On The Drive - Honda CBF125 Ultimate Review and Buying Guide

[@BRISTOLFILMERS]

Brilliant review, about to buy a CBF so this was a incredibly helpful, thanks!!👏

[@BikingChap]

Thanks Will, very kind of you. :) Check the owner out as much as the bike and remember, if it doesn’t feel right, walk away, there’s loads out there. Good luck.

[@reerbaadia1896]

Very good review. Keep it up buddy. More thorough than over 90% of other reviewers.

[@RJHMotorbikeTraining]

These are fantastic 125cc learner legal bikes. Great for starting out. We use a fleet of them for our CBT Centre in Manchester. There is one thing that could be improved and that is the centre stand pummel which is very weak and does snap off easily compared to the Honda CG125cc. Other than that they are great.

[@BikingChap]

Sincere apologies, I found your comment in a 'held for review' folder some 5 years after you posted it! For reasons unknown KZbin had put it there flagging it as spam. I hope the CBT business is still going well. I think the CGs were virtually indestructible!

[@125ccbiker9]

Very comprehensive, one of the best and most useful reviews on youtube. Thanks.

[@BikingChap]

50cc Surveillance, thanks for that, really appreciated. There are loads of reviews around but tried to cover what I would’ve found useful. Have a great Xmas!

[@leonbyatt9592]

How much should you pay for 2nd hand

[@BikingChap]

Decent ones that are the later model are available from £1,500 and up. Be aware of paying much over £2,000 and you're getting very close to a new bike price with full warranty and finance options etc. Good luck!

[@ryanbutler9692]

Mines the same colour but with the rust in the places you mentioned and drop marks you mentioned. Nice to imagine how clean it could look

[@BikingChap]

Thanks Ryan, they certainly do seem to vary.

[@pauloliver9411]

I passed my CBT on the CBF 125 just 2 months ago, It is a very nippy bike due to the fuel injection system which you forgot to mention! I really wanted to buy one of these second hand but, they were selling for silly money which I couldn't afford at the time so decided on a Sym wolf SB125 NI, 66 plate another cracking little bike.

[@BikingChap]

Paul Oliver good point I did forget to mention the fuel injection. Both the CBF and YBR I had had it, both were incredibly economical but I found the CBF definitely more punchy.

[@poulhansen2415]

Please use a windprotector for the microphone next time.

[@BikingChap]

+Poul Hansen thanks for feeding back, I'll get my think hat on. It was recorded on a Sony Rx-100, a good compact camera but compromised for video. I'll try covering it with some 'fluffy material' and see if it improves it.

[@Agent.Michael_Scarn]

Thanks for the video mate. Going to buy a 2008 CBF250 tomorrow but always good to see videos on similar models as they sometimes use similar parts so good to know what to look out for, much appreciated!

[@BikingChap]

T Bookah more than welcome, let me know how you get on with your new purchase!

[@jkhanif975]

BikingChap Hi there. basically I wanted to ask what bike would be best for a beginner like me. I passed my CBT over a month ago and just did a conversion course to get to grips with the manual bike. would you recommend a CBF 125 or the Yamaha MT 125

[@BikingChap]

Hi Jawad, it's hard to say as it depends on a number of things but let me have a go. The CBF is basic, cheap as chips (£2,600) and has around 10-11hp, the MT is bang up to date, costs £4,300 and has around 15hp. If you want to go to a bigger bike fairly soon the usual advice, boring though it is, is buy a cheap 125, like a s/h CBF, get some road experience and then take you test. Assuming you pass you then sell the 125 and probably get back most of the cost to invest in say a 500/600. You'll probably lose a fair bit on a new MT-125 popular though they are. That said if you're not in a big rush to get something bigger than a 125 and have deep pockets or want one of the quicker, smarter 125s then the MT could be the one for you. Does that help?

[@jkhanif975]

BikingChap Thank you for the response. I'm looking to gain as much road exposure as possible and therefore I'm looking to keep the 125 for a year minimum. I do intend to trade it in for a bigger bike or sell it on but there are so many 125's out there and I'm just trying to ensure I make the right decision before buying one. if I invest in the MT 125 I wouldn't want to spend so much just to keep it for a year.

[@BikingChap]

Ok so next question, would you consider s/h? A new MT will lose 1000-1500 quid over a year, a 5 year old CBF/YBR next to nothing. After a year you have an extra 1500 quid in your pocket if you bought the S/h bike more if you were buying the expensive new bike on finance due to the charges. On the other hand if you want the most fun and going perhaps bit further afield the MT would be worth keeping for a while just remember it's not the cheap way of doing it. For a complete different get a Sinnis max II, about 1200 new and though they'll look shabby quite quickly the Suzuki based engines are pretty impressive proof.

