Honda CBR 125 R Review

[@davidbarth80]

Just bought a 2008 CBR 125 R! Love the bike. Easy to handle and does the job to get to work and back. Low running cost and nice look.

[@Frejborg]

Just bought my CBR125R lastnight! Decided on it because it is relatively new 2008, low kms, in good shape, has fuel injection, has a good resale value, will be economical for a new rider on a small budget, and it's a sports bike! If I wanted to go 250 or bigger, then I would have had to save more money and possibly end up having to wait until next spring to buy a bike, and I didn't want to miss another summer! A lot of the 250s and 500s in the similar price ranges (a little higher) were much older from the 80s or early 90s typically, and that means a chance for more problems or replacement parts.. as well as having carbs to deal with. So, to me those are very sound reasons to go ahead and get this bike. I still need to go transfer the ownership and get insurance (hopefully tomorrow!) but I've taken it to a lot lastnight and tonight to learn on (my very first motorcycle experience), and I had a blast! Loving it. The bike looks beautiful to me, and I can't wait to get on the open road! And I'll continue to save money and then sell this bike and get a bigger bike in a year or two. Sounds perfect. I'm in no rush, and this thing is very light, forgiving and easy to learn on. Although the throttle is very snatchy in first gear. Even so it's still very easy, I'm already rocking figure 8s and tight radius slow turns, etc. Besides I like light. Light is right. I'm used to riding bicycles my whole life, I love bicycles, so to me having any motorcycle is a huge step up and I'm very stoked about it. As long as I'm on two wheels, I'm having a good time.

[@nikolatesla2962]

Frejborg this was the biggest coment i ever seen in my life

[@MsJoeyJody]

Agreed with all of this! I recently got a CBR125 from 2015 as my first bike, and I couldn’t be happier. So easy to ride and it’s a beauty!!!

[@desimaylisa2921]

2008 is fuel injected, are you seriuous?

[@Frejborg]

@@nikolatesla2962 Haha

[@chompette_]

if you look through youtube at 125's on top speed runs, the cheap and lower powered cbr's can usually go faster than the yamaha and aprilia 125's. I might be wrong on that, but it might be to do with the thinness of the bike, less frontal area = less drag. Also, does the skinny cbr feel better than a bigger or wider bike when you're filtering through traffic?

[@irakli1610]

Is it worth to buy old one? 2006/07? There are lots of them for sale for under 2k, but bit scared that it'll have lots of problems... ?

[@ashhiggs2439]

I know this is old now but it's great to have something thorough to watch especially for people like me looking to buy one! Keep it up

[@TheCrazymook]

The lights are good, they light up the road just fine. The recommended tyres for this bike are Continental conti-go's and they are really good in the dry and wet the only limitation of the tyres are how thin they are, the grip gets a bit iffy once you start leaning over.

[@TheCrazymook]

You can and I've seen it done, just remember than the speed will suffer because wider tyres will have more resistance. Plus I dont know how wide you can go before having to modify the swing arm.

[@echelon3822]

Been after a rear seat cover, like your blue one.....where did you get it from?

[@jacobedwards4233]

your power to torque is at a steep incline from 2000 to 8000 that's were your getting the majority of your power once you get past 8000 it'll start to even out but you'll still get power past 8000

[@TheCrazymook]

Every internal combustion engine has a 'power band' weather its in a car, bike or plane. Its just the two points on the rev range where the torque peaks, like on the CBR its between 6k and 8k rpm

[@huskychap3552]

I started out biking life on a CBF125... the lightness and narrowness of the back tyre scared me. The newer CBR125s have a much wider back tyre and altogether more aerodynamic design than this 2007 model. When I upgraded to the CBR125, that's when I really started to enjoy biking. They are a great learner bike, better than anything else on the market, particularly if you fancy following the sportsbike route... plus they hold their value really well for when you pass your test and want something with more mid-range oomph.

