is the honda cbr 125 really such a bad bike

[conpants]

im looking for a bike which will start on the button every morning, get me to work and back.
although i used to own a aprilia af1 50cc so love the sports bike look, i dont fancy a cg125 in other words

obviously i know it is slower then a 2 stroke but then again im fed up of a 2strokes reliability.

id love an rs125 but im moving away to live in london on my own next year so i got to be sensible with finances, and i cannot be doing with engine blowing up

the honda cbr125 is £2349 brand new and ill probably get a load of extras thrown in aswell ... ill make them

im pretty temped lol[/i]

[instigator]

hinda cbr125 Sounds like it's off ebay...

Its a semi decent bike if you don't expect a lot. Will be more reliable I guess than an rs or mito. But boy o boy, do you pay the price for owning such a hideous contraption. I really don't think it should be called a cbr at all.

Fair doo's its a 125, looks might not matter and all that, but if looks don't then get a cg125, because the majority of people seem to think the cbr is a right dogs dinner.

They keep their price well but I'd honestly say to you, pass your test as soon as possible. Use that extra money to pass. Many people regret not having done it sooner and it opens up the gateway for other bikes to consider.

So all in all, it's a okay little bike, won't go very fast, cheap to run and insure but looks like the dogs dinner.

[mchaggis]

Is it really such a bad bike? No. It's just too small and incomparable with two strokes. Oh, and too expensive.
____________________
I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[Josh|RD125LC]

mchaggis said it all there. Basically too small for a 125, not ideal for 'big' people, slow and sluggish, all power at low end which is not what you want. Also as said it is too overpriced for what it is. But if you want reliability then go for it. But don't expect to be blown away by performance. A top speed of around 75mph is not impressive.
____________________
Honda MBX50 | Yamaha RD125LC | Suzuki RG125F Lucky Strike | Suzuki GSF600S
RD125LC Pictures

[Stu_666]

I think most people think that the NSR 125 which the CBR 125 replaced was a far better bike. Having said that, I wished that I looked into one before getting the RS I've got at the moment. Have to say though that apart from a few niggles starting the RS a little while back it has been pretty good for reliability. I reckon a lot of problems people have with them is that they're normally bought by young blokes who tend to neglect them a bit so of course a few problems arise.

Before you do go for the CBR though, I'd definately recommend a test drive. Also perhaps think about possibly a restricted Bandit or Hornet or something like that (I'm guessing your about 17 as you're moving up from a 50cc ) as its quite common for people to get bored of a 125 after a while with the speed (or lack of it ).

[binge]

Im not over keen on them. Ok, Its a 4stroke so you are looking at between 70 and 80mph flat out. If your not after speed then Its still a bad bike if you are a big guy!

They are small compaired to a CG125. For the simple reason a CG125 is designed as a reliable 4stroke bike for anybody to ride. I was reading on the Honda site and the CBR125 was designed as a youngsters bike (i.e. CBT Learner league)

<|Ben|>

[conpants]

well its cheap compared to a 2stroke and requires less matenance

i am sitting my bike theory soon and i am gonna take the test ... but id be quite happy riding the cbr 125 .. plus if they hold their value well, what have i got to lose.

a 2 year old nsr125 is the same cost as a brand new cbr ..

im fed up of reliability .. and if it does about 70mph, i'll be fine with it i mean, its not like im going to be doing any great distance on it

[tatters]

honda CB125 parrel twin 4-stroke, dirt cheap to run, produces silghty more power than a CG125 and looks better. a cheap 125 2-stroke would be something like a kawaskai AR125 bit dated though but a good first 125
____________________
Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

[Dom_]

They are not bad bikes, it's just that Honda market them incorrectly putting them into the wrong category. For starters, it definately aint a supersports bike. more of a sports tourer/commuter. It also shouldn't be compared against the likes of RS125/Mito's as the handling and power is in a different league.

It all depends what you want out of your bike.