[@henryhankin9532]

Can’t hear a word he fucking says, but the video’s class so… as a beginner rider (looking to buy a Honda CBF125), I’m not complaining.

[@Cestrianvlogger]

Did my CBT on a ybr, hated the seat position, wasn't comfortable at all, Decided on a cbf (which i've done videos on) 2011 in Red, Great seating, doesn't hurt my legs and i can ride all day long. I do oil changes every 1k miles, nearly at the 7500 mile service as well which i'll be doing myself. Paid £1450 for mine, seller was a private dealer and the bought was owned by a teacher from new so i got a bargain. Changed my exhaust as it had the rattle sound which is the cat converter coming loose which is quite a common problem with the bike as well apparently

[@BikingChap]

Hi thanks for comment, sounds like you got a good deal there. they're a good little bike but the build is pretty grim. the fact the new model is not made in India speaks volumes. at the 7500 service I'd check the oil strainer, many folk have found the that is already getting clogged at this mileage and if it blocks it'll today the engine. good luck and thanks for dropping by

[@abhijithrp100]

Can you suggest few fuel efficient bikes for long distance riding. I like R125 and Honda CB125R. What are the cheaper options. I like the CBF 125 as well, give few suggestions please.

[@BikingChap]

Hi, the CBF is about as good at gets, I got 120-130mpg. The only bike I know that is better is Honda’s entry level scooter, the 110cc Vision but it’s significantly slower.

[@abhijithrp100]

@@BikingChap thanks

[@naseemleone]

Thank you very much for this review.This is the best review that I have ever watched on KZbin,well delivered,well explained.Have you seen the new cb125f ? Is it also build on a budget ?Yamaha 125 ybr or cruiser I am looking up to buy .I am on a Honda scooter 125 sh mode. My next up grade could be a gear bike.

[@BikingChap]

Hi +naseemleone thanks fro the comments, very kind. I've had a good look over the new CBF but haven't ridden one. The engine is a little less powerful at higher revs but has a little more power lower in the rev range, whether you'll notice the difference is debatable. The Indian built CBFs can have horrendous corrosion issues including serious rusting of the frame but whether these extreme cases are common is not clear. Without going over the review again i'd say the YBF didn't have great cosmetic build but was probably a better bet than the old. So to the new one again that is now made in China and I guess only Honda know why they shifted production there, perhaps the quality problems? So of the pressed steel items that were prone to rust, exhaust aside, now appear to be alloy so a step in the right direction, time will tell. If you have to stay with a 125 I'd look at a Sinnis or another of the brands that use the Chinese base bike [Herald for e.g] You can get a Max II which has a tough 125cc motor based on the Suzuki GS125 and you can pick them up, new, for around 1000-1100 pounds... Personally i'd stick with the mode and perhaps look at a 250-500cc bike, again Sinnis do a pretty 250cc Suzuki based roadster for around 2200 pounds, can complain at that price. Hope that helps and thanks again for the comment.

[@garryscutcher]

A very useful review thanks for taking the time to do it. Garry

[@papaxxbear]

Just bought a bike like this , think it's good for home - work traffic and some small rides

[@urbanfireblade]

Nice review, agree about the corrosion, paint is so thin on the frame some parts near the welds hasn't had enough paint applied so you get spots of rust appearing where the paint hasn't actually covered. Everything u mention is fairly accurate. My mpg is around 123mpg on careful riding limiting up to 55mph top speed. Even the new bikes suffered the fuel pump issue, did it on ride home from Honda dealer lol when i bought mine a month ago. Dealer replaced and all seems ok. Also heard rumours of excess engine heat evaporating fuel in the rubber tube going to the pump so it pumps air and causes the kangaroo-ing too, so u can wrap heat reflective fibreglass matting strips around the pipe and cable tie in place to stop any heat soak happening. ACF50 is a necessity on these bikes, just be liberal on coating and wipe with a rag, it'll get soaked in ACF50 but thats good as you spread it about. None on brake discs or tires tho. I have to say the CBF125 is a joy to ride, can just about hold a higher gear instead of changing down on other 125's, where my older 125 step thru would lose speed, the CBF has a tad more torque that helps it hold on in the higher gear. This is one of the best normal owner reviews i've found, tells it like it is. For others info, the bike can hold 60mph ok, and creep up to around 65mph but if u sit at 55 you will be able to maintain the same speed up inclines etc as you have reserve power left, Sitting at 60 your speed may drop down a few mph as there's little Oomph left in the motor. Keep an eye on oil level, it's a bit tricky to check and only 0.9L so best to keep checking weekly and top up to max. Dealer had overfilled mine by 150ml at the 600 mile service(1/6th of total capacity, approx 10mm over max on dipstick) and bike ran fine so wouldn't worry if oil level is slightly over max it won't cause any issues.

