Best Beginner Motorcycle 2023 Honda CB125F Yes/No?
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2023
- Best Beginner Motorcycle 2023. In my opinion, the Honda CB125F 2023 model is a very good contender. A great motorcycle to learn on and grow your confidence to pass your Direct Access Full Motorcycle License (DAS)
I've had this bike for 5 months, I've driven it 6,000 kilometers, the average consumption is 1.6 liters. In three days I rode it 1230 km on the way from Slovakia to Italy and back through the Alps and I really enjoyed it more than on a big bike, a great bike for anyone who doesn't need a herd between their legs.
Wow, that’s some going for such a small motorcycle. I bet that was an awesome experience! My Honda CB125F does sometimes see steep hills as a challenge, so I imagine parts of that journey were very challenging!! 👍
@@TheFatBikerDiaries This engine with a high stroke pulls well up hills, you don't need to rev it to the sky, of course there were hills where even the 4 didn't want to step on, but mostly only for short, long and moderate 70-80 km/h, as was the average speed, 70 -90 km/h. I enjoyed nature on this machine and was only minimally tired except for my butt.
Great video! Thanks
I bought this as my first bike, I've only been riding since March this year. I've done just over 6300 kilometres in that time. Yes, the bike can be frustratingly slow on the open road, yet it is so light and easy to ride it almost feels like cheating. I can see myself wanting a bigger bike in the future, but the CB125F is actually an excellent first bike
Thanks for your comment. I agree, it can be challenging on steep hills. The Honda CB125F is a great beginner motorcycle. Enjoy!.
Had mine just over a week, love it its a great little bezzer.......needs storage space though so a rack is next for me, actualy the only gripe i had was with the nylon death rings that honda thought were a good idea to attach us to the roads.......felt good to get rubber on instead
Love your videos, keep them going
Thanks. That’s my aim! 👍
This bike is actually quite fulfilling. I've used it for doing courier deliveries, shopping, commuting, leisure. On the A1, B roads, winding country lanes through the fields and woods with 60mph limits.
I've found it can tackle everything British roads throw at it (although while laden a little bit better suspension might help with potholes and uneven roads). While riding to try and maintain that green efficiency light, stopping as little as necessary the fuel economy is immense even for a 125, 180mpg is attainable (as mentioned in the video). Although I found I started to think of it like my little tractor with the way the engine sounds and how slowly I was pulling away and stopping. So I let efficiency be damned and rode like I was being chased (within the speed limit) and it does actually have a somewhat sporty side to it! It handles being revved hard well, and with fast gear changes it can really pull all the way up to and beyond 40mph where it starts to show it's limitations.
It works well in cities and built up areas, the best moments for me have been open country lanes, and I've even done semi-offroad on mud tracks and loose gravel, it handles that fine too, but again it will show its weakness with the suspension bottoming out when hitting an unseen hole or bump even at slow speed.
If I could have this bike modified any way I like, I would obviously upgrade the suspension, have it a little higher, a little stiffer, less prone to bottoming out. And I would also like the gearing spaced out a bit, since I find the lower gears a bit short. A sixth gear could be neat for that too, I wonder how different the gearbox on the 125r is? People say there's no exchangeable parts between the two but actually they both use the same somewhat unique front sprocket, just with different tooth counts.
I'm planning to try take my Cb125f solo camping in Yorkshire in the not too distant future, and I'm feeling really good about the idea.
Hoping to get a CB125F next week - the day I (hopefully) pass my CBT. There’s a nice one at a dealership local to me and whilst Ninja 125s etc look tempting, I want to keep things as simple as possible as I get started. Thanks for the video - it was helpful to know you enjoy yours so much.
Thanks for your comment. It’s what you think will suit you best. However, the #CB125F is a great bike in my opinion!
A month or so ago I did my CBT on the same make and model. Great bike as you say and good riding position. Enjoyed the days riding I had.
A week later a passed my Theory and yesterday day my 20 min assessment on a 650cc. 4 days training and fingers cross my MODS under my belt sometime in Sept.
