2023 Honda CB125R

Honda's Premium Neo Sports Café Bike with 125 cm³ Displacement has extensive standard equipment with a DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine, high-quality 41 mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down forks and radially mounted four-piston brake calipers, floating brake discs and IMU-controlled ABS. For model year 2023, visual updates reinforce the appearance and look of the CB125R, the entry-level bike in the Neo Sports Café family.

2023 Honda CB125R

Concentrating on the essentials is particularly important for motorcycle beginners. The first motorcycle should be a machine that is as easy to ride as possible, with adequate engine power and easy handling. These selection criteria together with recommended technical features and an unmistakable new style are the best prerequisites for success on two wheels. Honda understands these needs and in 2017 introduced the new CB125R. It has become part of the exciting new and distinctive model family in Honda's 'Neo Sports Café' style, which also includes the CB1000R and CB300R models. All three naked bikes manage to support the enthusiasm for two-wheelers in a compact and fascinatingly lightweight form. For model year 2021 the CB125R received a new engine and a significant chassis upgrade. This put her right at the front of her competitors and on the wish lists of many young drivers and beginners. In the 2023 model year, visual updates reinforce their appeal.

2. Model overview

The eye-catching design of the CB125R is a real unique selling point among its competitors and sets it apart from the homogeneous crowd. The agile and high-revving DOHC 4-valve engine delivers 15 hp (11 kW) of power and 11,6 Nm of torque. 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks come standard, providing a suspension quality typically found on larger bikes. The quality of the braking system is also impressive: A 296 mm floating single disc brake is combined with radially mounted four-piston brake calipers and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) controlled ABS. The 125 model year CB2023R will be available in the following color variants:

• Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic - New with black engine cover and front forks
• Pearl Smoky Gray - new with black engine cover
• Candy Chromosphere Red - new with black engine cover
• Matt Jeans Blue Metallic - new with black engine cover
  

3.1 Engine

• Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine
• 15 hp (11 kW) peak power and 11,6 Nm peak torque

The CB125R features a EURO5 compliant 125 cm³ DOHC 4-valve engine that produces 15 hp (11 kW) at 10.000 rpm and 11,6 Nm of torque at 8.000 rpm. The top speed is 105 km/h and the CB200R reaches the 125 m mark from a standing start in 11,3 seconds. It has a 6-speed manual gearbox. Bore and stroke are 57,3 x 48,4mm, compression ratio is 11,3:1. PGM-FI fuel injection is ported through the intake and the CB125R's airbox has an underfloor exhaust with twin chamber muffler.

3.2 chassis

• 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside down fork
• 4-piston radial brake caliper and 296 mm floating single disc brake
• ABS based on Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

The frame of the CB125R, which underlines the minimalist style of the machine, is made of tubular steel and rigid pressed steel. The swing arm is also made of sheet steel and its cross-section is designed in such a way that high longitudinal rigidity is achieved with optimum torsional rigidity at the same time in order to ensure the desired stability despite the lightweight construction. The frame is equipped with stable swing arm mounting plates that provide the necessary stability. The selected chassis geometry allows high driving stability with agile handling and the best feedback at the same time. Steering head angle and trail are 24,2°/90,2 mm.

The load distribution between the front and rear wheels is 51,6 to 48,4%. This achieves good front wheel feedback and pleasant steering behavior. The low weight (129,8 kg with a full tank) and the compact wheelbase (1.345 mm) also have a positive effect on safe handling. The butted steel handlebar makes the implementation of steering commands even more pleasant. The turning circle is only 2,3 meters, which supports and facilitates maneuvering in busy city traffic. The seat height for the driver is 816 mm. The 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside down fork features a compression isolating damper in one of the fork tubes and a spring mechanism in the other - this ensures high damping performance and lower weight. Along with using a larger sized piston, this results in better shock absorption properties and more control. The monoshock strut is not adjustable.

The remainder of the chassis houses a 296mm front single disc, floating, and this is actuated by a Nissin 4-piston radial mount caliper. The 1-piston caliper on the rear wheel uses a 220 mm single-disc brake. Safety against blocking is provided by both brake calipers being modulated via a 2-channel ABS. The high-quality system is based on an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in order to distribute the ABS appropriately at the front and rear as required. The 150/60R-17 radial rear tire is matched to a 110/70R-17 front tyre, also designed with a radial carcass.

3.3 Styling & Equipment

• Modern minimalist design ensures a strong visual appearance
• Full LED lighting technology and LCD display
• 10,1 liter tank enables a range of 455 km

The styling of the CB125R is unique. It follows the "Neo Sports Café" design language of the CB1000R: minimalist and at the same time powerful, an impressive look is created for an entry-level motorcycle. The rigorously trimmed rear carries the plastic wheel cover; the footrest supports for driver and passenger are made of aluminium. A thin (23,5mm) and light (230g) LCD display in the cockpit shows speed, RPM, fuel level and gear position information. In addition, a series of warning lights are placed at the top of the display. Advanced LED lighting technology for headlights, turn signals and rear lights supports the premium feeling and, thanks to the low weight, also contributes to the consistently well thought-out mass centralization of the vehicle.

The LED headlight is designed in a double-bar arrangement, low beam at the top and high beam at the bottom; the LED taillight is the thinnest unit ever mounted on a Honda motorcycle. The 10,1 liter fuel tank is located under an angular cover, the tank cap has a functional aircraft look. With a consumption of 2,2 l/100 km (measured in WMTC mode), the economical one-liter bike has a range of more than 455 km with a full tank.

4. technicalche data

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2023 Honda CB125R
Photo credit: Honda

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