Honda CBR 125 R Review by Luke Wilkins

[@MrEviljezza]

I've had this bike for 2 years, 6 crashes. My first bike. and I love everything about it.

[@fizzjuty5798]

hope ur still alive friend

[@ne9310]

Only God knows​@@fizzjuty5798

[@1966johnnywayne]

I ride a 2014 CBR125R in Canada with over 7000 km's on the bike and absolutely love it...for what it is. It is Fun, Cheap and Reliable transportation. I'm 49 yrs old, 5'9", 200 lbs with 30 plus yrs riding experience (650cc-1000cc)...this is not just a learner's bike. Clearly this bike is not for the super sport or cruiser crowd, but if you're considering this ride, then you are probably a lot more practical than most. That is the key to this bike...practical. If you are looking for a bike to zip through town, do the occasional highway run (100-125 KPH) and can get one inexpensively, then it really should be on your short list. It is NOT a performance bike, but it will do 90% of what any other bike will do at a fraction of the cost. My bike is stock and I haven't had any reliability issues. The tires are a harder compound than I would like, replace at 8000-10,000k's. There are not a lot of 125cc options in Canada, fewer this year. If the CBF125 was available in Canada, I would have purchased it instead (160 MPG...insane)...I'm not really a fan of trying to make a 125cc look all sport and the increased upright postion would have been a slight improvement for me. My numbers: $250/yr ins. 2.6 L/100km. (110 MPG) End of season price Cdn. $2000 (£ 960), regular retail Cdn. $3400(£ 1600)...I just can get my head around bikes being so much more expensive in U.K/Europe (£ 3700=Cdn. $7700), particularly since you guys have so many more options than Canada.

[@1966johnnywayne]

+Eddie saint I also chose the tri-colour... for high visibililty, and it reminds me of the 80's bikes. As the bike doesn't define me, you're absolutely right, it is as much fun as any of them. Enjoy the ride.

[@TomSleeUK]

If you guys are asking if the bike fits you, really do go to a dealer and try it on. Make sure it fits and if you can take it out for a spin. I haven't got a bike yet but a while back i was choosing between the cbf125 or the ybr125, after sitting on both, I can tell you the cbf was a much bigger bike in terms of size and seating space, more comfortable as well. So if you guys are choosing between the CBR, YZF, RS, go sit on them.

[@lightonphiri]

Amazing! I am literally obsessed with CBR 125R and cannot wait to buy her towards the end of the year. 2013 is going to be an interesting year for me.

[@bricehoehn6775]

So how was 2013?

[@Taqz839]

@@bricehoehn6775 lmao

[@apollo9543]

*Read this in Jeremy Clarkson's voice* "It's James May's biker cousin, the captain slow of bikes and he is going to test ride the new Honda CBR 125"

[@MrTayWu]

Same here in Germany. You can go and make your driver license for 125cc (11kw) with 16. If you're 18 you can make your motocycle license but it is only allowed to drive with maximum kw of 35 for 2 years

[@manlifesucks.565]

I wonder of how much is this cbr 125r this 2020.?

[@FRZFaLLeN]

Where I'm at in Canada, you can ride 50cc at 14 with a learner's licence, and anything at 16 with a class 6 licence. I'm on a Honda Jazz now, but I'm moving up to this, or my dad's old 1984 Honda Shadow 500 V-Twin.

[@roy216]

I really liked the review, and it really helped me decide what bike should I buy... I'm going on the new Honda CBR 125 :)

[@TheSpyChecker]

mind you, it's 16* Not 15. In Australia (victoria and NSW) You have to be 18, (17 and 9 mts in NSW) Have to have at least a learner permit for a car, have to go through a pre-learner course, then a motorcycle operator practice test, then do a knowledge test to obtain your L's (only a pre-learner test in NSW, but that includes the operator test as well (the exact same thing as in vic e.g : 20 meter ride under 10s, e stop, cornering, not stalling...) )

[@CodyPoloway]

Where I live in Canada a 16 year old can pass a test and get their learners. You have a speed restriction of 1 month then after that if you pass another test it is lifted. So at 16 you could ride a hayabusa if you really wanted to.