[@BikingChap]

Thanks for the comment urbanfireblade. My mpg is probably higher than yours because i really dolly it around, 45-50mph, due to the local roads. Haven't heard the rumours re fuel evaporating in the fuel line, but worth experimenting with if you find your having ongoing issues. Yep the ACF50 is a great help, though not invincible. If you look closely at the engine on mine, around the head especially, you can see that the ACF50 has cooked on giving a faint brown colour. I took mine on a longer trip to see how it would cope, from Sussex to Dover and back, about 160 miles and it coped very nicely, the firm seat being the first limiting factor. Thanks again for the additional comments and filling in the gaps in the review.

[@DragonKing33333]

Passed my cbt this week on an automatic but I'm also allowed to use a geared, been thinking of getting one of these but I have never used a geared bike before, I have driven geared cars since 17 I'm now in my forties, do you think I could manage it to make the switch, cause if I go for my test with automatic I''ll be stuck with auto.

[@papaxxbear]

Sure, i would say practice 1 hour to see if you like it of not

[@arniet1]

Great review thanks. Relevant today

[@BikingChap]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@markingflash]

I've been driving for almost 4 years now and have been considering doing a CBT and getting myself a CBF125. I found this video very useful, especially considering my knowledge on motorbikes is zero to none. Is there any helpful advice you could recommended to someone with no experience such as myself. Very broad question i'm aware, but i'm trying to absorb as much knowledge before hand, prior to doing a CBT and purchasing a bike.

[@BikingChap]

Hi, thanks for the comments! Blimey where to start! Some random thoughts, get some good training and see it as an investment in keeping you safe not just getting you through the test. Ditto some protective gear, it might not be cool to spend money on leather gloves etc but gravel rash (where you skin gets shredded coming off even at low speeds) is even less cool, trust me! Take it easy initially, you've your whole biking life ahead of you, and though a cliché assume everyone else is an idiot on the road, that car could well pull out in front of you, the child at the side of road WILL run out one day, can you stop or avoid them. Get in the habit of looking for possible problems rather than trusting people won't do anything daft, unfortunately they tend. Apart from that, enjoy it, there's no feeling like it! Hope this helps.

[@markingflash]

+BikingChap Thanks for the advice !

[@BikingChap]

+True Heart - More than welcome :)

[@jkhanif975]

I passes my CBT just over a month ago and did a gear conversion course just to get to grips with riding a manual bike. I'm looking to purchase a 125 to ride for a year before taking the full DAS. Can you advise on whether I should purchase the CBF125 or the Yamaha MT 125.

[@billbuck3590]

bit late but i would go with the CBF, no doubt the MT is a nicer and better put together bike but the CBF is sooo much cheaper and less knoby.

[@jkhanif975]

No worries mate. I ended up purchasing the new CB125F and I am very pleased.

[@billbuck3590]

Jawad Hanif the newest model? How is it? I'm just about to move up from mine. Thinking of getting a Fantic Cabellero when they come to the uk :)

[@jkhanif975]

Bill Buck yeah man. I thought if I'm going to do it then might as well treat myself. it's nice, new rider friendly and has an edge about it in terms of looks. I didn't realise the 125's actually weigh quite alot. Iv never heard of that model but may need to KZbin it.

[@MrTieuVapez]

Looking to pick one of these up from a second hand motorbike dealer for £2000 as my first bike, they have all the paperwork, not ect, I see them for a lot cheaper on gumtree ect but want to be safe

[@limitless1692]

no comment ! great video man respect thanks for all that info .

[@BikingChap]

luciu, thank you, glad it helped!

[@deanwaters8792]

hi, great review, but does the bike come with ABS breaks or not, I'm looking at going to a binder dealer tomorrow to get a new bike and this is the one I'm looking at.

[@BikingChap]

Dean no, the CBF doesn't have ABS.

[@peterryan7827]

I am about to buy a new 125 cc and am thinking about this one ,is there someone out there who has done a greater milage than most reviews and would care to comment how its all worked out on probs and servicing intervals for me, cheers Pete from Newark uk.

[@BikingChap]

peter ryan Hi Pete, both the YBR / CBF should run to 25k miles without issue is maintained and not thrashed. Beyond that YBR seems to suffer less issues but I’ve seen CBFs with 50k so a lot comes down to a big of mechanical sympathy and luck.

[@peterryan7827]

@@BikingChap Thanks very much for the reply that helps me out a lot cheers .

