Honda CBR125R (2004 - present) review

The CBR125 replaces the NSR125, not the fastest but a good looking and reliable learner tool. Currently selling very wellThe CBR125 replaces the NSR125, not the fastest but a good looking and reliable learner tool. Currently selling very well

Due to Sam’s L-plates, taking the M25 to Harwich was out, so we cut through London and picked up the A12 heading east, soon entering uncharted waters for Sam as we slipped under the M25 barrier. On the open dual carriageway it rapidly developed into a slipstreaming contest as we tried to eek out every last mph. On the CBR125R Sam’s miniscule frame allowed him to exploit the frankly pathetic performance of the Honda and keep up with the more rapid Aprilia and Yamaha.

Even looking at the CBR you know it’s built to a budget and will be lacking performance. Over the last few years it has been the only four-stroke race rep 125 that has sold in big numbers. A testament to the fact that all the competition looked cock rather than the ‘racy’ Honda looking any good. Things have changed. Stand it next to the Yamaha and it looks like a shit commuter with a slight nod towards a fairing. The Yamaha and Aprilia look like ‘proper’ bikes.

Which is how they ride. On dual carriageways the Honda gets buffeted around in the wind as the rider battles to stop both knees dragging on the ground due to the subterranean seat height. It feels tiny, not all that settled at speed, and lacking in grunt. Quite often on the Honda you have to change down a gear at 70mph to deal with a slight incline or particularly vicious breath of wind, while the Yamaha forges happily on.

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