Honda CBF125 Bike Overview
Acting as a good cheap replacement for the CG125, the Honda CBF125 offers reliable style that shouldn’t disappoint. This model was snapped up very quickly when it was first introduced, and we think this is largely down to its value for money; it costs just over £2000 and looks and performs well for what it is.
You’ll find handling the Honda CBF125 relatively easy, and the brakes are competent too. You’ll find some twin rear shocks, which makes it a little uncomfortable to ride on a motorway. However, running quick errands around town are easier, if not a little ‘rocky’ when you’re stop/starting in traffic.
With this bike you’ll get a 124.7cc four-speed fuel injected single engine which is good for fuel economy. It won’t set your pulse racing, with a top speed of only around 65mph. In fact, it has a very similar performance to Yamaha’s YBR125.
There are a few bug-bears with this bike. The finish on the exhaust doesn’t seem like it will last. Plastics also feel a bit flimsy. The ride can be a little uncomfortable if you’re on this bike for longer than 30 minutes. However, a cheap bike it is – and it will be a reliable little number if you’re after something quick, easy and cost effective.
Take a look at the Honda CBF125…
Honda CBF125 Bike Spec
- Average fuel consumption107 mpg
- Capacity125cc
- Weight128kg
- Seat height775mm
- EngineAir-cooled, OHC, 2v
Honda CBF125 Bike Insurance
Honda CBF125 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Comfortable and easy to learn on
Cons
A little heavy for its size
Read More
Great sitting position. Upright and relaxed
Honda reliability and quality at its best
Tight and reliable
Handling is easy, throttle not twitchy at all and the gearbox is clean shifting between gears
It's a 125 so exactly what you would expect. Still moves well but or of a city runner that long distance bike
Good size tank for the bike.
Pros
Looks like a much bigger bike for its class
Cons
Nothing its a great beginners bike if you just passed your CBT
Read More
Great beginner bike! Rides well and very fun to use especially around corners
Honda, enough said
Very responsive back and front brakes. Fully recommend you learn how to use both simultaneously.
Very well looked after. Smooth gear changes. responsive braking and looks awesome!
Can't expect much on a 125 but my god can it accelerate
Full tank cost around 10 so its a winner
Pros
The shape
Cons
Sound/speed
Read More
Great
Great build
Brakes are eh
It's good
Good performance
10£ every few weeks
Pros
Looks and handling.
Cons
Maybe a sportier sound? Or cheaper price!
Read More
Comfort fine for shorter journeys, not sure all day would be good idea?
Honda - what do you expect.
standard ABS, not needed yet, but nice to have.
Very lightweight, nimble and basically ready good fun to ride. Not been anywhere near it limits on handling, cornering is superb.
I've given it a 3 as it has all the power allowed for a 125. Just leaves me craving a bigger bike.
Dirt cheap, easy 120mpg
Pros
Quality, reliability, weight, convenience, simplicity.
Cons
Fine as it is.
Read More
Typical Honda quality build, reliability and comfort. Bought as a suitable bike for local rides and shopping.
Honda quality build. Always reliable starting. No issues with it at all.
You have the total reliability of Honda braking systems.
Honda ride quality. A great lightweight bike for local travel.
For a small bike being used locally it has the power and braking you need.
With up to 130 miles per gallon and low insurance costs it is a real money saver.
Pros
The fact that I abuse it and it hasn't let me down
Cons
The rust prone swing arm
Read More
Bike is very comfy. I use it to commute and even long distant is never left me uncomfortable
Built well but they are known the get rusty swing arms
Bike stops well
Bike has never let me down has always ridden smooth as butter
It's a normal 125cc
Cheap as chips to run. I fill it every two weeks or so for a 10 mile journey 5-6 days a week
Pros
Superb commuter
Cons
Top speed
Read More
Low vibration,good seat height.
No faults that I can see.
No problems.
So easy to ride
It's only a 125cc so superb commuter.
Fill the tank to the brim and you get 100 miles before the fuel gauge drops to full easy 300 mile on a tank full and that's me doing 40 to 50 mph.