Honda ADV 350 has a deposit on it for many reasons but storage is the key. This will be my route to regaining my road craft, old 1980's despatch rider on an L plate and after a few mins the tutor yesterday could see it ;-).
I did think and discuss with my Honda dealer if I should do a year or so on the CB125F, was really tempted, but was talked into waiting to do my test and after yesterdays jolly around the car park on the 650cc, it might be the right choice.
I wish you well and more importantly, safe, in your journeys and future full test.
Thanks for your comment. I had planned on riding my CB125F for a year or so, but it’s left me wanting more. Good luck with your test!!
Looking at getting one tomorrow
Interesting video, thanks
Great choice in my opinion!!
I had many big bikes I just bought a 125 f honda value for money a great buy 👍🏻.
Yes lots to be desired but for the price can't beat it done some long rides on it it did very well only have 2 complaints handled bar and seat
Greetings fellow Notts resident ;)
I Passed my CBT on August 1st and got a bike from new also.
I was looking at the CBF125 Honda and also the YBR125 Yamaha, very similar bikes in appearance and on paper. In the end i ended up going for the XSR125 Yamaha (legacy in black) . For me i preferred that it looked a little more robust (most people who see it, assume its a bigger bike due to the stance and wider tyre tread) happy Riding to you and hope you find a nice larger bike if you end up so inclined
Hi, thanks for your comment.
You’ll probably be familiar with where I ride then.
Good to know you’ve found a motorcycle that you enjoy. It’s about what suits you.
Happy riding!
May I ask, is there a hook device under the seat, with witch one can attach & lock one's helmet onto ? Thankyou.
It's Kevin in Melbourne Australia (again)
I clicked on your video because im interested in getting a 125 for work commuting, I have to pay for parking my car at work, and bikes are free. Not only that, I want the better MPG. so this bike, looks ideal for me. Im almost 40! and starting my journey into bikes, and this little honda looks like the perfect intro for me. thanks for the vid fat biker
Thanks for your comment. I can highly recommend the CB125F if you’re looking for low cost commuting!!
My first moto was a cb125..... a 1973 cb125s. Great memories
That’s good to hear. That’s what it’s all about. Enjoying and making memories. 👍
I did my CBT in July, and shortly afterwards, I purchased the CB125F in black. It was second-hand from a BMW bike dealership. My CBT was on the same bike, so I just wanted something familiar whilst I gained confidence. I've done around 500 miles and absolutely love it. I will hopefully complete DAS next year.
Thanks for your comment. All the best going forward and your test!!
Servus, ich habe ihre Videos angesehen weil sie genau dieses Bike fahren . Ich werde es aus den selben gründen kaufen wie sie . Ich glaube das selbst wenn man später mehr Pferde haben möchte , dieses Bike dennoch einen Platz Garage haben wird .
Preis und Leistung sind unübertroffen.
Einige Content Creator fahren ausschließlich dieses Bike und nicht nur in der Stadt sondern über den ganzen Kontinent !
Interessant zu wissen ist immer wie es sich aus ihrer Sicht Händeln lässt . Die Schaltung , die Sitzposition , fühlen sie sich untermotorisiert und wie lange können sie reiten bevor sie einen Massage brauchen 😉
Nice Music at the end ! Greetings 🖖🏻
I have CB125F and love it done 11,500 miles in 1st year, I was 700 for insurance 1st year and came down to 500 this year
Thanks for your comment. That’s a fair few miles in your first year. I agree, absolutely great first motorcycle for me!!
Hey there. Nottingham 365 days a year rider here. I have had a 2018 Honda CB125F for a few months now and they are fun to ride. I still have my L plates but hopefully before the end of this year I will have my full licence. Its mostly due to the time it took to get an available time slot in Cowlick test centre I have not got my licence by now. Was saying for MONTHS "No tests available" I finally can do a mod1 there Oct 9th! Its simply shocking how Nottingham a big city only officially has one motorcycle examiner who "hurt his hip" Hopefully I get it done before end of the year but I do have a lot of months left on my 2 year CBT I did in July 2023. I paid £155 for the year and that comes with extras paid for too such as legal cover and recovery :)
Hi. Thanks for your comment. I’m hearing the same from a few people. It’s not just bike tests, its car tests too. Good luck going forward.
