Suzuki GN 125 vs Honda CG 125

Bene · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Feb 2013 Karma :

Hi, I am looking to replace my old Yamaha SR 125 with either the Suzuki GN 125 or the Honda CG 125, and looking for a few pros and cons of each or just general opinions. I have read that they are both very reliable bikes which is what I am after. I plan to ride a 125 for another 4/5 years before moving on to a bigger bike so I want this bike to last that time.

I get the impression that he Hondas are slightly more reliable and can do more mileage than the suzuki, is this true? I have seen a Suzuki with 27k on the clock, which looks OK but is this mileage a bit on the high size?

I prefer the style of the Suzuki but wonder if the Honda would be a better practical alternative.

Any thoughts would be welcome, thanks. I am looking to get something around 2006-2008, with a budget of 1k max. I do not like the sport bikes with fairings.

Thanks.

Eddie Hitler · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Karma :

Don't forget there's the Yamaha ybr125. All 3 bikes are more or less the same, I would go for whatever comes up locally for a good price/condition etc. Thumbs Up

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TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

I haven't had the newer models however I have had both and currently got the Gn now. Personally I'd go for the CG it's has natural relaxed seating position, you can easily toss it around corners, easily check the oil (prefer dipstick myself to display on the side), the brakes aren't that good (same with the gn). Also it has a smaller wheelbase (or at least seems it), both are great on fuel at least 100+ to a full tank.

Problems wise I've had more on the CG that includes cush drive rubbers both wheels, seized back brake to center stand, new battery, dodgy electrics and indicator relay on CG and GN. So far the only thing Ive needed to have replace on the GN was a throttle cable, indicator relay and exhaust from previous owners mess up.

Things to look out for are shagged throttle cables (not maintained they snap), that it goes into gears correctly as well as the electrics working. As long as you take care of either bike it will do you well, regular oil changes, lubrication and chain maintenance.

One thing I would recommend if you choose any are bar ends, protect your throttle encase you go down.
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet

bladerunner · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Karma :

Gn might offer a little(very little) more go if it's the pushrod CG your looking at.....we used 3 gn's at the training school for 5 years and apart from a couple of carb diaphragms splitting they were day in day out bomb proof and stood up to the start stop start stop life of a training school bike with 10 emergency stops a day and red lined at full throttle for a few miles of duel carriage way work for years.

The engine is based on the old gs/dr 125 which used to have restricted oil to the top end resulting in camshaft/head failure if not looked after. Modified on the GN models but keep the oil topped up and fresh just to be safe. The CG is also just as competent but less erm....style in some eyes but more sold so parts are plentiful and tend not to be bought by youths as a result. If your looking for a few years from the bike....get the best condition lowest possible mileage one close to you.
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Current bikes...cbr929, KDX200's, Rd125lc mk2, RGV250's

doombug11 · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 27 Jun 2013 Karma :

Rode my mates GN125 back across the country for him when he brought it, very solid little machine. Only issues he's had is with the ignition barrel. Preferred it to the CG, just a bit more fun I guess even if there's barely anything between them performance/quality wise.
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1999 CBR900RR, 1984 CM200 (previously 125)

trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

I agree with eddie. Ybf, GN, CG - all much of a muchness. None of that matters - what does is condition and price. Pull the trigger on any of those if the right bike comes up. Just keep looking.
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

Bene · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Feb 2013 Karma :

Great thanks a lot. I have a slight preference for the gn but will take what comes up.

I have been put of the YBR a little, though the custom ones look good. My brother had one and had a lot of problems with it, so it probably wasn't bikes fault as it might of been thrashed by two teenagers before. It felt strange to sit on after being on the sr too.

STONEY! · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Karma :

What's wrong with the sr?

Bene · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Feb 2013 Karma :

Nothing major wrong, it needed a new exhaust and adjustments to the chain was quoted £188 to sort. It is a 93 bike and obviously a little rough and ready looks wise so I thought I'd be better of selling and putting the money towards another bike.

STONEY! · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Karma :

Just do the work yourself mate neither of those jobs are hard and an exhaust is going to be Cheap, new one on ebay £60.

bladerunner · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Karma :

A GN or a CG will need the exhaust changing every few years as well...and erm chain adjusting Shocked

if you can't do that.....don't really think you should be riding bikes lol
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Current bikes...cbr929, KDX200's, Rd125lc mk2, RGV250's

Bene · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Feb 2013 Karma :

It needed a link taking of the chain, I can adjust the chain thanks. Really just looking for advice on the CG or GN and not my skills or why I should keep a 21 year old ugly looking bike.

Thanks.

CG Sam · Crazy Courier Joined: 08 Apr 2013 Karma :

Bene · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Feb 2013 Karma :

Hi thanks but I have already sold the bike and want another bike. Regardless of the exhaust I wanted another bike either the Suzuki or Honda. Saw one at £900 but with 27k on the clock wondered if this was a little too high value wise, think it is really so will be on the lookout. The bike has to be good for another 4/5 years and although happy with the SR in the first year wanted something a little newer over the coming years. I slightly prefer the Suzuki.

flumpy7 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 May 2008 Karma :

Yeah £900 is asking a lot for that mileage....not that it wouldn't do the same again if its been looked after. For £1000 you should be able to bag a much smaller mileage 125.
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2012 Sinnis apache

flumpy7 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 May 2008 Karma :

And FWIW if I was in the market for a 125 for that long....I'd invest in a varadero.
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2012 Sinnis apache

bladerunner · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Karma :

£900 for 27k miles is to much! Should be able to pick up a 10k mile one for that money....and erm sorry but you did say chain adjustment! And style wise not a lot of difference between the SR and GN in my eyes... The Honda twin on the other hand Wink

as well as a bit of extra go and smoother engine has a bit more big bike feel for the cost of an extra plug every second service
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Current bikes...cbr929, KDX200's, Rd125lc mk2, RGV250's

trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

Lol how the fuck is the SR ugly but the GN not?!? We're getting into the realms of rivet counting to tell 'em apart.
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

Bene · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Feb 2013 Karma :

Bene · Nova Slayer Joined: 10 Feb 2013 Karma :

But yes thanks I will look for a bike with about 10k on the clock and in good condition.