Pros
Low cost to run
Cons
Indicators
Read More
Just a nice bike to ride
No problems
Front disk, back drum, good brakes
Smooth & lightweight
Just the right amount of speed, I'm no boy racer.
No a full tank gives me 250 miles, very low cost to run
Pros
This is a great learner bike. Highly recommend for a first bike.
Cons
Foot pegs tucked back a bit and not a drum brake on the rear.
Read More
It's quite comfortable to ride. It's a day up position. I would prefer the foot pegs to be I bit further back.
Never broke down. It's just a year old and I've only had it a month now.
Bradford are okay they could be better.
It's a very lightweight bike. It corners well and is quite smooth to ride. If doing a lot of motorway riding you will need to add a wind screen.
It's a 125. It's not powerful.
I don't know how much a year it costs as I've only had it a month. It's £20 for the road tax for the year. Gets great has mileage.
Pros
Weight to speed ratio.
Cons
Rust on the metal that will need fixing.
Read More
Comfortable ride for a large person. Hours rides are fine.
Look very nice, not best material for fairing though does the job.
They work and have proven them selves a few time when people have pulled out on me.
Lovely acceleration for a 125, handles well and light enough to move around with ease.
Decent power and get over 70 on a slight decline.
10 every 10 days with daily commute and local trips…while riding for speed.
Pros
The bike is very comfy and a smooth ride. Really good for the smaller people and the upright position is great and reduces and back pains.
Cons
Gave a slightly louder stock exhaust.
Read More
The bike is very comfy and have never had any discomforts on any rides
Only ever had a clutch cable break on me but due to the old owner never looking after the bike. Never broken down
The bikes are very strong with a disc on the front and drum on the back. Comes to a smooth stop even on emergency stops.
The bike is nice a light so it rides nicely it also takes corners well with no issues.
The bike is a 125 but for it being a 125 it is off the line quickly and gets up to speed quickly
It has been a bit more expensive then other bikes i have owned but only due to the tank being slightly bigger but it does last at least 2 weeks.
Pros
Efficiency Comfort And its just feels solid
Cons
Honestly need a little more poke but what 125 bike doesn't.
Read More
Went from Coventry to Matlock and back in a day didn't feel numb and the bike was solid under me.
Its a Honda need i say more !!
Its a little heavy but the stopping is good over all swapping out the drum brake at the back for a disk will massively improve the braking however be sure to declare this mod if you do.
Corners well for a smaller bike feels solid in the corners as long as you remember its not as low as a sports bike like most learners like.
While limited it is nippy up to about 50 however after that you are squeezing it to the limiter.
Cheep as chips a tank of good fule is 10 and from Coventry to Matlock i used just under half a tank of fuel and we didn't take a direct route either.
Pros
Good bike in general
Cons
Better exhaust
Read More
Very good
125 goes ok injection model
Good
Awesome
Dual breaks
Good
Pros
It’s cheap to run, petrol, insurance and tax never break the bank and is great for a daily commuter.
Cons
The small seat storage is only enough for a small tool kit.
Read More
The soft suspension absorbs all bumps in the road, and the upright seat position makes for comfort on long journeys.
The engine is almost bulletproof never had any problems with it.
The brakes are good for what they are the front disk break never fails to slow down the bike and the drum brake at the back never fails to stop the bike , even in emergencies.
It’s light weight And easy to handle round corners, the skinny wheels have there downfalls but make it easier to lean round tight bends.
The bike is alright for a commuter, can keep up with traffic, it doesn’t have a fast top speed but it makes up for that in acceleration and handling .
The bike costs only around £20 for a full tank, I get around 170 miles from a full tank (normally riding round towns)
Pros
Nothing to complain about.
Cons
Bodywork
Read More
Not the fastest but comfy in long journeys.
Strong and long lasting.
I am using rev matching much as I can so they last longer.
Lovely to ride in short journeys. When you get to one hour of riding, you may stop to rest your arm only.
Not the most powerful but easy to fix when needed.
Very cheap taxes and maintenance.