Best all round motorcycle in the world.
Many experienced rider's, couriers etc etc ride these all year round bikes.
i watch as i like small bikes ive had a full licence for 24 years had big bikes but preferred mid range bikes, im now only interested in MPG and practicality. i now own a 300cc scooter 80+mph and 80 mpg. not ready for a 125cc just yet but i love the mpg of 125s! Dont rush to get a "Big" bike small to medium bikes are so much fun!
Hi Mike. Thanks for your comment. This is an interesting response. Most leaner motorcyclists, including myself are eager to move on to bigger motorcycles. I’m more than happy with my #HondaCB125F, but your point is valid!!
I have the same bike. I’m 58 and I love the freedom that this bike brings. Like you I’m going to be going for my full licence but not until next year as I need the experience on a bike not ever having ridden before. Let us know how your preparation for the mod 1 is going. Are you doing any practice? Have you had any lessons on a bigger bike yet?
Thanks for your comment. Like you, I like the feeling of freedom that riding offers. I’m not doing any specific preparation other than watching videos, riding out and trying to perfect best practice. One of my issues is that I’m left handed and I naturally want to put down my right leg when stopped. My first lesson is in 2 weeks time! I’m pleased I chose this bike. I think the Honda CB125F is a great beginner motorcycle.
I luv my cb125f, I’m a 40 year old beginner and it is so forgiving and easy to learn on
Thanks for your comment. It seems that all CB125F owners are happy with their purchase and agree that it is a great motorcycle for beginners!
just got a cbf good infomation about the bike thanks
Thanks for your comment. Enjoy your new venture!!
Quite an informative video! This particular bike is immensely popular in India, and is sold here as the Honda SP 125. Great for daily commutes in traffic and the mileage is pretty good too! I've got one in matte blue and use it for my college commute. Great video! Cheers!
Thanks for your comment. Interesting that it’s sold under a different model name. Great for daily commuters!!
The title made me watch as have same bike I've had bikes before but got to say this cb125f is the best value by far got mine brand new in November 2021 and same colour white I would recommend this bike to anyone for beginners or commuting. Great video enjoyed watching one thing I can mention is not Shure about the tyres how do you find them?? I considered changing them to a better brand name cheers enjoy regards bill👍👍
Thanks for your comment. I’m assuming you’ll have the same tyres as myself. I’ve not had any issues. That’s the second comment to mention tyres, interesting.
I've not had any issues with tyres either yet but only near 700 miles lol
I brought this after my CBT. It is a great beginner bike, but as it's a 125 it obviously struggles at higher speed snd suffers in the wind, which for longer journeys can be a deal breaker.
Am considering buying this particular bike and im a complete beginner to riding motorbikes in general. Need to test ride it and see how it is for me, great video review.
Thanks for your comment. Although we all have different requirements, the majority of comments agree that the Honda CB125F is a great beginner motorcycle.
Nice little video the quality of the GoPro is brilliant what model is it? Cheers
Thanks for your comment. I still use 2 Hero 4’s. They’ve never let me down in all the years I’ve had them, so never had a reason to replace them.
I've been driving a car for 20years + and want to try a bike going to book cdt soon hopefully.
Do it! It’s great fun. Although I’d now wait for the better weather!
Just started on the same journey as yourself and on the same bike. I’m a 54 year old male and enjoying the freedom out on the bike. I plan to get the full A licence as soon as I can but picking up the experience along the way on the CB127F.
Thanks for your comment. Here's to an enjoyable journey. The Honda CB125F is ideal for it in my opinion.
Am currently debating whether or not to get a 125, am 48 and plan to do the A test then get a cb500x so would getting a 125 be worthwhile 🤔
@@robevans8555 Thanks for your comment. If you’re a learner, my advice would be get a 125cc to learn on and grow your confidence. Honda CB125F is a great beginner motorcycle. The comments speak for themselves!
@robevans8555 Thanks for your comment. I thought I’d already replied to you, but I’m unable to see my reply. Apologies if this is duplicated.