[@paulloft5191]

your mates suzuki is classed as a naked bike, were it basicly a sportbike but with less fairings and a comfier seat/ride

[@garymartin2838]

Great review thank you. I'm looking at one of these this afternoon on a 56 plate. Really looking forward to getting on one. I'm 42 and just gone through my CBT so I'm after a bike to get used to riding before I go for my big boy test. I didn't realise they had a manual choke. Were they not injection after 06? Cheers again Regards Gary

[@TheCrazymook]

You can only ride up to 125cc mate until you pass your test, you could always get a 2 stroke 125 since they have the power of a 250 but I dont know if theres a power restriction on a CBT.

[@DafBnTs]

Hey Mook, I wondered if you also have ridden an other 125cc bike. I bought a Honda Varadero XL125 two months ago and I am planning to change to a Honda CBR125R. Whats your opinion about that?

[@swimmerthon]

i dont know what the lingo may be for the power band thing you tried to explain but it just means the bikes power is mid range, u heard of top end power? the bike has allot of mid range power.

[@TheCrazymook]

It stands for learner, you have to put those signs on the front and back when your on a learners permit and you cant ride more than 125cc. They can come off as soon as you do another test allowing you to ride bigger than 125cc.

[@Jk42020]

I keep my rain cover under my pillion seat fits perfect when you roll it up

[@westnerrs2084]

Jan Koper I keep a puncture repair kit and my locks me disc lock alarms 🚨 seems more practical

[@krimbbk]

Good review,thats in Lancing hehe only like 10 mins from where i live,i thinking about getting one what sort of price would you say they go for with 8-10k miles?. cheers

[@thebigdille]

What you are referring to is peak horsepower/torque at the 6k-8k RPM power band.

[@ryanm.191]

Hey, I have a question, I've seen a lot of 125s and they seem kind of... Small. Like, not full sized. I know it's because it's a 125 and not 600, but is this bike like that?

[@zozedo_yt]

i think im a bit late, but yeah, they are small

[@MartyMcFly-dz1lc]

hey, I am having problems with me headlights...only one was working dipped. I tried changing the bulb buts its shorted it and blown starter fuse real bad. Whats the deal with the headlights? Are they supposed to both work on dip?

[@adamsmiffy666]

Had 94mph out of my 07 repsol, sat at 80 all day (on flat road with no wind of course) was sad when I had to sell it :(

[@ARooOnALoo]

Hey mate, just a quick question. When you say the top end is 60-70 at about 10:15 in the video, that's in mph, right? Seems way too low to be kph. Also, do you find that because the bike is really light, wind is a big issue, especially on highways?

[@Roadghost88]

Any vibration through the handle bars at 60-70mph? Any buzz that makes your fingers itchy? Was thinking of getting one as a commuter bike to save fuel. Not too worried about passing power.

[@EmmanuelGaletakis]

Very nice video and very nice bike too!! Is it an audi r8 in 10:48?

[@TerryCMusic]

dude is this brook lands in sompting i live in that area how strange

[@fastbikes14]

Where were you driving, was that Exeter, Devon?

[@Spraaaaay]

For some reason my cbr doesn't want to go into neutral when the engine is running. If I turn the engine off, switch the ignition back on and then try, it slots in straight away, but it won't go into neutral when the enigne is running and its already in a gear. Anyone else have a similar issue?

[@stevetownsend9218]

The reason for me choosing a CBF is that all the people i have spoken to say its a good learners bike. You dont have the power that a proper bike has to get you out of a situation but you are not slumped over the bike and more upright to see what is happening on the road and have to use all the gears thus learning how to ride a bike. Also i am moving out of central London (25 miles out) and it is a cheaper option than using trains or car.

[@a2eHavoc]

Ive got the 07 model and defifnately know what you mean about all the power being over 6k rmp. Its actually a pretty forgiving bike. I can rev the nuts off it and hit 35 in 2nd pretty quick if i need to. One thing though. Does you temp dial ever move on the 'C' or is it mine is just knackered?

[@118118archie]

can you put a wider back tyre on the bike as i bought one earlier today and i don't like the look of it,

[@Jstroman221]

What is with the giant L? is it because you are learning or like a permit just curious. Like the color scheme couldn't ride a 125 being from the states but you gotta start somewhere. I have a standard GSXR600 if you come state side lets ride! I know you can't wait to upgrade.

