. It's gonna be big hit, neo retro design was always cool to have.
Great review Dan, and does look a great quality bike. As you say though, in comparison to some others, may be a bit expensive for those who would usually buy a 125 bike. Ride safe.
No idea why you came up on my feed but thought I'd watch as I used to have an RG125 (Suzuki - 2 stroke) many years ago, bought it new when ergonomics wasn't an issue for my nimble body 🤣I bet I wouldn't even be able to sit on it nowadays so these bigger 125s are a world away from what I remember. I moved up through the cc's as we all do but stopped riding 15 years ago after an accident. Lived to tell the tale but decided to stop riding & still miss the enjoyment of bikes. Good review 👍
live in Vietnam and have the 150cc version of this with red frame and black paint. Look stunting and for urban commuting in a SEA country with chaotic traffic it's perfect. Although there r some thing that is not as good as this 125cc version: - 150cc version don't have the SFF-BP Showa, still 41mm but I'll upgrade it later from a 650r fork. - Smaller fuel tank and lower seat height (and ofc it weight less, only abt 125 kg which is pretty much like a dirt bike). 150cc version have the fuel tank capacity of 8.5L and seat height is 803mm. - Not sure about the finishing but the 125cc version looks better, I think it share same identical design of the 300.
I have a Sonic 150R here in Indonesia, basically the same engine, just longer stroke and less revs. Compared to the CB125R it has 1 extra HP, 2 extra NM, both at around 1000-1500 rpm lower than the 125, in the frame of a 110kg moped. Still not fast, but quite fun to zip around traffic with LOL.
Whoever made that gear shift indicator non-optional deserves a right thump. Love a bright white flashing light in my face at night in 6th gear at 65mph
As the owner of the 650, I have to admit that the 125 often looks very similar to the 650. The exhaust design of the 650 and the 125 is very similar (the 300 and the 1000 share their own design). I had the opportunity to park my 650 next to a 125 in the same color at a nearby lake, and it was a perfect match. If I were 16, I would definitely prefer the Honda CB 125 R over other nakeds - performance-wise, it is also said to be at the top of the 125 segment.
Definitely the best engine out of the bunch, quite a bit of torque down low, very flexible and it makes the bike very smooth and nimble. It's also the lightest 125cc between the MT & z125
I absolutely loved my CB125R but I did have an unfortunate accident last year and totalled the bike, i'd get this bike again if I had the money, definitely better to get straight from the factory not second hand though
1:26 hahaha just that one line made me feel like rewatching the Holy Trinity 🤣 Edit: If I had a nickel for every time I commented on your video because you quoted Jezza, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice 😂
Lotus back in the 1960s were good cars but. They used to chew up their doughnuts. They used say you need two of them cars that is one to drice the other for spares. I used to do things for jls lotus racing teams like zf gearboxes etc. They were good in their day.
I think my XSR 125 beats it for looks and price as well, and it's a Yamaha so I'm not worried about reliability. It's my first bike and it looks even better up close than it does on pictures, every so often people approach me to compliment me on my bike, I did not expect that. I was considering the CB125R as an alternative before going for the XSR but I also kinda hate that rectangle shape of the dash on the Honda.
Are they? Well, with Aprilia Sr50 I went to a trip around Poland. It was 20 years ago. With Honda CB125R I went to Gibraltar, then Venice, then crossed the Alps and back to UK. Is that far enough for you? Not only it is possible, its is quite easy in fact. You can go as far as you want on that bike. Courage has nothing to do with the engine size, you know. And those bikes are as reliable as it gets, small engine makes no difference.
We don't have this bike in our region. The closest Neo Cafe bike from Honda we get is the CB 650R, and here's some thoughts; the seat height on this 125 is taller than the 810mm on the 650. While we don't have the CB125R here, we do get the CBR 150R and CB 150X versions, with them also sporting the Showa SFF-BP front forks. What is weird is the rear swingarm. The 150 class of bikes that Honda sells still have the square or box frame bar or the "garden chair" steel swingarm that makes the whole bike look cheap. This 125 has a moulded aluminum swingarm that can make a 650 proud. Like what the hell.
my problem with Honda is as follows: the 125 is good but the 300 is much better in almost every way and not for much more... but then the 500 is better than the 300 in almost every way.. for not much more.