[@BikingChap]

peter ryan Not a problem, good luck and if you’ve any questions, just shout.

[@peterryan7827]

@@BikingChap Ok i will do that ,cheers again.

[@mariosmarter899]

i bought mine ome month ago and i love it, it suits perfect to me and i like it very much, one question: it has carburetor, and i use it every day, the first time every time i start it, it needs about 2-3 minutes for warming up or it will shut off...and if i rev it, it turns off, but when its hot, after a ride, it starts easily by simple pressing the start button...is it normal? do i need to check the idle? the idle is at its normal, but maybe there is any other problem? I use it everyday day now the last 10 days and it still happens, it needs warming up first before driving

[@chriscs9080]

valvess

[@ToWnHeAdAARON123]

Yo I'm 16 currently, plan on getting this as a first bike when I'm 17 after my CBT. Need it for commuting to work. Seen a deal for £1600 second hand 9600 miles. Should I take this deal if it's in decent condition? If not, could you give me a better example of a bike to look out for? Thanks!

[@BikingChap]

Hi Aaron, that's quite a lot for the mileage, unless it's from a dealer and spotless. You might also want to consider a Sinnis Max II, about 1200 new. Chinese but probably not much worse than the CBF build wise.

[@ToWnHeAdAARON123]

BikingChap It is from a dealer, although I've got a lot of time to think about it. Thanks for the response.

[@drewhender3999]

I just bought a 2010 CBF with 4565 miles for £1800, really happy with it.

[@IshverC]

Hi great review by the way. My mate is selling me one of these 2013 plate with 6k on mileage for £1500...what do you think of that proce? hes also selling another one which is a 59 plat with the same milage but for £1100...which is the better offer? and is the price fair? thanks!!

[@BikingChap]

Without seeing the bikes, it's impossible to say really but I would go much more on condition than year. I've seen some older ones that are quite clean and very young ones that are complete sheds. These bikes don't hide abuse and hard lives well which is actually quite helpful. If they both look well cared for talk to the owners, do they change the oil more frequently than required, ask them how fast it goes it might give you a clue whether they rag the bike silly or potter about on it. That is far more important, in my opinion, than which year it was registered. Good luck!

[@IshverC]

Thanks thats really helpful!

[@226B-p1c]

My cbf 125 cuts off in hot condtions or wen the engen gets hot can you plz help me why is that happng

[@Labgorilla]

Chris Navy have you tried to look at the air filter? Also, have you checked the oil strainer for signs of blockage? My cbf125 was having issues starting and I replaced the air filter, cleaned the oil strainer and changed spark plug. That’s sorted my problems. Good luck.

[@parksangbae4567]

when does he mention about buying second hand?

[@parksangbae4567]

he said check the appearance of bike (damages, rusty, etc...). Am i right? then how about engine and clutch conditions? We can't see the inside of the bike. Can you tell me some tips?

[@akilscott1183]

Im just starting off on bikes passed my CBT but had no previous experience would this bike be a good bike to start off on?

[@UKBalance]

Yes, i've just done the same, very light, and easy to use :D (Bought it 2nd hand)

[@Zed-kc7cr]

rust builds up on these bikes when you ride in the winter i look after mine an it rusted quite a bit

[@FelipeSandovalGarrido]

That wind noise :( Great material

[@BikingChap]

After many, many years, i finally sorted it :)

[@nrgnz34]

my cbf had knocked over from a standing position, the front wheel is now slightly off center... how can I fix this? thanks

[@BikingChap]

Hi, sorry to here that. The forks can twist out of alignment and slackening off the clamps that holds them will often let them spring back to the correct position. Personally if you're not experienced get a dealer to take a look, I suspect it will bed an easy fix/repair. Good luck, let me know how you get on.

[@nrgnz34]

+BikingChap thank you for your quick reply...I don't have a spanner that can reach the clamps...I was hoping for a quick fix as I won't be able to see a mechanic for another 2 weeks..it's only very slightly off center but its driving me crazy...I will let you know whether I had the patience to wait it out or resolve it some other way...thanks again.

[@Digidi4]

this is a great city bike

[@jedmegson7437]

Are you the Gordan Ramsay of Motorcycles ?

[@BikingChap]

Heh, that would spend on whether that’s a good thing or not lol. I must do a few more reviews and take the feedback from this one!

[@billbuck3590]

I murdered my clutch within 3500 miles, on the bright side i got a complete new clutch kit for £15.....

[@BikingChap]

Bill Buck wow, go easy on that new clutch.

[@billbuck3590]

BikingChap Naa, Doing my A2 now, gonna get a new bike so i can continue to abuse it.