[@DeadlyCobra16]

Great video crazymook, this video has made my mind up on what 125 ill be getting this year. what sort of price do you reckon i could buy a good condition cbr that is a 2007 or 2008 model? just curious as i have to save up a sum of money for one.

[@KT-nl7rp]

Shouldn't the value go up if you get an after market exhaust? I mean, when I bought my bike I only wanted one with a decent exhaust or slip on

[@TheCrazymook]

Sweet yeah I've still got it, are you around for the brighton burn up?

[@cheezgrated]

The CBR125R is super light and nimble though. It's a breeze to ride in the city. What do you ride instead?

[@mittens959]

What your trying to explain is called a "power band" your explanation was very good of it as well. hope this helps you.

[@Joooliuss]

You say its struggles uphill but how much can you get 50mph out of it up a fairly step hill?

[@бумер-м8л]

In the UK, if you have no license at all can you start and practise with a 125cc Motorbike? I'm thinking of buying this bike in the review and will as long as I can start off with this.

[@mohammadatif1699]

For anyone that has this bike if I am a 17 year old 6 foot 3 guy would u say this bike would make me look funny if I was to sit on one

[@skateboarding2009max]

Were did you get the seat cover for the pillion passenger please mate?

[@TheCrazymook]

Yeah thats in mph mate and the wind is quite a big issue if its a head wind you find you get blown about a lot but I've gotten used to it now and its not too bad.

[@desktopevil]

Would you still recommend this bike today? if not what would be in your opinion the best 125 for the money nowadays?

[@woll757]

im 194 cm or 6"3 ...will this bike be too small for me? (my dad says that sports bikes are better for smaller people) so which bike 125cc would suit me? great review, and thanks for any troubles.

[@bobbybrown614]

any idea how to replace the dash lights? the one on my speedometer is out.

[@stevetownsend9218]

Hi, Im new on here and been watching a lot of vlogs, Im going to be doing my CBT in couple of weeks with a view to get a CBF, whats your thoughts on that model?

[@AquaStun]

Hi, when you got it from the dealer did you get any free things or a cheaper price?

[@janejane3376]

May I ask where this video was taken

[@1604ERLEND]

I just bought a CBR 125r 2006 mod 2 days ago, it is the first 125cc bike i ever have driven, before i just drove around in a honda mt5 (moped) that only started when ever it wanted... and the power difference is huge! at the time i can't think of anything wrong with it because i'm too happy :) only thing is that the front lights are enormous i think :P when u said "waspy" i was like "omg thats just what i said too when i got it!" anyway, great reveiw! Sorry for life story! (great reveiw) :)

[@fudu1000000000]

thinking about this bike as my first bike. how is this on the Highway? and going up hill? Thanks

[@rsattahip]

What's the big L under the license plate for? Thank you.

[@TheCrazymook]

I reckon I'm about 5ft 10-11ish and the bike isn't too small for me but it feels like its getting that way, so I don't know how much difference an inch or 2 will make. As for your weight I dont think it'll make that much difference since my mate weighs slightly more and doesn't have trouble keeping up with me.

[@caroljean222]

I am thinking of getting one just like this.. I am a beginner lady rider, 55kgs and 160 tall with a small frame.. do you think this would be a good beginner bike? Thanks for the vid!

[@xBlackMidnightx]

Other people have asked this, but I recently just passed my test, and may get this bike for a first bike. Would you recommend it? (quite scared that i'd crash it too :( )

[@PopkosCZ]

Is that bike really 2007? I thought the Repsol CBR 125 are made just at 2005 and the new ones 2012..

[@MrFinRaZeR]

is it harder to use clutch or throttle on this kinda bikes then enduros and supermotos? because i'm gonna buy a CBR for spring

[@xXMidget1996RulezXx]

What are the lights like at night and how are the tires in the wet?

[@FrontSideBus]

The engine on mine blew up at 19,000 miles. That was with oil changes and oil strainer cleaning every couple of thousand miles. :(

[@jakefarronmerlin7963]

thats unlucky i know several people who well maintained their old shape cbrs and they are on 80,000-100,000 miles.

[@frankieobrien3264]

Do you ever experience false neutrals on this bike?