The 125 has a captive audience here in the UK and in Europe. New riders cannot buy the 300 or 500, so it might not make much sense for people who have a full bike license or for countries where these capacity limitations don't exist. Regarding the 300 and 500, I found them a very different riding experience. Thanks!
@@Englishbikerdan Am Canadian and here the major hurdle is getting insurance... I checked insurance on a CB300R and they told me to get my M2 before they would even consider it but since MSF courses both give you a bike to learn on and upon graduation you get your M2, it makes no sense to have a category of learner only bikes.
I really think the honda is the pick of the 125's i went to look at one a couple of years ago and nearly bought one. just as covid was hitting and change dmy mind. I still think i should.
had one as a first bike - loved it! the looks, handling, fuel economy is ridiculous , "power" - as for 15 km was great - awesome to learn to ride while still feel like a proper motorcycle presence on the road :D looks more like 300cc at least.
I own Big Bro, a red 2019 CB1000R........ smoooth inline four with a Yoshimura Alpha can. Open faced just like the old days! Riding position good. Single sided swing arm is sexy. The 125 looks cute. I also have a 2015 Honda VFR800DX V4 with SC Project can.Single sided swing arm is sexy l. :) I was always a Yamaha or Kawasaki guy but I have been liking the fit and finish, dependability of the boring Hondas lol. I got the CB for $11k US and the VFR, which Honda NA slashed the price in almost half in the US,, brand mew for just under $7K USD. I got lucky and saved about $8k between the two. Cheers from Lynden, Washington, USA
There is a lot to be said about these new-era 125s! They are nothing like 125s of old, with big bike feel and all the same technology. It's just motorcycling in a more accessible, safer package! Brilliant review of a brilliant bike!
Most definitely, thanks for watching!
Modern bikes below 200cc are like modern 1 litre turbo petrol cars, small in displacement but still a hoot to drive
Dude you guys don't seem to have ridden the 2 strokes it seems, the modern bikes are quite tame compared to new bikes
@@kankit230 you're talking about 2 stroke bikes infront of English people, who had 2 strokes 100 years before Indians?
@@shahan484 you know not all English bikers are old and familiar with 2strokes and to be fair we used 2 stroke for a longer time as our emission standards became strict later and we still have quite a lot still running on the roads, rd350 is one of them. No need to be butthurt about such things. English have had cricket since inception and still suck,so?
Honda have really nailed it with the styling on the CB naked bikes. I love the classic overall look with the modern touches.
Absolutely agree! Thanks!
i do agree... and they completely fooked up with the new Hornet 750
that said, i absolutely love the (fake) renders based on the 2024 CB1000R patent filings... no retro whatsoever this time but i hope the actual CB1000R ends up looking as close to those renders as possible
@@jaromor8808 the Hornet is a styling mess. What makes it even worse is they've ruined what appears to be a very, very good bike otherwise.
100% agree. I was shopping for the 650 version last year, and was sold on it after seeing the thing up close in person. It's desperately pretty from every angle.
CB's got a significantly different look here in Indonesia, and sadly they didnt move on onto the neo sport cafe one like the rest of the world 🥲 personally i love the modern classic looks of the CB lineup but oh well it is what it is
Hey Dan, I got my A1 driving license about 2 years ago at 16 years old and I decided to get this exact bike. It was and still is a lot of fun even though I'm a lot bigger now. It's obviously one the best 125cc bikes you could get, next to the Duke and XSR. It's nice to see this small bike get recognition as well, I love to see it and great review.
Thanks mate, yeah a cracking little bike! Cheers!
They still go like slugs and there must be a load more power in there but strangled. I had a CB125 and flat out at 60. But I have a full licence and bigger bike but like a lightweight as I am older and weaker now. Can they be unrestricted? They would not be sold elsewhere like that.