Pros
Lovely ride and economic. Fantastic bike overall
Cons
Sometimes feels a bit too light
Read More
Feels a little light sometime but otherwise rides fantastically
As to be expected for a 125
Sometimes feels a bit too light
Never had any problems
Pros
Size great for tall people and strong for heavy people
Cons
None very happy customer with honda
Read More
Nice and high while riding
Nice rubble to the bike and very noticeable 125cc sound
None very happy customer with honda
Strong and sturdy
Great front disc brake (to the point). Very comfortable back drum brake
Pros
For my first bike the Honda CB125F has been amazing, I've learnt to ride on this bike and it's given me nothing but confidence in progressing in my motorcycle training. Above all it has given me much needed independence and I could not recommend this bike for beginner highly enough! Nothing could be improved, it naturally sends you on your way to getting a more powerful bike.
Cons
Nothing could be improved, it naturally sends you on your way to getting a more powerful bike.
Read More
For a 125 in a sub-urban town this bike is in its element, around the winding country roads and through town it could not be smooth enough.
This bike as a 125 gives ample power for new riders, it is controlled though has the ability to give you a little thrill making you want to find out more.
Nothing could be improved, it naturally sends you on your way to getting a more powerful bike.
As all Honda products you can tell the bike is made with though, all parts from mechanics to fairings you can tell its quality.
The breaks are great, I find the front break caters for almost 100% of situations but both are suitably effective.
Pros
How little I have to fill her up!! This bike has been such a brilliant buy for me. Safe and like a workhorse.
Cons
Could be just a little faster.
Read More
Light, maneuverable so great in traffic and smooth at top speed.
Smooth and quiet.
Could be just a little faster.
Seems really well built. Trust the Japanese.
Great to respond
Pros
Cheap to run, great for getting around locally. Good all rounder, economical and for new riders, a great bike to have and develop some road experience.
Cons
The design which falters the engine due to the overheating problem
Read More
Lightweight and nimble but also suffers from feeling vulnerable being lightweight
It's a 125 and perfect for a 125. What more can you expect!
The design which falters the engine due to the overheating problem
It really does deserve more stars for build quality but it is badly let down by the overheating problem which causes the bike to cut-off on hot days
Without ABS, the brakes are in need of serious refinement
Pros
Perfect lightweight bike for someone who is new, like myself to jump straight on. I wouldn't hesitate to go far and wide on this machine, which is what I aim to do. Great starter bike and looks the part too, nimble handling and lightweight
Cons
Would like more powerful for the A roads but it just won't squeeze out anymore with the size engine it is.
Read More
Very agile through corners
Powerful enough for a 125cc
Would like more powerful for the A roads but it just won't squeeze out anymore with the size engine it is.
Japanese quality
Never had any problems with stopping. Very powerful front brake, the back is only a drum though. Which is acceptable considering it being a 125
Pros
Overall, a pretty solid bike. Cheap and good Honda quality. Excellent for starting out but certainly nothing you want to keep for any longer than necessary.
Cons
Grip and overall handling. Plus the rear brake I guess.
Read More
Pretty nimble and smooth but sometimes seems to lack the grip you really want. The tyres are pretty small and it isn't a track bike or anything but it reduces your confidence when going for the tighter corners.
Nothing too spectacular. Again, it is a small bike not made for going fast but I find myself barely able to keep up with the acceleration on some cars.
Grip and overall handling. Plus the rear brake I guess.
Overall excellent build quality as you would expect from a Honda. Some of the fairings and plastic bodywork does look and feel cheap and could easily chip away but it is very affordable.
Front brake is pretty good as should be expected. Rear brake is shocking but that makes sense considering its an ancient drum brake on the back.
Pros
It’s a very nice to ride, stylish, good looking, and easy to ride bike that’s very forgiving for learners. The Honda CBF125 is a great stylish learners bike that handles well and is very forgiving for those who are learning but also makes a good commuting bike for those who are just looking to get around.
Cons
The exhaust, engine casing and other metal parts of the bike rust fairly quick but still function well. The dipstick for oil is made of plastic and black making it hard to read.
Read More
It rides fairly smooth and handles very well. It’s a lightweight bike that handles corners well for a 125cc bike
It’s engine is fairly powerful for a 125cc bike with a tough build and good performance achieving 65mph for its engine size.
