The Honda CB125R is widely regarded as one of the best premium 125cc learner-legal motorcycles available in the UK, especially for new riders on a CBT or A1 licence. Part of Honda's "Neo Sports Café" family, it draws styling cues from larger siblings like the CB650R and CB1000R, offering a stripped-back, retro-minimalist naked roadster look that's far more stylish than basic commuters. It's often praised for punching above its weight in build quality, handling, and features, making it a step up from budget options like the Honda CB125F or Chinese imports.
Honda CB125R Review (UK Focus)
The Honda CB125R (often simply referred to as the CB125) is a standout in the UK's learner-legal 125cc class, blending premium styling, reliable performance, and modern tech into an accessible package. Launched in 2018 as part of Honda's Neo Sports Café lineup, it draws inspiration from bigger siblings like the CB300R and CB1000R, giving it a mature, retro-minimalist look that punches above its weight. It's ideal for new riders on a CBT/A1 license, urban commuters, or anyone wanting a stylish step up from basic commuters like the Honda CB125F. As of late 2025, the current model (updated in 2021) remains a top seller, with prices starting around £4,000 OTR in the UK. Below, I'll break down the key aspects based on expert tests, owner feedback, and long-term reports.
Honda CB 125R Key Specs (2024–2025 Model)
- Engine: 124.9cc liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder (EURO5+ compliant)
- Power: 14.8bhp (11kW) @ 10,000rpm – the maximum allowed for A1 licence
- Torque: 11.6Nm @ 8,000rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
- Weight: 130kg (kerb)
- Seat Height: 816mm
- Fuel Tank: 10.1 litres (real-world range ~450–500km or 130–150+ mpg)
- Brakes: Front 296mm disc with 4-piston radial caliper; rear 220mm disc; 2-channel ABS with IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for better rear-wheel lift control
- Suspension: 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks (premium for the class); rear monoshock
- Tyres: 110/70-17 front, chunky 150/60-17 rear
- Top Speed: ~75–80mph (wind-assisted); realistic cruising 60–70mph
- 0–60mph: Around 14 seconds
- UK Price (2025): From £4,699–£4,799 OTR (depending on colour/dealer)
For 2024/2025, updates include a new 5-inch full-colour TFT dash (borrowed from the CB1000R) with intuitive left-hand switchgear, larger "CB125R" graphics, and four fresh colours: Matt Cynos Gray Metallic, Pearl It's also EURO5 compliant with no performance loss.
What's Good?
- Styling and Presence: Looks like a "proper" motorcycle – minimalist, aggressive, and premium. Turns heads more than sporty 125s like the Yamaha R125 or KTM Duke 125.
- Handling and Ride: Excellent chassis balance, confident cornering thanks to the wide rear tyre and high-spec Showa forks. The IMU-based ABS is a rarity in the 125 class and works brilliantly on wet UK roads.
- Engine: Peppy and revvy for a 125 – pulls strongly from low rpm, vibes are minimal, and it's smooth on A-roads/B-roads. Great fun in town and capable of keeping up with traffic.
- Features: Full LED lighting, TFT screen (with gear position, fuel, etc.), gear indicator – feels modern and premium.
- Reliability & Running Costs: Classic Honda bulletproof build. Owners report 100–150mpg, cheap insurance (especially for 17–19-year-olds), and low maintenance. Strong UK dealer network.
- Comfort: Upright riding position, decent seat – good for longer rides (owners do 100+ mile trips comfortably).
UK owner feedback (from forums like Reddit/MotoUK, MCN, and Bennetts) is overwhelmingly positive: "Great build quality", "feels like a bigger bike", "super reliable commuter that’s fun on weekends". Many say it's the best-looking and best-riding 125.
What's Not So Good?
- Performance Limits: It's still a 125 – acceleration is leisurely above 60mph, and motorways/A-roads with hills can feel strained if you're taller/heavier.
- Price: At ~£4,700, it's premium-priced. Cheaper alternatives like the Yamaha MT-125 (~£4,800 but more power-focused) or Sinnis/KeeWay budget nakeds cost £2–3k less.
- Minor Niggles: Some early owners reported exhaust paint corrosion (treat with ACF-50). Seat can feel firm after hours; no centre stand standard.
- Compared to the CB125F: The cheaper CB125F (£3,159–£3,299) is more basic (air-cooled 2-valve engine, ~10bhp, no TFT/ABS IMU) and commuter-focused – slower but even more frugal/reliable for pure A-to-B.
Who’s It For?
Perfect for new riders wanting style and quality without going full sportbike (e.g., vs Yamaha R125) or duke-style hooligan (KTM 125 Duke). Ideal UK commuter/learner bike – nimble in traffic, cheap to run (£20–30 to fill up), and holds value well used.
If you're after the basic, ultra-cheap Honda 125, look at the CB125F instead. But for most UK reviews and owners, the CB125R is the standout premium 125cc choice in 2025 – often called "the best A1 naked" by MCN, Visordown, and Bennetts.
Test ride one at a Honda dealer; they're everywhere in the UK! If you have a specific year or comparison in mind, let me know.