Hello everyone thought i would give an update. I’ve upgraded to an A2 license and since exchanged my Honda for an A2, 2023 MT-07. It’s a completely different experience from a speed and torque perspective, however it’s a similar experience in manoeuvrability. I can only recommend both bikes.
@@Englishbikerdan
Did u tried on motorway ?
I have 125f thinking to upgrade to 125r what do u think
This is basically the 300 with the 125 engine, that's why the bike is so good! It was my first bike and what a bike to learn on.
How stable was it? Do you recommend it as a first bike?
Literally just bought the 2024 CB125R today, £3800 one previous owner 1800 miles, I know nothing about bikes just need a reliable commuter but my Dad told me I wouldn’t find a better bike for a better deal! Nervous to start riding it next week!
I would say that’s not bad value. How did you get on?
Got 2022 yamaha xsr125 also for £3.8k with 1 previous owner and 2k miles. 1 thing that turned me down was the top speed of this Honda. I managed to get up to 65 no bother and 70 downhill with 90kg. What do you get on your Honda?
@@IceeBolt you definitely overpaid
I came to motorcycle riding later in life and passed my test 18 months ago. Prior to that I had one of these for a year. I bought it because it felt like a bigger bike and looked 'grown up. 12 months and 4.5k miles later I traded it in for a four year old Street Triple and got only £300 less than I paid for it! A great little bike. Looked fantastic and handled brilliantly.
Honda's seem to hold their value don't they!? Good choice of the Street Triple, what a bike! Thanks!
Currently 6 months into doing exactly what you have said, can't wait to go bigger but this thing is brilliant
I love these little bikes! I got myself a Super Cub to commute, and boy that thing is way more fun than I anticipated.
I need to ride a Super Cub, they look fun!
I have this bike and have been learning on it for a little over a year. I'm really happy with it and think it's awesome. I've changed the levers as there's no span adjustment, but that's a very minor point. I can get 70 out of mine - but only on the flat, and only after a while. Great review Dan.
I had 80 out of mine once following a lorry!
Are we talking miles or kilometres per hour? Thank you, I just ordered one , hopefully end of August will be in the garage
I have a 2018 CB125F I bought locally. I went a 50 mile round trip on it yesterday. I only have had it 1 week and got to say I am loving it! Definitely got to 69.9 mph Ideal starter bikes these series!
Cb125f is 8kw few miles slower then cb125r which is 11kw 15 BHP
I think ur about 70kg rider beceause we have cb125f 2020 and 2015 max speed 57mph downhill 59
Im 110kg and my friend who have 2015 model is 100kg
Great bike - I had one for 12months between my CBT and completing my DAS and sold it on for exactly what I paid for it. Looks great with good road presence - same frame/chassis as the larger 350cc offering. I considered cheaper/older offerings but it was a great buy...and would make a great city bike.
Great to hear Phil. Awesome little bike that would probably do it all if needed. Thanks!
Currently doing exactly the same as what you have said. Love the thing!
CBT???? as in cock and ball torture???
How much did you buy it and sell it for? did you get most of your money back when you decided to sell and upgrade
6 months into owning my CB125R and still love it, definitely a little 125 that I can be really proud of whilst saving up to do my DAS. Great video!!
What is the top speed ?
Can't beat a Honda, I ride a 2004 CBR125R and I have to say it's the best 125 I been on. Hits 70mph with no problems
How much do you weigh? I’m just over 200 pounds and wondering if it will take me highway speeds.
I have a CB 1000 R and for some reason I still want one of these
What goes on in your neck of the world - vehicles parked on verges everywhere! Nice review, youngsters have no idea what we oldies put up with in them thar days, but, my 65 Honda 125 was at least a twin!!!
Haha yeah, my first bike was nowhere near this good! 😂
I just adore 125 to 200 cc segment fuel efficient and pretty decent speed
Listening to that engine rev out brought back memories of both my S90 and my XL200 dual sport - the similar character of the engine note was uncanny! From our original Monkey bike when I was a teenager, through to my vintage 1986 VF500(sold on last year), I have always loved Hondas, and am considering one final fling on one this summer. Possibly a CB300R... Nice work.
