As has been the case for the past four years, Honda used the annual EICMA motorcycle show to present a pair of design concepts – this time based around the funky new CB125R learner machine.
The company’s Rome-based R&D studio showcased the adventure styled CB125X and the supermotard CB125M at the show, and there’s every chance that we’ll see something similar in Honda dealerships in a year or two’s time. The past three years have seen other prototypes debuted at the show, which have gone onto become production machines in the guise of the Africa Twin, X-ADV and CB650R.
The white CB125X is a mini adventure bike in the vein of the popular CB500X. With its chiselled lines, hand guards, bash plate and high-mounted instruments, it has more than a whiff of a Dakar rally bike about it. The coolest detail is the three part headlight, which sees two small triangular headlights hidden away in the side pods and supporting the main central unit.
The CB125M is a stripped back yet futuristic supermotard, which was presented on slick racing tyres and with a tiny LED headlight.
Both bikes need some of the road going essentials if they are to make it into production, such as indicators and number plate hangers, but with Honda claiming that sales of 125s have risen by 25% in Europe this year, we’d be staggered if the kids aren’t riding around on something similar in the next few years.
