New Honda CB125 Streetfighter Makes The CB650R Seem Vanilla

• Honda’s new CB125R offers modern features missing in the CB650R.
• New Honda CB125R features a 5-inch TFT display, new liveries, and IMU-equipped dual-channel ABS for a safer riding experience.
• Despite its appeal, the Honda CB125R may not make it to the US due to lack of interest and higher price compared to other models.

125cc bikes might not be a thing in America (such engines are found only in mini motos here), but this is a massive segment in Europe and Britain. This is why all your favorite bikemakers put extra effort into updating their 125cc offerings regularly to lure in new riders. The latest example of the same is Honda. The Japanese bikemaker has introduced its new CB125R, which is now more feature-loaded than the US-spec CB650R!

2024 Honda CBR600RR Wheelie

Related

Bad News: Updated Honda CBR600RR Not Coming To America In 2024

Honda has re-launched the old-generation CBR600RR in America instead of bringing the updated model.

The Honda CB125R Boasts A TFT Instrument Cluster For 2024

The Honda CB650R sold here is a capable middleweight streetfighter. It does many things right; it has usable power, likable neo-retro looks, and simple yet modern underpinnings. But a pain point for the naked is its lack of features. No one–not even Honda–can deny that it’s quite dated now, with barely any modern features. That’s where the CB125R makes the 650 seem vanilla.

The 125cc motorcycle gains a new five-inch TFT instrument cluster for 2024. It’s derived straight from the CB1000R and comes armed with three display modes. There’s also a new switchgear on the left side of the handlebar to help you toggle through the information. In comparison, the American-spec CB650R has a comparatively dated negative LCD. A special mention also goes to the CB125’s IMU-equipped dual-channel ABS (the 650 has no Inertial Measurement Unit).

Honda has also made its 125cc offering smarter for 2024. It now comes in four punchy liveries:

• Matt Cynos Gray Metallic with Black sump guard and shrouds
• Pearl Cool White with Matt Cynos Gray Metallic sump guard and shrouds
• Reef Sea Blue Metallic with Matt Cynos Gray Metallic sump guard and shrouds
• Pearl Splendor Red with Matt Cynos Gray Metallic sump guard and shrouds

The Honda CB125R Produces 14.75 Horsepower And 8 Pound-Feet

Nothing’s changed under the skin, however. The CB125R continues with its 124.9cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled powerhouse that’s good for 14.75 horsepower and eight pound-feet. A six-speed transmission lets you put the power to the ground while ensuring a claimed efficiency of 105 miles per gallon. With a 2.64-gallon tank, you’re looking at over 270 miles of range in a single fill-up. Crazy, isn’t it?

All this while, the motorcycle hides a lattice-style steel frame. It relies on Showa SFF-BP upside-down forks and a monoshock, both attached to 17-inch alloy wheels. Add to this the uber-low 286-pound curb weight, and you’re in store for razor-sharp riding dynamics. Concurrently, braking is via single disc brakes at each end.

An American Launch Seems Unlikely For The Honda CB125R

2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R Front

Related

New Honda CBR1000RR With Peculiar Aerodynamics In The Works

Honda aims to strike a new balance between drag and downforce without using external wings

No matter how good this 125cc bike seems, it’s unlikely to come here. That’s because no one really cares about 125cc offerings in America. With no license norms, a newbie can just go buy a Ducati Panigale V4 R (if he has enough cash) and the government wouldn’t care about it. Then, there’s the price. The 125R sells for ~$6,000 in Britain–a price that’s higher than the Kawasaki Ninja 500’s MSRP in America!

Source: Honda