Yeah man, do it! CB300 was a great bike and the one I'd go for in the small capaicity lineup. Thanks!
Vf500😍 with the check when you turn the key, great bike, smooth and beautiful to ride🤟
The CB300R is exactly the same bike as this - just with a bigger engine.
At 16, I had a brand new Honda MT50 (50cc 2 stroke). I can't remember the power output, but I think 50mph was about max on a flat road. This 125 definitely would have been a welcome step up.
Watching this a year after selling my 125 to upgrade my car- love my car but damn the cb125r is a great bike. If I had more money I get another one! Defo reccomend if you’re looking at one.
If I live in the UK I would absolutely buy this as city commuter. It looks so nice for a small bike!
Beautiful bike! I rode this bike while getting my A1 license and I must say it was the best 125 I've ridden so far. I bought a Kawasaki Z125 which I had for 2 years, but sadly it broke down on me. I've ridden a few 125s and if I were to get one now I would probably choose between the CB125R or a Grom depending if I wanted a full size bike or if I just wanted to have a small one to mess around with (the Grom is a lot more fun to mess around with). Both of these bikes are really reliable, but the CB125R is more powerful and much more comfortable for going on long rides with. It's also great looking and has one of the better sounds in my opinion. I'm now getting a CBR650R in the end of march so I'm really hyped for that :D
Great video! Keep it up
Just bought a 2023 model , red color.. Can't wait to go and get it
Nice, enjoy your new bike!
Enjoyed this machine as my first bike. I had a 18 reg one. Brought back the memory. Thanks Dan.
And I quite agree with you on the intended biker’s weight. It’s more for the slim rider for sure, from personal experience!! 😂
The 18 Reg one was 11 BHP which is why I bought a Suzuki GSX-S125 instead!
If the Honda 14.x BHP New CB125 had been around 2 years ago I might have bought one but the Suzuki was better then!
Ahem yes, I'm getting a little portly in my older age! Still, I like to see it as a good test for suspension! Thanks mate, ride safe!
I had this bike 4-5 years ago. Great bike for urban commuting. One down side is the position of the battery. I had to lift up the gas tank to change the battery…. Had to take out 20 screws before I could change the battery.
Yes! That is by far the worst design idea in this bike.
I had to change the battery in the middle of trip around Europe and it took me hours to even find out where is battery has been hidden from me.
Really annoying design.
This is a CB150R in Thailand. That extra 25cc makes a lot of difference. I almost bought the 300 but opted for a secondhand 390 Duke, and I'm glad I did. This series of Hondas look very stylish. I prefer the dash this 125 has to my 390's TFT. The XSR125 is a 155 here, and it's the same engine as my Aerox 155 scooter.
It such bullshit that we get 125 instead of 150cc because that'll be enough to go on the dual carriageway decently.
@@alastairpearce8278 True.
@@alastairpearce8278 I'm not sure how does it work in other parts of the world, but in Europe any bike >149cc can go on the highway
That's a big difference, this is a cheaper bike for young teenagers that aren't generally supposed to go thousands of miles away from home
True.I bought Zontes U125.It has 15 HP.It is stunning.It can go 100 kmh all day autobahn.But too noisy.Definetly
If it was Zontea U155 I would buy that.But there are not in my country,only 125cc.
15 HP vs 19 HP is difference you can feel it especially at higher speeds
Nice, 390 Duke is very fun! Ride safe and thanks!
I got one of these. 19 plate. It’s a pretty bike
I live in Thailand and looked at buying this (it comes with a 150cc engine in Thailand) but ended up buying the Honda CB300R that is difficult to distinguish them apart. The CB300R is very underrated in the UK and Europe in my opinion.
In Europe it drops into a grey area. Due to our licensing laws. You have to be a particular age to want to have such a small capacity engine. If you’re above 25 and on a full licence we usually go over 500cc
@@Labgorilla Great info, I was about to ask why the Europe market get the 125cc while in Vietnam, the lowest one is 150cc.