[@iTziLLUMY]

The 2012 Repsol livery on the 125r just makes it 100x better! I think I might pick one up before it gets sold! :)

[@scatcat1994]

£3 grand is not cheap for a 125 lets be honest.

[@tubex0214]

+scatcat1994 I got '01 nsr 125 for 700 dollars and its way faster then cbr 125 r .

[@scatcat1994]

2 stroke though so irrelevant but yeah the point stands haha

[@tubex0214]

man nsr 125 and aprilia rs 125 are the best 125 bikes in my opinion

[@scatcat1994]

certainly the fastest yeah haha

[@duramater555]

+Crazy Tubex dude just repair ur bike every month and pay for every tank shot + 2 stroke oil every few days 40 € ;)

[@incognito84]

It looks sooooooooooooooooooooooo much better than the older models! What a great looking bike.

[@Ellis01234567890]

In the UK that doesn't really matter. Motorways/highways aren't necessary over here because we have so many alternative routes. You can go literally anyway here and even have to go near a motorway/highway.

[@ThexxCODxxFATHER]

Anyone who's used this as a first bike, how is it. Thinking of getting a second hand one once I get an A1 license

[@deeleeshus]

Did you get one ? ☺

[@ThexxCODxxFATHER]

Dee Phillips Not yet, I'm focused more on a car licence right now as it's more useful where I live (fairly rural area). Once I have a driving licence, I can hopefully get my bike licence soon after

[@Calty720]

+Scott Boyd If you get the A2 license instead, you can drive all A1 vehicles + 600ccm motorcycles and in two years you can upgrade it to the A licence. Considering ur taking B class soon, you are 18. A2 licence's age requirement is 18, and it's the same cost as A1. So u should go for A2 licence instead bro :)

[@stevenbrandish6923]

Honda are really reliable great thirst bike I'm saving up for a cbr once I do my cbt and it last quite long if u look after it

[@skeletonsystem]

yeah great video, love to see the 2013 model. or the 2013 125s for the new riders looking at brand new bkes. great video mate!

[@osamabinliftin1981]

So pleased your 6ft3 top review

[@tigerbitefist9213]

is he really 6''3? i am asking cause i am 6''1.5 and i really need to know

[@Ellis01234567890]

In the UK we are not allowed to ride on motorways/highways as beginners and the top speed of a learner legal 125 is around 65-70 mph and the speed limit on motorways is 70mph. Learners are allowed on dual carriageways where the speed limit is also 70mph. Anything else is 60 unless sign posted otherwise. I'd much rather see a learner on a 125 than a 500-600.

[@issacrudio989]

they dont have small motorcycles in america but they should. The honda msx 125 is selling pretty well here but its name was changed to honda grom.

[@mikepolley5325]

i have a cbr 125 and i like it alot its a good little bike for people who just wanna rip around without ya know risking death and sonic speeds lol its pretty peppy though i find it goes as fast as i would need it to

[@kayveonfields3411]

Mike Polley what's the top speed on it

[@giannieditsvideos]

Kayveon Fields about 120 km/h and if you're going downhill you can hit up to 140

[@Roadghost88]

I'm more interested in the comfort level of the bike rather than high performance. Seating position, buzzy vibration through the handlebars at high speed (I haven't heard anyone complain about this so I'm guessing it's not an issue?) and suspension over bumps are important to me. Not many reviews answer these questions, preferring to focus on power, handling, brakes and shifting. Thinking of getting this as a highway commuter bike for the fuel mileage. If it can maintain 65mph (110km/h) comfortably it will fit the bill.

[@jackisonline2]

Most 125's will do 65mph, just not with any more to give. If you're old enough, get something like a 400cc if you still want good mpg's

[@theboiwhohasnoname]

jackisonline2 Get a twin 500

[@jackisonline2]

matthew wilson Yeah, something like a cb500 would be great

[@theboiwhohasnoname]

yeh er5, gs 500, cb 500 will all return around 60 mpg tbh lol, yet beat most cars off the line and top a tonne

[@EnigmaGameMaster]

jackisonline2 This does 90MPH, trust me, I have one and it goes up to 90, it just needs a slightly downhill slope and it'll be maxed out, but it does handle 75 easily, at 8000-8500 RPM (it goes up to 12000).