As a 125cc bike it’s running costs are very low with a good MPG and not needing much to maintain it. Am able to fill the tank fully with supreme petrol for under 10 pound
It’s a very well built bike that feels strong and sturdy with all parts fitting perfect together. Never had any problems with it
It had fairly good front brakes the back doesn’t feel as good and sometimes squeaking but still good quality braking and grip for the bike and tyres used
Pros
Fuel economy is fantastic and overall it’s a laugh to ride. A great little bike for commuting and running round town. By far the greatest 125 based on the Honda CB of old. For what you pay it’s what you get but well worth every penny. Even the lowly 125cc makes the most boring ride fun
Cons
Definitely needs grippier tyres than the Conti Go’s and a rear calliper brake setup should be appreciated
Read More
No grip when leaning round corners
It’s a 125! Though for what is is it’s brilliant round town. Just avidly avoid dual carriageways
£17.50 road tax and does triple figures to the mile. Fuel economy is spectacular
Mechanically sweet as a nut. Never missed a beat even after throwing her off roundabouts. Rust however is a tad of an issue. Anything not painted or made of ally quickly turns a pretty shade of orange and then scary shade of brown
Single front caliper and rear drum. Brakes as expected…. slowly
Pros
Fuel economy. Road tax is cheap Insurance is cheap Feels like a bigger bike Bomb proof Honda engine. Great for beginners! Feels like a bigger bike, but light and maneuverable with cheap insurance rates and the fuel economy is outstanding!
Cons
Suspension. After a about half an hour on this bike, you can begin to feel the cheapness of the suspension
Read More
It's light and manoeuvrable, especially when commuting through town. It corners as well as any other 125 does.
Considering its a 125cc, it can reach 65-70mph (tops) so it can keep up with most of the traffic but it's not exactly a speed demon.
130mpg. £20 tax for the year. £40 insurance for beginners. For a first time rider, this bike is incredibly cheap and effecient. It has a nice road presence and feels like a bigger bike. The positioning of the bars makes it suitable for all weather types.
This thing is bomb proof! I've dropped it, crashed it and neglected it and it still continues to carry on no matter what.
Brakes are good quality and sharp! Sometimes too sharp causing the wheels to lock but that's partially due to cheap tyres and poor road conditions.
Pros
Fuel economy, ease to ride in the city.
Cons
Brakes are the only slight downside. ABS and a rear disc brake would improve but most likely not essential for a 125.
Read More
Lightweight and fun to ride, very easy to manoeuvre in and around traffic. Slim design is perfect for city traffic.
Obviously lacks power as it is a 125, however, still fast enough to beat cars off the line at traffic lights
Never runs out of fuel, can travel hundreds of miles before needing to refuel, and even then its only £10 to fill up.
No break downs, feels sturdy and well built.
Brakes are good, but lacks of ABS and rear disc brake.
Pros
The best thing has to be the fuel economy. You won't find many bikes that give you 260 miles to a tank.
Cons
Brakes. The brakes just simply aren't adequate in my opinion.
Read More
The CBF125s engine is a smooth, but slightly vibrational single cylinder. There is torque fairly low down the rev range and keeps you going. The suspension could certainly be better though, the front forks like to take a dive and the rear suspension is soft as whipped cream, although this does make for a comfortable ride in town and on slightly bumpier roads.
I give it a 4/5, as for a 125 it really isn't as quick as it could be, but it's a smooth, high revving engine, and the clutch is very, very light.
This is a very cheap bike to own, service, run and repair. If you do regular servicing on your own bikes and do the same to this one, it will go on forever. Parts are very cheap and easy to come by due to an abundance of these on the roads. You get 260 odd miles for £14 of petrol, so absolutely no complaints on running costs at all.
The CBF125 is made in India to a good standard, but I will say the frame is very prone to rusting, any salt or water gets near the frame and it just rusts up, definitely want plenty of ACF50 if taking it through the winter.
A tiny single disc front brake and a drum rear brake, the CBF could be miles better. The rear brake barely feels like it's there.