Love the bike, hate the part of getting another License for higher cc
'you Moon Lighting from Mario's channel John??
Very comprehensive review, and this bike is a good looker. Perfect for blasting down the lanes. Thanks for producing the content. Cheers
I have a 2021 cb125f, and considered the 125r, but the £1600 extra for the R model seems a tad excessive for what doesnt appear to be that much better performance & quality, with a far superior MPG of the 125f. you aint going to get earth shattering performance from any 125, so i'm pretty happy with my decision, but thanks for the review, and no-one can be disappointed with either, as honda just know how to build a bike for a target market. GL
I actually started my YT channel on a CB125F, great bike and will do it all! Can't deny the value for money. Ride safe and thanks!
I have a 20 plate model with 13HP and I got 82mph 😂 down hill with a stiff breeze behind me, wicked starter bikes but as you said a bit steep price wise
82!! Damn that's impressive work. You must weigh a lot less than me!!😂
@@Englishbikerdan about 90kg roughly 😂
I had 20 plate and maxed at 68 on flat, you did well 😂
Red line these bikes and get ready for the engines to let go. I’ve had to rebuild 2 top ends when the piston rings let go due to me using the bike on dual carriageways. Glad I’m now on a 650 which cruises at 70 mph.
I hade an mt125, could easily get 80 on a flat, once clocked 88mph with still another 1k of revs.
I've got the cb300r brilliant bike, if I was 17 again this would be top of my 125cc list
I love the 300! Thanks for watching!
Good to see you reviewing bikes again after your message a while back on Instagram. Anyway, cracking bike, looks like a beaut and would be an amazing first bike 👍
Yeah getting back into the swing of things! Thanks for watching!
What a great review. I love the look also. I’ve done my full test but I will be getting this bike for the commute. Also be good to give it my son in a year or two.
I have the CB125F and it’s a great upright commuting bike 😁
@@christga100 cheaper and I believe it’s the same engine
@@christga100 I plan to get a bigger bike come summer time but at the moment it’s a perfect little bike, and when it’s time to sell I’ll not really lose much as they seem to hold their value quite well as they are perfect for young riders doing their CBT and Mod1/2
I have this bike, and I do weigh less (60 kg)... I got it to 137kmh (85mph) (126kmh GPS (78mph)) at which it cuts power; that was on positive wind and flat ground and another time downhill; I've also done some touring on the bike and being 17 the seat is fine. I actually feel the engine and brakes are lacking some power, but that is more of a problem of the bike category (also isn't great having my dad's VFR800 as a reference lol).
Already done 7300km over 9 months and I'm pretty happy with the bike. Great review btw!
Thanks for the extra info, nice to hear from the target audience of thid bike. Sadly I am a bit heavier than you. I'll blame my girlfriends baking haha! Ride safe and thanks for watching!
I wish i could get on Bangladesh!!!
Is it possible to import to Bangladesh???
Hey may I ask how tall are you? I’m 168 cm and I want to know if it’s comfortable for a beginner rider
@@no.3802 I'm 173, and it's quite comfortable for being a 125cc, it is really light, and the seat isn't a torture.
The only issue it has for me is that at higher speeds you want to tuck to get all of what does 11kW can give you. So if you're planing on doing quite a lot of highway you may consider something with more wind protection.
For secondary roads, the posture is great and my butt only started hurting after 6h of riding (the last hour was tucked on the highway...).
Btw, I live in Spain, so terrain doesn't really help the lack of power, if you live somewhere flatter you might feel like the power isn't lacking.
It looks more pretty in real life than in picture and videos, The only problem i have with it is that it’s a 125 and is slow in motorways.
Yeah motorways are not ideal on these smaller bikes. But they are FUN on the smaller roads.
Lovely bike. Wittled down my options to either this or the Zontes G1 - Went for the latter. Looks as good if not better and £1.5k less. Gets my 90kg upto 65mph in decent time.
wow the Zontes G1 looks amazing
8:00 a lot of 125s look bigger than 125s these days; they look like big bikes with the engine swapped out.
