Honda’s hugely popular CB125F has been given a serious makeover for 2021, with a sharp new suit, improved fuel economy and a hugely significant 11kg weight saving over the model it replaces.

A favourite of riding schools and commuters alike, the entry level CB125F has been one of Britain’s best-selling geared 125s for years and the latest version promises to be even cheaper to run with a claimed 27% improvement in fuel economy.

At the heart of this Euro5 update is a brand-new low-friction engine, using what Honda calls its eSP (enhanced Smart Power) technology, which has previously featured on the best-selling PCX125 scooter.

The new motor remains a basic air-cooled, two-valve, single cylinder design, but Honda has gone to great lengths to reduce the internal friction within the engine, utilising technology such as an offset cylinder, piston oil jet and the use of needle bearings for the roller and rocker arms. As a result, the new engine is cleaner running, more fuel efficient and some 7kg lighter than that of the previous CB125, a large chunk of which comes from the adoption of an alternating current generator, which combines the functions of the generator and starter motor. The new engine provides a marginal power and torque boost, albeit with a still modest 10.7bhp peak to make it legal for learners (riding with a CBT and L plates) and A1 licence holders. Claimed fuel consumption is a staggering 188mpg, a massive improvement on the old model’s ‘mere’ 144mpg. If the numbers stack up in the real world, it gives Honda the upper hand on its key rival, the Yamaha YS125, which delivers around 140mpg according to manufacturer figures, and the Honda delivers a theoretical near 500 mile range from a full 11 litre tank of fuel. Further contributing to the low maintenance and low running costs is a CG125 style enclosed chain, which is driven by a five-speed manual gearbox. Other practical features include a useful centre stand and passenger grab rail, while the seat height has gone up slightly, to 790mm, which should aid the comfort for many riders.

The Italian assembled CB125F may not be the most glamorous model in the Honda range, but it is one of the most important and biggest selling bikes they have. The latest version is no mild makeover, rather an all-new model. That ‘newness’ extends to the frame, which is constructed from high tensile steel tubes and is 1.7kg lighter than that of the old version. The result is a motorcycle that weighs just 117kg fuelled up, 11kg or 8.6%, lower than the outgoing CB125F.

Speaking of the new model, project leader Ken Tomiyasu said: “For us, benchmarks are important. So, we have set about a quiet revolution with our all-new CB125F, keeping its useful around-town performance but adding much greater fuel economy. It also features advanced low-friction technologies in the eSP engine, confident handling from its chassis, and looks that an owner can be really proud of. We are very proud that so many people will begin their motorcycling journey with Honda on CB125F, and know that it will provide pleasure and practicality in equal measure.”

Other improvements include better rear suspension, with the twin shocks offering five way preload adjustment, and sharper styling in line with the ‘Neo Sports Café’ concept used on their premium range of CB nakeds. Other more premium touches include a new digital dashboard, with an economy gauge, and an LED headlight. There are three colour options (red, black or white) and although prices are yet to be confirmed, expect a small increase on the outgoing model and an RRP in line with its main rival, the £3074 Yamaha YS125.

Technical Specifications