[@Blunder1248]

Just wish honda brought back a new bike with there cub engine running on injection. That would be well good plus the tuning you can do on those engines is crazy.

[@danmoto73]

great review, please please please could you get luke to review the 600F, the review videos i've seen to date on YT of the new F have been poop... the 125 looks okay, i think the KTM will end up the learner legal bike of choice though nice vid, shall spread the word :)

[@blackadderdaz]

would this be good to do the a1 test the 125cc test for a beginners or not?

[@infamouz_s1k]

@Kogaassassin not in Portugal... you can ride a 125cc with 11kw at 16...

[@mozer2332]

great review mate !

[@7starsfear]

I saw one today in a local motorbike shop ... i really liked it (2012 has nissin brakes and full 15hp but if you want more just buy an better exhaust system).

[@Kizera]

mmm i am kinda interested in a 125 just to cruise though i heard 250's are pretty much for cruising to, though starting on a 125 would be a great way to learn because your not putting yourself on something waaay out of your league. Love the way it looks to

[@ARTMCT]

Hi will, unfortunately in the UK you can only ride a 50cc at 16. At 17 you can ride up to a 125cc and this Honda 125 is an excellent bike to start on. If you want sound professional advice then please visit your local motorcycle training school and see what they have to say. Ride free, have fun but stay safe! :-) ART MCT

[@adison42]

Hi i own this bike for about 4 months, due to accidents i have ridden it for about 5000km only, but here are my thoughs. Agree with the brakes, awfull, hard to recognize the point when they are on limit cause you have to push the lever really hard. comfort top, iam 186cm-compare forexample to sv650, its like bicycle seat compare to cbrs, supsension and rigidity of the frame really impreses me, leaning to knee no problem but looking forward to new tyres although these havent let me down yet.

[@RykerRider46]

Great bike to learn on. If you're not really in the market for a 250 cc.

[@kleschtremania]

in switzerland you have to be 18 to drive bikes above 50ccm and cars and you have to be 25 or older to drive bikes above 25 KW

[@MsBoblover]

thinking of getting one wondering if the seat would be to high I'm 171cm ?

[@flyinhiigh]

Looking to buy my first bike ... Does this bike have enough power for highways and hills? I'm in Canada

[@swimmerthon]

Please review the Yamaha enticer 125. It's a little cruiser that handles nicely n sounds great

[@JRoadz]

are you going to do a KTM duke 125 review soon?

[@tzx551]

same in slovakia and czech republic. you can have licence for more than 125/11kw when you are 24.

[@juvontaylor]

What's the year on this CBR?

[@sayemumhasan5868]

2011

[@syflem9884]

only issue is why oh why put horn so close to indicators haha and want gear selection disply would be nice

[@jameshone1000]

what would you recommend for a learner rider the cbr 125 or yzf 125 or ktm duke 125

[@BeschiJulius]

very nice explanation . how much mileage does it give ?

[@MrSliQz]

Find a dealer nearby, and go sit on it! that is just the best way to test that. Every human has diffrent physical build. like, you can be 1.90 because you have long legs, but you can also be 1.90 because your legs are a bit short, but you have an insane torso:)

[@TomSleeUK]

What model is this as I'm aware there are CBR125R-7s 6s 5s 4s, RWs etc.

[@96MasterOfPuppets96]

I'm 17 and hoping to get one of these soon, and I'm kinda glad it only has 13.3 bhp cause. I'm not an idiot and I resent people who assume that people are stupid and irresponsible because of their age. Idiots are idiots, whichever vehicle they use.

[@BertaSalmon]

@sheckler456I bought a 2007 cbr 125 when i was 15. i was 6'1'' and 180 lbs. the bike is perfect for learning, since it has little power, the bike is a Honda so the reliability is second to none. i loved my bike, but after about one season you will find that you want more power. just to even keep up with people you are riding with off the red lights. Safe riding

[@tyler387387]

it is a pretty good bike as you can get used to the style, weight distribution and learn the newbie mistakes on this bike. The thing is, if you are going to be on a decently sized road, you will be finding yourself having to put full throttle to over take

[@robax3r]

i would really enjoy to start with a crb600 .... but i feel like i should start with this in order to avoid killing myself on something i cant fully controll

[@Genstafa]

I have to disagree with you here. As an owner of an R125, I can't imagine the CBR using less petrol than the Yamaha. How many litres does the CBR use per 100km?

