CBR125RW

The CBR125R stands out with aggressive styling, slim yet generous sportbike proportions and a burst of 4-stroke engine performance that will put a smile on anyone’s face. Not merely a dressed-up commuter, the CBR125R attacks the street in full racer form, boldly offering a full complement of technological features, sporty performance and stylish, high-quality attention to detail seen on Honda’s larger sportbikes, but at an affordable price that has proven to be an irresistible attraction to new and younger riders.

Powered by a quick-revving liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine that starts at the touch of a button, and follows it up with quick response and smooth acceleration that keeps the excitement running high, Honda’s smallest CBR is always fun to ride. A capable corner carver when called on to perform, its light and nimble handling soon makes young, new riders feel like knee-dragging champions of the world’s racing circuits. Still, with all this going for it, after three years of thrilling new riders with its exciting blend of Super Sports styling and performance, the time has come for the CBR125R to receive a facelift in both looks and performance. Specifically, this called for a new bodywork design and the addition of up-to-date electronic fuel injection to provide both a more satisfying range of power and the low emissions required of motor vehicles in this age of environmental concerns.

Motorcycle Details

Styling

The newly restyled CBR125R now shows much stronger ties to its bigger brothers, the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR Fireblade, commanding attention with its aggressive racer replica lines and aggressive new pair of Line Beam headlights. This new bodywork not only looks sharper, its also helps achieve an ultra-low wind-cheating drag coefficient which compares favourably to many of the latest race bikes. The new fairing’s aggressive lines jet back to incorporate the slimly proportioned 10-litre fuel tank behind black resin shrouds. Topped by an impressive aeronautic-style locking fuel cap, the fuel tank’s contoured knee indents contribute to the bike’s excellent control in tight twisties.

Unchanged from its earlier iteration, the CBR’s slim solo-style rider’s seat provides plenty of room to move and manoeuvre when the roads turn twisty and the riding turns fast. Behind it, the raised pillion seat forms a comfortable rear support pad for the rider, and features a locking flip-up pad that conceals ample space to carry such essentials as a light rain suit, gloves and other small necessities. This sporty seat cowl tapers into a large taillight encased behind a form-fitted clear plastic shell for a high-tech look of impressive style.

Engine/Drivetrain

The CBR125R’s compact liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine has won renown in the 125cc motorcycle class for churning out exciting performance and strong acceleration. Its straightforward single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 2-valve head configuration delivers highly efficient combustion and excellent low-to-midrange power output for remarkably strong, high-revving performance coupled with excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Springing quickly to life at the easy touch of its electric starter, this engine is also equipped with a built-in balancer that keeps its power delivery smooth and predictable for long hours of buzz-free riding enjoyment. It also features a compact and lightweight design that contributes to the CBR’s lighter, more agile handling and exhilarating blend of riding performance.

New PGM-FI Fuel Injection System
One of the biggest changes in the new second-generation CBR125R is the addition of a new PGM-FI fuel injection system, which provides exceptional starting ease and strong performance in virtually all riding conditions from warm seaside to high mountains. Fitted with an Idle Air Control Valve (IACV), which minutely controls the volume of incoming air to maintain smooth idling and low-rpm response, the CBR125R delivers incomparable riding ease for anyone from expert to beginner.

Ultra-Low Emissions
The CBR125R’s lightweight and compact new fuel injection system also ensures exceptional fuel economy and ultra-low exhaust emissions. Its advanced HECS3 oxygen-sensing clean emissions system features a high-efficiency 300-cell catalyser element installed in-line in the exhaust system to ensure easy compliance with strict EURO-3 exhaust emissions regulations while maintaining top performance.

Smooth-Shifting Gearbox
The engine’s strong drive is delivered to the rear wheel by way of a smooth shifting close-ratio 6-speed transmission, which quickly gets the new CBR up to speed while taking full advantage of the engine’s wide powerband to provide the quickest acceleration in Honda’s extensive 125cc lineup.

Chassis/Suspension

The sleek and sporty CBR125R gives riders the lithe, effortless handling one would expect of a member of Honda’s renowned lineup of sportbikes. Its slim yet highly rigid twin-spar steel frame ensures sharply responsive handling that makes short work of tight corners and curves, while gradually boosting confidence in one’s improving riding abilities.

Class-Leading Suspension System
The CBR125R’s combination of a short wheelbase and top-of the-class suspension components results in swift and sporty handing in both town and country. Up front, a compliant 31mm hydraulic telescopic fork provides a smoothly damped ride and quick, confidence-inspiring handling whether running errands or running through the hills. At the rear, a long-travel Monoshock damper soaks up the bumps while maintaining reassuring control that makes motorcycle riding such exhilarating enjoyment for novices and experts alike.

Racy-Looking Wheels and Responsive Brakes
The CBR125R’s slim and lightweight U-section six-spoke cast aluminium wheels mount slim and grippy tyres that accentuate its racy looks while providing superb roadholding performance. Impressive braking control is provided by a large 276mm drilled front disc brake stopped by a compact and powerful dual-piston calliper. Its 220mm rear disc is firmly gripped by a small single-piston calliper mounted directly to the CBR’s box-section steel swingarm that assures an optimal balance of braking control in all riding situations.

Specifications