I agree its a very nice looking bike. Dont fancy the price though. With that price tag a very lightly used Rebel 500 or maybe a new one if you stretch. Different style of bike though, so might not be a fair comparison.
Still, its nice to see bikes that you can properly push its engine without being uncomfortable.
I see this bike as one of, if not the most premium of the 125 class. Definitely a bike I would have loved to own when I had L plates! Thanks for watching!
I've a TVS Raider 125 here in India with 11.5bhp and 11.3nm torque. I once clocked 121kmph on a free highway which is also the top speed I've ever touched.
That's good going! Must have been exciting!
Honda et monthial good mark iam happy 2023 .paris .france .❤❤❤🎉😮
Honda CB 150R and Honda CB 125R are beast 👿......eagerly waiting for their launch in India
We don't get those here. :(
Thinking this might be the one for my first bike, I love the style qnd Honda is a good brand. Thanks for the video ❤
It certainly goes well enough! Lovely lightweight bike with great looks and the Honda badge. Nice detailed video-Thanks!
Thanks Peter!
What a beautiful little bike! Those English country roads are terrifying! Be safe thanks for the test
Haha, yeah they can be interesting but fun too! Thanks for watching!
In Indonesia we have Honda CB150R, a street fighter design with 150cc single cylinder. I hope Honda bring this in Indonesia, with 150cc motor on it. It's gonna be big hit, neo retro design was always cool to have.
What a neat little bike!
Great review Dan, and does look a great quality bike. As you say though, in comparison to some others, may be a bit expensive for those who would usually buy a 125 bike. Ride safe.
Thanks mate!
i have the 2022 version aswell absolutly love this bike
Nice choice!
Still i love my honda cbf125(stunner)🥰🥰...still giving awesome pickup & 50km/lit mileage
A front LED headlight with black housing 5:28 reminds me of Italjet Buccaneer 250i cafe racer look alike...pretty nice👍
It's more than time manufacturers finally hit that 0.1kw/kg limit in this category. Not sure why they are not going for it
It’s good to see you back Dan, hope you’re well.
Thanks mate, I'm good thanks! Hope all is well with you too!
No idea why you came up on my feed but thought I'd watch as I used to have an RG125 (Suzuki - 2 stroke) many years ago, bought it new when ergonomics wasn't an issue for my nimble body 🤣I bet I wouldn't even be able to sit on it nowadays so these bigger 125s are a world away from what I remember. I moved up through the cc's as we all do but stopped riding 15 years ago after an accident. Lived to tell the tale but decided to stop riding & still miss the enjoyment of bikes. Good review 👍
"Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious" that one had me dead 🤣
I'm 51 and I have one amazing lil bike
Good to hear you're enjoying it! Ride safe!
live in Vietnam and have the 150cc version of this with red frame and black paint. Look stunting and for urban commuting in a SEA country with chaotic traffic it's perfect. Although there r some thing that is not as good as this 125cc version:
- 150cc version don't have the SFF-BP Showa, still 41mm but I'll upgrade it later from a 650r fork.
- Smaller fuel tank and lower seat height (and ofc it weight less, only abt 125 kg which is pretty much like a dirt bike). 150cc version have the fuel tank capacity of 8.5L and seat height is 803mm.
- Not sure about the finishing but the 125cc version looks better, I think it share same identical design of the 300.
Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it!
Me too.
Thanks for watching!
I have a Sonic 150R here in Indonesia, basically the same engine, just longer stroke and less revs. Compared to the CB125R it has 1 extra HP, 2 extra NM, both at around 1000-1500 rpm lower than the 125, in the frame of a 110kg moped. Still not fast, but quite fun to zip around traffic with LOL.
It looks so compact and crisp.
Honda made a beautiful machine in 125 cc
Has to be the best looking of the current 125s.
Whoever made that gear shift indicator non-optional deserves a right thump. Love a bright white flashing light in my face at night in 6th gear at 65mph
Lucky you change it in the menu then!