[@TheCrazymook]

Not that I remember mate, Ive been through two bikes since owning this CBR so wouldn't want to say for definite =)

[@richardhorne1673]

Frankie O'Brien Yeah i get that occasionally, when im going between gears and dont fully pull the clutch in they seem to have intermittent stages where it seems to be in neutral

[@FoxySpeaking]

So im 20, im looking for a first bike too and from work, im looking a lot at this one and really contemplating it. how much do they go for? or a second hand one? Also i only have a Provisional, what else do i need to get to be able to ride one of these if i do purchase it? just CBT and L plates? Also would you recommend this bike for a first bike, and also would it cope with 20 miles a day? I travel 10 miles too work, and 10 miles back from work. The 10 miles too work has maybe 5 steep hills..

[@DunkoPlays]

What you're trying to explain is called gears lol, every bike / car has them, the longer you leave it in a lower gear, the faster it goes (high revs = fast), these bikes don't have a power band, I've got a Cagiva Mito, trust me what you're feeling it nothing haha, first time I floored it in second I hit 45 in meer seconds, but it's de-restricted so it produces 33bhp, looking into getting a CBR but i'm 6ft and weigh about 15 stone, would you recommend it for someone my build / height? Cheers

[@CM-ci2fy]

Hey, I'm looking into getting my first bike. I'm 6ft5" though do you think that would be an issue?

[@davidsafl]

im thinking of getting one but where your saying it is so thin is kinda turning me off im 6ft 1 would it be any good ? want to get a good learner bike when i hit 17

[@jjpaq]

I just sat on one today, I'm 5' 2". I had trouble wheeling it backwards without getting off, but I could keep it upright safely. Riding was no problem, of course. Hope this helps!

[@hezzab92]

hows the seat height? i'm 5ft 1 and am thinking of getting one, not sure how much of a stretch it will be!

[@benharristhebest]

good first bike ?? any good to learn on ?? and how much should I be paying for a good one ??

[@Petr0lHead23]

you need to change the angle of the camera when your riding bud, looking at the floor is abit crap

[@DrummerMabbz]

Are you riding round shoreham?

[@TheCrazymook]

Hey Gary, hope the viewing goes well. They switched to EFI in '08 so all the

[@XxthewelshyboyxX]

Hey is a cbr good for racing, i know a yam or aprilia would be a bit better but i really like these ones

[@sobekflakmonkey]

I'm 6' 0" so I'm curious, is your height an issue at all, does it feel awkward? because I know it's not exactly a very large bike.

[@KristersMikelsons]

Hey what year is this because i have sen with same headlights 2010 orange And white?

[@twisted-pear]

Hi, I'm 5' 5", is this bike quite high or not? Looking to get one soon but don't know if its too high for me? Cheers

[@KaylemsVlog]

Basically he means within 6-8000 rmp is where your going to get the most power out of the bike

[@darko.ristanovic]

Hey mate, would you still recommend this bike? I'm thinking about buying one soon. You have any other suggestions in this range?

[@atakalin4935]

Darko Ristanovic did you get yours? Im maybe getting one next spring

[@matko8038]

Ata Kalin save up for a yamaha r125, trust me its worth it

[@bowhunter6431]

The Yamaha is discontinued too expensive for what you get CBR is a great little bike

[@бумер-м8л]

I'm 18, to get my provisional can I practise with a 125cc and then do my full test with the 125 too? Or is the limit for provisional [cc] lower?

[@juutuubnoob]

What kind of driving jacket you have?

[@TheCrazymook]

Well I'm about 5"11 and although the CBR is not too small for me, it feels like its getting that way, most 125 sport bikes aren't a noticable amount taller either, apart from the Yamaha R125 which if money was no object I'd recommend to you.

[@airsoft984]

weel i have the same bike repsol but 2005 had i get me bike 0 to 50 in third gear but same as you said i change my gears about 7000 revs and i have got no modifyd on it what so ever yes the tyes are really skiney but i was tryin to see if i can get fat wheels for it but please write back or email me or face book would be good to do a ride with you thanks

[@TheStunter10]

i was thinking of buying this how bad is it getting up hills ?

[@WorldLogic]

What height would you recommend for this bike mate?