[@Dobby812]

whats the smallest height you can be for a bike like this??

[@ryuzakilawlight]

Is this bike good for driving a big distance like 500 killometers for one day?

[@infamouz_s1k]

is this a good bike for a 16 year old start on the sportvike world?

[@nate18871]

I need somebodies help im a begginer was planning on getting the cbr250 but its too much so i was thinking of the cbr125 but i dont know if theres a better 125 for the same price i heard of the RS125 it would be appreciated to know the best 125 bike for the cheapest price someobdy please elp :)

[@bhaskarav6820]

Is it launched in India

[@bennerix]

@Dahmyr i know that i have one lol but what does the RS 125 have to do with 250???

[@joshbanham7865]

Im thinking about gettinh one. Im 6 foot 1. Is it to small?

[@LubosGames]

Which Colour I get mine last week in Repsol design *-*

[@TheAksports]

Im 5 foot 10 inches and i weigh 160 pounds...will this be a good starter bike for me ?

[@xIPrOxReaPeRzZ]

not really, but it depends on the way you use it of course. I have a one with 20000km and it still goes perfect

[@245SportsFan]

Hey I'm a big guy 5'9 250lbs. How well do you think this bike would be for a stArter bike for me?

[@TheJason434]

So where's this review of the KTM 125 Duke?

[@Poltergeyst]

why no HD?

[@DrSpike666]

Is that bike really tiny or is the host huge? I've never seen a 125cc road bike, 250cc is the smallest road bike you can buy in the US.

[@jamiepf4381]

well he is 6ft 3 which is 1.91m so yeah he is pretty tall

[@j2thecob]

@magnushenden you have to be 17 or over for a 125cc in the uk

[@nate18871]

Im 6'1ft 150 lbs would i fit on this bike?

[@paul-fk7de]

do these bikes rust same as chinese bikes ?

[@LasX2]

You never did the KTM Duke 125 review like you said at the end :(

[@friadhamakurshid5591]

can yoy ride a honda cbr 125cc with just CBT or do you need A1 licence? plz help

[@exeroo9728]

A1 licence

[@friadhamakurshid5591]

your wrong, you can ride it just with CBT but with low plays at back and front. But I want to know, to ride on motorway what licence does that require?

[@friadhamakurshid5591]

UK Manchester

[@Genoxide85]

Great review, great motorbike!

[@martynasumarti2109]

I've bought one myself, it is a cool bike, very comfortable to ride on, I am 154cm tall, I can just about manage to reach the ground while sitting on it (using the tip of my toes :), therefore I prefer to put my wedges hidden heels trainers on whenever I went out on a bike ride, and it help a lot, I can now reach the ground wearing them trainers, not that I would suggest you guys to wear the same type of trainers, if you have similar problem like myself, regarding the height lol ......Peace......

[@adison42]

uf, bring back my memories, had this exact one for 4 months in late 2011, until i got hit by a van and tottaled it and myself. Well, its now 2 years, broken bones are fine now with some metal in them, and iam startin to thing about gettin into motorcyclin again. Probably stayin in family-cbr500r. What i liked about this bike, comfort, economy, once 800km from alps to prague in a day, handlin perfect. cons- on bigger roads the lack of power is so dangerous, while overatin over 90kmph you can talk to the guy in the car, sometimes i really showed them to slow dont seein the uncomin truck, brakes are really dull, no feel, 4 fingers must, then they brake somehow. For country roads and city is perfect. 2.72 was my consumption trashed, can travel at 120 and get to 134 downhill more, but someting slowes you and it takes ages to get it back. sumary it encourages you for trashin it, i was never cruisin, and simply cause of the power, brakes and bad orig tires it is not upon it and in reality this i thing is why 125 are more dangerous than stronger motorcycles.. U better get at least 250.