@@opumfrey7625 On the 2022 CB125R there is no option to turn it off, only to change the RPM in which it comes on, which doesn't matter at 65 in 6th :)
@@BennyHarveyBigMan correct! I’ve left mine as is as still running in.
@@opumfrey7625 Very annoying feature but a nice bike regardless, enjoy :)
Nice bike! Thx for the review =)
As the owner of the 650, I have to admit that the 125 often looks very similar to the 650. The exhaust design of the 650 and the 125 is very similar (the 300 and the 1000 share their own design). I had the opportunity to park my 650 next to a 125 in the same color at a nearby lake, and it was a perfect match. If I were 16, I would definitely prefer the Honda CB 125 R over other nakeds - performance-wise, it is also said to be at the top of the 125 segment.
Definitely the best engine out of the bunch, quite a bit of torque down low, very flexible and it makes the bike very smooth and nimble. It's also the lightest 125cc between the MT & z125
i wish this was the CB150R they release in Indonesia, a ton of times better that the current one
So what competitors are not expensive?
11:02 Awesome squirrel spotting - do and say exactly that myself!
“Not so good, couple a cars been nicked and burnt-out.”
The UK is unfortunately in a bit of a tough place at the moment. 😬
Ah it's not so bad, we're very lucky tbh.
I absolutely loved my CB125R but I did have an unfortunate accident last year and totalled the bike, i'd get this bike again if I had the money, definitely better to get straight from the factory not second hand though
Great video.
I'm thinking of getting one of these.
Also thinking about the Zontes G1 and GK 125s too.
Thanks for watching, I'll check those bikes out!
Lovely bike, be great in town and backroads. Bit pricey but quality. Great video
Great review Dan, my good lady has just put her order in and doing her CBT this Monday 😊
Nice one, I am sure your good lady will enjoy! Many thank and all the best!
In my country the engine is 150cc. Around 15hp. I hope boon siew malaysia brought this into the country
Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious -ahhh that Jeremy Clarkson line! Made me smile
I think I heard it long before Jezza was on the telly.
Nice colour combo
Bike makes 8.6 ft lbs, that's less than an MZ 125 from 40 years ago.
There's a fun fact for you all!
A 125cc is all I need. I have the Honda Grom and it totally meets all my needs.
That's slick. Some really nice 125cc out there at the moment compared to the cbf125 I started on!
Definitely, I had a CG125 back in the day. Dull as dishwater in comparison but actually it was a solid little workhorse too. Thanks!
Nice review of a fun little bike! A lot more power than my wife's Honda Monkey - liquid cooling makes a big difference.
I need to try out a Monkey, they look fun! Thanks for watching!
1:26 hahaha just that one line made me feel like rewatching the Holy Trinity 🤣
Edit: If I had a nickel for every time I commented on your video because you quoted Jezza, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice 😂
Welcome back, Dan. Good to hear your chirpy comments again. Have you tested the 300R yet?
Thank you! Yes I have, did a video on it a little while back. Cheers!
@@Englishbikerdan Thought you did. I'll search it out.
@@mrsilbo6499 Thank you!
Lotus back in the 1960s were good cars but. They used to chew up their doughnuts. They used say you need two of them cars that is one to drice the other for spares.
I used to do things for jls lotus racing teams like zf gearboxes etc. They were good in their day.
It is expensive, you could just get the cb300r or the speed 400 for just a bit more price
I think my XSR 125 beats it for looks and price as well, and it's a Yamaha so I'm not worried about reliability.
It's my first bike and it looks even better up close than it does on pictures, every so often people approach me to compliment me on my bike, I did not expect that.
I was considering the CB125R as an alternative before going for the XSR but I also kinda hate that rectangle shape of the dash on the Honda.
There is a pretty noticeable difference in actual engine power between the Z125/XSR and the CB, in a training course, there was a 15km/h difference in
The Lotus acronym killed me 🤣🤣🤣🤣
That's a really cool bike! We got cb150 here and it doesn't look as good as this cb125...