My advice would be to learn on a 125cc beginner motorcycle to grown your confidence and perfect best practices. That will give you a better chance of passing your direct access. It’s evident from the comments that the Honda CB125F is a great beginner motorcycle!
@@robevans8555It's your call really. You can get a 125 for experience to ride around on a bike that's light and inexpensive to bash, drop etc and you could keep it for a year and have 1 yrs no claims to reduce price of insurance for your CB500. It's your choice, but either way should bring you a lot of fun times ahead.
Hey FBD, clicked as wanted to see your progress. 53 here, CBT with same 125F in July. Love it but I'm 6ft and in the headwinds I'm like a barn door. Had to get myself mirror extenders to see properly lol. Will do my full test after the winter with more experience. Looking at the 500X myself. I could not justify spending 1500 more for the 125R for a learning bike. Sure if you're returning to riding that may be better but not for us guys on a 1st ride.
Ps got myself a Qbag tail bag 5. Fits my laptop and lunch with room to spare with one of the sides extended. Using a drybag inside it so I don't have to remove it unless i need under the seat. Great for the odd shop too
Good luck on the test!
Thanks for your comment. I can relate to needing mirror extenders!! You don’t get the best view with the standard mirrors. Happy riding and good luck going forward!!
Which mirror extenders did you get?
@@TheMotovloggingJeweller Unfortunately, the ones I ordered didn’t fit, even though I ordered the correct ones. I will find the like to try and prevent you having the same issue.
@@TheMotovloggingJeweller These did not fit!
Motorcycle Mirror... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HBPWX3Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
@@TheMotovloggingJeweller Oxford mirror extenders. Increases height by 50mm and out by 40mm. You have to use ALL of your existing parts in the motors too. I think that's why there can be so many bad reviews left by people buying all extenders not fully knowing this. They serve the purpose and are good for me.
I passed my CBT 3 weeks ago, picking up my CB125f up this coming Friday, a little nervous only been on a bike for 2hours and have to ride it 40miles home,
Thanks for your comment. You’ll be fine!! Think about best practices that your instructor taught you!
I’m a beginner (auto licence driver only) my CB125F arrive this friday. Never seat on motocycle before that. I answer to this question soon 😅
Good luck!!
I've got the lexmoto assault 125cc and you're right, they lose their value so much, it's only a month old and I've lost over half its value, anyway I'm getting a Honda cb500f in the next month or so, so that shouldn't lose as much value when I ride it off the forecourt. Good luck with your test 👍
Thanks for your comment. Wow, I wouldn't expect anything to lose that much value in such a short space of time. The Honda CB500F is a great choice. I have been researching those myself. Thanks!! 👍
Anything chinese will lose money alot more than honda, yamaha 125s.
Wow insurance for a 125 is expensive😮 maybe you are fully covered/comprehensive? That would make sense, in my Country its about €100 road license and Insurance. Good point regarding the Brand when it comes to holding its Value, although other Chinese brands can prove to be equally reliable and cheaper many people when they go to buy something secondhand the first thing they notice is the brand Name and almost everyone knows the big 4 from Japan😅. Another contender to the bike could be the yamaha ybr125, personally I prefer this Honda.
I’m torn between the Honda cb125f and the Kawasaki z125 (17inch wheel version), the tyres on the Honda along with the seat height as I’ve short legs are making the decision hard as I use to ride only Honda cm125c in the past
Thanks for your comment. I do like the look of the Kawasaki Z125!!
I have same bike love it and currently getting 179.5 mpg runs on fresh air one thing I am not sure about is the tyres CST brand they don't fill me with confidence so I take it easy otherwise the bike is fantastic 👍👍
Thanks for your comment. The fuel economy is unreal! I can’t remember what tyres are on mine, but they seem fine!
Change the tyres to michelin City grips
Gotta say, the CBs are lovely bikes, even if I am a bit hunched over on them thanks to beign 6"1. Did a training day with Honda over the summer and it was on a white 23 reg CB125F. Got to say it wasn't the greatest personally and I've now gone and bought a GSX-S 125 which is great fun!