[@vominhluan5392]

Có bạn nào biết cbr125 như trên có giá bao nhiêu ở vn không ạ

[@TheDawkz]

the only reason i bought one of these is because of the fact that it's learner legal in the UK, now happy with my Kawasaki k1000 :)

[@TheSpyChecker]

No, it's called safe, and normal. And he's also HEAVILY exaggerating. There are only 2 stages in Australia though 18 yo - Learner permit (restricted to 45kw/600cc) Then after 3 months you come off the restrictions. However, you're still not allowed to carry a pillion passenger for the next 12 months.

[@bennerix]

i cant say in km, but mine does between 80 - 117 mpg depending how i ride and the quality of petrol used

[@jobertcadag1518]

Does it have 2 wheel ABS?

[@dreamshaq]

where has Luke gone?

[@MrTheGustafo]

sure you can because you dont know what the situation is in my country. first of all: here you have to be 18 to take lessons. Second: you have to ride on that 11kw/125cc for 2 years(!) Then you have to take a new exam for a 35 kw bike. Then after 2 years you can take a exam to ride every bike you want. Or you wait till your 24 and go full power. For me, this is a bit of a overkill, when you can drive a car at 17 with parental supervision or alone when you are 18.

[@MadDogMeh]

For that one? It was in India; the Yamaha R15, which is in the same class as this one, I think its tops out at 110 KPH? Around there. Its enough power, but it will take you while to get to 110 KPH and thats the problem.

[@tigerbitefist9213]

Can i please know your height because i feel like i am kinda tall fo supersport bikes.

[@pjeltor]

is this bike to little for a 185 cm high 16 year old boy?

[@kaason2]

aprilia rs125 is a really good bike. Never driven one my self tough but I wanted to buy one so I read lots of forums and watched vids. + RS is a 2 stroke so that means more power. I was into older RS-es because those are faster and look like 600cc bikes. They can probably do ~ 180km/h. Minuses are that they are kinda old. And the engine isn't the most reliable out there but if you maintace the engine it should last fine. I hope this helps somehow :)

[@bennerix]

Yes No prob, It looks bigish but you will fit comfortably on it, im only 5'9, and i fit on it easily.

[@masonrice97]

I know right? Lol I'm getting mine in a few months hopefully.

[@Noraturtlefan]

how fast can this go?

[@callumheath4023]

how much is this bike?

[@Enjoy2Ride250]

bike looks nice but i agree with the top comments and i would want somethin with more power

[@francoisjarnageon6721]

quelle est la vitesse maxi ?

[@FieelFlying]

Switzerland: 50cc at 16, 125cc at 18 and everything else only doing special courses

[@YamaK]

I'm 16.... I'm around 175cm tall... is it low enough for me?

[@macabici]

Im 187cm tall and i have got cbr 2007. Its ok for me =)

[@YamaK]

I got the 2013 version of CBR.... It couldn't be anymore perfect fit for me, really happy with!

[@SMG59]

did he say 13bhp? or 30?

[@Jaayyy1993]

Prices?

[@Ginsufrenzy1]

Err.. In my country (New Zealand) a 15 year old can go and sit a theory test to get their license to drive any car.. and ride any bike at or below 600cc. Surely both of these comments should be liked equally? Because they really correspond together nicely I think (600 at 15). What are our governments thinking?

[@Fuzion180]

well it looks nice, just not really a fan of the exhaust though

[@DBDezigns]

It would be apart from you can only ride a 50cc at 16 until you're 17 then you can ride a 125cc

[@MrTheGustafo]

wut, in my country (the netherlands) you can ride a 125cc with a restriction of 11kw and 0.1kw/kg of bike weight. and you have to be 18 for that, after 2 years of experience you can go to a 35kw bike (ninja 300 for example) and then after 2 years you can ride any bike, so you are 22 when you start at 18. You can also wait until you are 24 and go full power directly. You also have to pass driving tests to go to a 'heavier' class. Fucked up over here....

[@kiel555]

I,m 1,90.. Is this bike to small for me?

[@lakkasito]

i recomend you or a KTM DUKE 125 or a YAMAHA YZF R-125

[@MadDogMeh]

Probably too late, but its not enough power. I started on a 125cc bike and in a week, I was red lining almost every gear.

[@oggsmage]

I would have to say that the Kawasaki Ninja 250R out does this bike and you can buy a 2007 (which is the nicer style) for around the same price and it will give you more fun :D