Honda’s humble CB125F has been one of the most popular motorcycles in Europe since its introduction over a decade ago. The learner-legal 125’s USP has always been its simplicity, tied to the reassurance of the Honda name and dealer network, and despite challenges from cheaper Chinese competitors, it’s always held its own as a bike of choice for riding schools and commuters looking for no frills motorcycling.
Now, for 2026, the CB125F gets an update, adding a few frills to the package but keeping the price down at £3299. That’s £140 more than last year’s model, but keeps it in that sweet spot between the Lexmotos and Voges of this world, and a good £1500 less than Honda’s own, more powerful and better equipped, CB125R.
And it works! The CB125F is the kind of commuter that made Honda famous back in the day. It’s beloved of riding schools because they are so easy to ride, are durable and have great dealer support, so we borrowed a bike for a couple of hours to remind ourselves why it remains so popular, in spite of the less expensive competition.
This won’t be the most comprehensive review you read on these pages, but there’s a reason for that. Firstly, as an experienced rider you’ve more or less sussed the CB125F out in the first mile of riding it and, secondly, it’s so basic there’s really not much to report.
The 2026 model year updates are all smart, but hardly at the cutting edge. There’s new bodywork and lighting to a more contemporary look, even though you have to look hard to see the differences, and the view from the cockpit is immensely better now the LCD dashboard has been replaced by a more modern 4.2” TFT item. It brings with it much more functionality, and you can connect it to your phone via the Honda RoadSync app.
That facilitates turn-by-turn navigation and allows you to control the music and calls through your phone. It also allows you to track your ride stats, while there’s also the addition of a USB-C charging port inside the small fairing. With the exposed handlebars allowing easy fitment of an accessory like a Quad Lock phone mount, it’s easy to set up for tackling the city streets and keeping your phone charged on the go.
Ergonomically, there are no apparent differences between the 2026 CB125F and its predecessor. Despite having bigger than norm 18” wheels, it’s compact and light, perhaps a little too compact for some bigger riders but, as a bike to learn on or to take on short journeys, it’s probably spot on for its intended use.
The 790mm seat height in itself isn’t that low, but its narrowness does give it that small feeling. At only 117kg with fuel, there really isn’t much lighter out there, and that’s reflected in the riding experience. It’s very agile in traffic, with a tight turning circle making it a doddle to manoeuvre.
The engine remains the basic air-cooled, two-valve, unit which powered the ‘previous’ F but it has been modified to meet with the latest Euro5+ emissions. It produces 8kw (around 10.7bhp) of the 11kw allowed under learner licence regulations, but with minimal weight it doesn’t feel underpowered around town.
On the open road it starts to run out of puff around 60mph and, unless you have a strong tailwind or a decent downhill slope, you’re unlikely to be seeing 70 on that TFT dash. It’s not the point, though if you want to do regular dual carriageway work it might be worth looking at a learner bike that makes all of that 11kw allowance. It’s also only got a five-speed gearbox, where the majority of modern 125s sport six cogs.
One of the biggest selling points of the CB125F has always been its frugality. Honda claims a staggering 188mpg, giving a potential range of over 400 miles from the 11-litre tank and, even if that does prove to be tough to match in the real world, you should easily be looking at 150mpg – there really isn’t much that’s cheaper to run.
Part of the update is a new ‘stop-start’ system, which cuts the engine out at standstill to reduce emissions and fuel economy. It does feel more intrusive than it does on Honda’s PCX125 scooter, being a little quick to cut in and slow to switch back on, but it can be switched off manually if you prefer.
Principally it’s a city bike. As we’ve mentioned, it runs out of steam a little on the open road. It’s also not really built for fun. The chassis is utilitarian and a combination of the basic componentry and light weight make it a bit nervous down bumpy back roads. The brakes aren’t the strongest you’ll find, and there’s not even any ABS.
Instead, the entry level Honda sports combined brakes, which activates the front and rear stoppers together, and that is the minimum legal requirement for a new A1 category bike. The lack of engagement isn’t really a criticism. It’s not why the CB125F was conceived, but it is worth mentioning. If you’re looking for a more dynamic experience you will find plenty of alternatives both new and on the second hand market.
It’s easy to understand why the CB125F sells so well. For riding schools and those looking to learn how to ride a geared motorcycle, it makes so much sense. If I was looking for a practical commuter though, for a few hundred quid more Honda’s own PCX125 scooter makes more sense thanks to its even easier twist and go transmission, better comfort and onboard storage.
The updates to the 2026 CB125F make perfect sense, and the new dashboard is a welcome addition. It will continue to sell in large numbers and I, for one, celebrate the role it plays in getting more and more riders onto motorcycles.
Honda CB125F Specification
Price: £3299
Engine: 124cc single-cylinder, SOHC, two-valves per cylinder, air cooled
Power: 10.7bhp (8kW) @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 10.9Nm @ 6,000rpm
Transmission: Five-speed, chain
Frame: Tubular steel chassis
Suspension: (F) 30mm telescopic forks, (R) twin shock absorbers with five-way preload adjustment.
Wheels/tyres: (F) 80/100 x 18”, (R) 100/80 x 18” five spoked cast aluminium wheels
Brakes: (F) 240mm front disc with two-piston caliper, (R) single drum with Honda Combined Braking System
Weight: 117kg (wet)
Wheelbase: 1280mm
Seat height: 780mm
Fuel tank: 11 litres
Fuel consumption: 188mpg (claimed)
Service intervals: 4000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 24 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.honda.co.uk