Thanks for your comment. I’m sure there will never be a motorcycle that fits all, regardless of engine size. Although the previous comments clearly show that most people are more than happy with their #HondaCB125F, the GSX has been mentioned a few times!!
@@TheFatBikerDiaries They are great little bikes and I get the feeling I am going to be on a CBF this Sunday to take my CBT.
@@boosted1230 Good luck with your #CBT. I hope it goes to plan!! Fingers crossed for good weather!!
Best beginner bike imo is the most expensive 125 you can afford.
In my case it's been the Yamaha XSR 125 in black.
You learn the trade while riding in style.
I've had other bikers compliment the looks of the bike at traffic lights, people coming up to me while I gear up to tell me they've seen it parked and they got jealous etc.
People are used to seeing bikes on the road, they don't pay attention but at every traffic stop they pay attention to the XSR because it just stands out.
Also resale value is important so if you have the cash for a quality 125 you'll get to enjoy it's performance and quality and get a good amount of that back when you sell it, it's a smart investment.
Thanks for your comment. It’s great to read that you’re riding a bike that you’re happy with. There will never be a one size fits all. Happy biking!
Like you say it depends what you want, I am riding on a CBT since April 2022 and have clocked up 15000 miles in that time. The performance improves provided that you use good synthetic oil after 10,000 miles when the engine has losened up substantially. It is very sluggish over 50 mph unless there is a tail wind and can struggle over 40 in a strong headwind or steepish hill on an A road. I am quite heavy and 6 foot 2. Unlike earlier Honda motorcycles the top end of the rev range seems to be about 7500 ish as opposed to 10000 with the CB 125 R. I would have liked to have tried the CB 125R as a comparison as to whether it manages trunk roads better. That said at 130 to 150 mpg it is difficult to beat and there must be limitations as to power output with such low fuel consumption. All larger bikes and the CB 125R have higher fuel consumption. I have carried camping gear, which didn't significantly affect performance or handling for that matter. One criticism I have is that the forks bottom out way too easily, especially going down a steep hill and hitting an undulation in the road whilst braking. In other markets the bike comes with a fully enclosed chain, which may be better on the dirty roads here in Cumbria, I got about 13000 miles out of the old chain and sprockets. Other than that it is difficult to find fault.
Thanks for your comment. I don’t cover anywhere near that mileage. I agree with you about it being a bit of a challenge when facing strong wind!. I see you mentioned carrying camping gear. What do you use for transporting your gear?
Drove the CBR and the CBF back to back. before 80-85 kph/ 50mph the CBR doesn´t bring their Horsepower and it struggles more with headwind than the CBF. The only nice thing is the ABS but anything else even the more Horsepower is not really worth it, But you are absolutly rigt the CBF tops out around 7500-8000 rpm but good run in it´s also at real 100-105 kph aka 62-65 mph and the CBR isn´t much faster with around real 115-120 kph / 72-75 mph. You with for sure more weight than me would be even more disapointed by the CBR than the CBF
@@mariokuppers5686 Thanks for your reply, I wondered whether the CBR was really that much better than the CBF, interesting that the CBR doesn't do so well in a headwind. The thing I like about the CBF is that it is based on a more traditional platform, air cooled and it is really a CG 125 with an overhead camshaft so has some history of reliability. The price difference is also a big consideration of course. My CBF cost £3000 whereas at the time the CBR was almost half as much again!
@@TheFatBikerDiaries I have a small top box (shad) for some security but the main luggage carrying thing is a pack on the back seat. I tried a Lomo 40 L but found I also needed to put on a Lomo 20 L for the capacity. Since then I got a 70 litre pack SW Motech but wonder whether the 60 litre Lomo Holdall would ahve been better and cheaper. The only issue I find is getting on and off in the sense that you have to lift your leg quite high over the pack. On a day to day basis the 20 or 40 L Lomo works well for carrying extra stuff and when using only one I don't find getting on and off an issue.
The main reason why the cb125f won't rev high like the cb125r is because the cb125f is air cooled and a single cam. The cb125r is twin cam and liquid cooled. Liquid cooled has better performance.