[@Xtro69]

I was thinking 'waspy' before you said it. Nailed it.

[@FatGanj420]

Good review dude, it's the powerband, like the acceleration g spot :P

[@TheCrazymook]

I was a learner, you have to do a CBT which allows you to ride up to a 125cc and you must display front & rear L plates :) I've just sold the R6 which I'm gutted about, its either a CBR 600 or ZX6 next :D

[@IsmonHimoPKOwnage]

@MrMattFinch lol so my KTM exc 125 is like triple power of a 600?

[@mlatto2401]

what about the opposite? I'm 6ft 6 will I fit?

[@EmmanuelGaletakis]

Ok!! I think of buying this bike what's your opinion?

[@jordanturner3068]

hey im 17 about to take my cbt in a few weeks and just wondering would this bike be suitable for me as a first bike? thanks

[@TheCrazymook]

Hey mate, yeah the CBR has to be one of the best all round 125's on the market. The 2008 model changed from carbs to EFI so they'd probably be more expensive but you could get a 05-07 for no more than £1500 in really good nick. Cheers.

[@thomastucker9174]

My acceleration kicks in the most at about 5k revs and ends at about 9-10k revs and i find bending down keeping the wind resistance away you gain 5/10 maybe even 15mph top end,

[@thanhawl]

what about me im 160 tall and I want to get this bike im not sure if im too shot for this? :(

[@ismaileyaqub6335]

hey, passed my (car) driving test but now want to ride a bike - would you recommend this for a learner after they've done their cbt? how much would a decent used one be, on autotrader for example? i'm looking for bikes and i don't want to spend too much on a 125, as i'm pretty sure ill move up to a 250 or 300 once i pass the motorcycle tests. cheers.

[@TheCrazymook]

+Ismaile Yaqub Yeah the Honda would be a great bike to learn on, depending on year, milages and condition they go from £1000-£2000ish, I wouldnt pay any more than £1.5k for one personally =)

[@sand0decker]

Wow, they are expensive in the EU (and Britain too, I guess). Might be worth it to buy a Canadian one and ship it over. You may have to flip the sides the high and low beams are on. Never heard of a light blowing out on this bike. Confusingly, my Canadian one does not have a choke... I have no idea why.

[@NeRdWxA]

How bad up hills? i had afew in my area.

[@ReviewUltimate1]

How tall are you?I am 6ft1(186) and I m scared it might be too small for me.

[@5psi]

You need to have a provisional, then pass your CBT, then purchase the bike, make sure it has a valid M.O.T and tax, then you need to insure it. You must also display L plates until you have a full bike license. 20 miles a day should be easy. It will struggle a little up hills. You can pick a decent second hand cbr 125 up for £1000-1500.

[@TheCrazymook]

Hey mate, as far as Im aware the CBF has the exact same engine, chassis etc. as the CBR. The only thing is the fairing on the CBR that the CBF doesnt have.

[@mibandit]

shouldn't have any more issues trying to fit DVD in there now lol #Netflicks

[@TheCrazymook]

+MiBandit Awww why you watching the cringe worthy old stuff?! xD Haha another good reason to have Netflix =D

[@spikypiggy]

If you were to drive this 60 mph on a highway, how many miles do you think it would do from full gas to empty? I'd appreciate it If you also changed it to kilometers.

[@TheCrazymook]

RoofTopCamper I could only estimate the mpg bud but Id say anywhere between 160km to 240km depends on how far youre going at 60mph =)

[@RsAirmax]

TheCrazymook I doubt that. How does a 125 cc beat a 300 cc except on the first 50 meters.

[@christaylor2436]

Could you please tell me where you got that passenger seat cowl!?! I neeeed one!!! :(

[@TheCrazymook]

It came with the bike, have you tried Ebay, Pyramid plastics & Powerbronze for one?

[@christaylor2436]

TheCrazymook Yeah checked both, and nothing, the one in the repsol blue that you've got is no longer produced by honda whatsoever apparently :(

[@christaylor2436]

TheCrazymook Yeah checked both, and nothing, the one in the repsol blue that you've got is no longer produced by honda whatsoever apparently :(