There's a Thai made 150R as well, you might wanna check that out
We don't get those models in the UK sadly.
in Indonesia they released 150cc version of that retro modern CB150R
Have they taken some styling from husqvarna?
EBD is properly back and on top form! Have you booked the ABR Festival yet Dan?! Told you I’d keep on your tail (in a nice way) 😉😂
Haha thanks Alan. Still not booked! 😂
The problem I have with my 125 is that long journeys are impossible so you’re limited to riding within a 25mile radius comfortably
Wow really? What do you have? I got almost 200 miles out of this little 125!
I did 90 miles to Skegness on mine a few times. Was as comfortable as any bigger bike I've had and kept up with traffic ok.
You can ride one around the world, no problem.
I ride 160 around and go 200miles and more sometimes and hondaa just make great reliable engines and amooth engine
Are they?
Well, with Aprilia Sr50 I went to a trip around Poland. It was 20 years ago.
With Honda CB125R I went to Gibraltar, then Venice, then crossed the Alps and back to UK.
Is that far enough for you?
Not only it is possible, its is quite easy in fact. You can go as far as you want on that bike. Courage has nothing to do with the engine size, you know. And those bikes are as reliable as it gets, small engine makes no difference.
We don't have this bike in our region. The closest Neo Cafe bike from Honda we get is the CB 650R, and here's some thoughts; the seat height on this 125 is taller than the 810mm on the 650.
While we don't have the CB125R here, we do get the CBR 150R and CB 150X versions, with them also sporting the Showa SFF-BP front forks. What is weird is the rear swingarm. The 150 class of bikes that Honda sells still have the square or box frame bar or the "garden chair" steel swingarm that makes the whole bike look cheap. This 125 has a moulded aluminum swingarm that can make a 650 proud. Like what the hell.
my problem with Honda is as follows: the 125 is good but the 300 is much better in almost every way and not for much more... but then the 500 is better than the 300 in almost every way.. for not much more.
The 125 has a captive audience here in the UK and in Europe. New riders cannot buy the 300 or 500, so it might not make much sense for people who have a full bike license or for countries where these capacity limitations don't exist. Regarding the 300 and 500, I found them a very different riding experience. Thanks!
@@Englishbikerdan Am Canadian and here the major hurdle is getting insurance... I checked insurance on a CB300R and they told me to get my M2 before they would even consider it but since MSF courses both give you a bike to learn on and upon graduation you get your M2, it makes no sense to have a category of learner only bikes.
I'm not quite sure why honda is not launchig this bike out here in India. The bike looks amazing and has a good engine for its segment.
I really think the honda is the pick of the 125's i went to look at one a couple of years ago and nearly bought one. just as covid was hitting and change dmy mind. I still think i should.
had one as a first bike - loved it! the looks, handling, fuel economy is ridiculous , "power" - as for 15 km was great - awesome to learn to ride while still feel like a proper motorcycle presence on the road :D looks more like 300cc at least.
I own Big Bro, a red 2019 CB1000R........ smoooth inline four with a Yoshimura Alpha can. Open faced just like the old days! Riding position good. Single sided swing arm is sexy.
The 125 looks cute. I also have a 2015 Honda VFR800DX V4 with SC Project can.Single sided swing arm is sexy l. :)
I was always a Yamaha or Kawasaki guy but I have been liking the fit and finish, dependability of the boring Hondas lol. I
got the CB for $11k US and the VFR, which Honda NA slashed the price in almost half in the US,, brand mew for just under $7K USD. I got lucky and saved about $8k between the two.
Cheers from Lynden, Washington, USA
The CB1000R is amazing, enjoy!
Doesn't Look like a 125CC Bike but man that design is on point.
Looks a nice little bike. 125s can be fun.
Absolutely, thanks for watching!
Wish Honda would make an adventure version of similar style and engine size.
Trail 125 got you on the displacement, just not style.
That would be cool!
@Domenik, if you would like a 125 Adventure Bike, you may wish to look at the Sinnis Terrain. Been getting some good reviews.