One excellent bike for everyone😊
The majority of us agree that the #HondaCB125F is a great motorcycle for beginner riders!
👍👌👌👌
My first 125 was a Suzuki gs125 in about 2003, ive had a few other 125s since and none of them were anything like as good in many ways. A knackered kawazaki that cut out randomly and a pretty awful chinese 800 quid new direct bikes thunderbird. Recently decided to do the full licence and in the meantime I want something like my old Suzuki and these seem to be ideal. 2nd hand about 2 grand. Thanks good vid! 🙂👍was watching because im after buying one of these.
Thanks for your comment. The Honda CB125F and The Suzuki GS125 look quite similar. In my experience, all owners give a good review of the Honda CB125F. Good luck going forward with your test!!
I liked the name of your channel and then liked you .
Thanks for your short but sweet comment. I hope I’m not going to end up on your channel for doing 32 in a 30 limit!!
@TheFatBikerDiaries 🤣🤣🤣 That's funny. I do forget I am signed in under my channel. I started riding in April this year, got through my first season and loving it. It was sunny here in Ireland today so I just had to get out 😉
@@irishcoffeetruecrime Feel free to DM me your other channel. I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am. You’re lucky to have had good weather today. Be good to see your bike etc! So I take it I’m not going to end up in cuffs on your channel! 😁
@TheFatBikerDiaries I don't have a bike channel yet but I'll let you know when I do. I'm just gathering footage at the moment. You should definitely post more often if you can. Your content is good and helpful.
No, no cuffs for you 🤣🤣🤣
@@irishcoffeetruecrime I sent you an email.
Love mine just done a 214 mile trip to temby and a round wales on mine 1.000 miles in 2 weeks didn't miss a beat and im 18st its not slow when you turn the eco mode off 😂
Thanks for your comment. That sounds fun. Eco mode?
@@TheFatBikerDiaries yea the daft green light on the dash it can be turned off thats eco mode
I’m aware of the light. However, is that not there primarily to notify you when to change gear. It doesn’t have any impact on performance?
The eco mode is a light that tells you when you are getting the best mpg isn’t it? Does not affect the performance?
@@TheFatBikerDiaries no it's not a gear change light. You can switch it off via the settings if it annoys. It may be distracting in winter/night riding.
Would you consider traveling with this motorcycle to Türkiye ? 😊
Although it would probably make it without any problems. I wouldn’t chance it.
Any more videos planned?
Yes. I’ve been very busy with work. When I’ve had free time, the weather has been appalling! Watch this space!!
Thankyou for your video, and thankyou for all the effort you have made this vid educational.
I'm a 77 yo chap, living in Melbourne, down under in the big brown bastard country. I have just paid deposit for this same m/cycle. Am a keen cyclist too, ride every day, to keep my 'hinges' moving. Own a Suzuki car. Price of petrol here is wicked, car gets very little use now days.
I want something to get me out & about, shopping mall, doctors and etc.
So, I watched your video to learn, and thankyou for doing just that. I still remember Miles and Gallons from way back.
This weenie m/cycle would be happy at about 80 kms/hr. ( around 50 mph)
Is that correct ?
It appears to be a stable machine and it's a Honda !
Reliable machinery.
It gets hot here in Summer, bloody hot. The air cooled engine should be able to cope hopefully.
Again thanks mate, you take care of yourself.
A fair dinkum, bonza well put together informative video.
Thanks so much for your positive comment. It’s always good to know when someone has benefited from watching my videos. Good luck on your new venture!!!
@@TheFatBikerDiaries
Would hope indeed, that others have also appreciated your video, in the knowledge that so much effort has been made by your good self Sir.
Can I ask who your insurance is with
I’m insured with AA.
insurance is a joke for me, im in my 40's with well over 9+ years NCB in cars, just passed my cbt and insurance quotes are like 800 quid, i'm not even near london
Super cheap bike for transport.
Isn’t it just! I didn’t realise #125ccmotorcycles used so little fuel.
@@TheFatBikerDiaries The merits of Honda esp engine range.