[Josh|RD125LC]

Great suggestion RedBaron why didnt I think of that. I have to agree there. The CB125 also having a better top end of 80mph, also electric start (the late 80's models) so that should start on the button as you requested. AR125 quite uncommon now but still nice bikes for their moneys worth. Being a 2 stroke reliability is a question but for perfromance you know what to expect.
____________________
Honda MBX50 | Yamaha RD125LC | Suzuki RG125F Lucky Strike | Suzuki GSF600S
RD125LC Pictures

[instigator]

[DynaMight]

If you are keeping to the laws of the CBT then theres not much between a RS125/Mito/NSR and a CBR125R in terms of acceleration/topend etc.

I quite like the CBR125 for what it is, A commuter with a fairing, It doesnt try to look like a full out sports bike like the RS125/Mito.

I dont think I'd ever want to go back to a 2t, I just wouldnt ever feel save it wouldnt just blow up on me, Plus I hate the smell and the sound.

Save up and get a proper 400/500 etc. Which will be cheaper to buy and run, You'll probably find the ins wont be that bad either.
____________________
My bikes are at https://www.bikepics.com/members/dynamight/

[G]

Why does everyone think it will be better on reliablity than say an NSR? Keep either well maintained and they should both be fine.

My NSR started on the third press in the middle of winter after having been sat for three months... and I had forgot to put the choke on for the first two attempts!


A four stroke will take more abuse before dieing, but do you want to abuse your bike to that degree?


I don't think the CBR is a bad bike; but only if you weren't paying more than £800 for one really.
If you buy one new you are going to have to run it in; 1000 miles at under 40mph; sounds like great fun .

I wouldn't call buying a new bike 'sensible with finances'; the main advanatage the CBR has over a 20 year old cb125 is looks. I'm sure you could do something better with the £2k+ you would probably save on buying an older bike .

[conpants]

i wouldnt be able to insure anythiung bigger, although i almostr have my 1 year no claim .. also im going to be living in central london next year so its ideal for commuting. i have vowed never to own a kawasaki AR again ... after having the ar50 lol. 75mph to me is more of a blessing then a curse at this age, cause if i had 130mph available to me, id probably try and use that 130mph and end up banned and/or with high insurance premiums. im going to get myself down to the dealers soon and have a chat, i also like the other honda, the off road style one (cant remember the name atm) thanks... i thought this was a forum of cbr waann dooo fwive haters

[G]

Insurance on a brand new NSR was over twice as much as insurance on a 10 year old NSR, despite the fact the performance is identical! This was TPO insurance.

So you may find that the CBR isn't so great for insurance; also you will want to get TPO, which will probably double the cost again... to the point a older cheap bike with insurance might cost less than just the insurance on the CBR alone!

[conpants]

well, i like the bike and it seems perfect for my kind of application ... bit of a poser you see my friend has one and i have ridden it, and i quite liked it. ill goto the dealer and have a chat with them

[G]

If you're happy to pay £2k for pose value, go for it .

Personally, I think you might find you enjoy riding the bike as well and want something more .
For the record, I got a 4 stroke 125 as a first bike with the intention of keeping it for two years. I wanted more after a couple of months. So not just speaking from prejudice .

However, the more that buy new bikes and lose loads of money on them, the more that can get them for decent prices next year .

[palmer]

cbr125 are teeeeny, they make my ar50 look big

they feel like a toy IMO.

but if you want a spongy, slow, small -but reliable - commuter, i guess you couldnt go wrong.... oh but they sound the nuts

[instigator]

You might want to check out: https://www.125ccsportsbikes.com/forums/index.php?showforum=15

And just read through some of the stuff they have said about the bike. It sounds like you've made your mind up already to be perfectly honest. I just know from my own experience that I should have passed my test a lot sooner than farting about on the slow 4 stroke bike I had too

Why not get a second hand cbr125 then? The freebies honda give you are pretty shite IMO, and every honda dealership will give you the same stuff (usually an arrow exhaust or something similar and maybe a jacket and helmet?)

Get a seocnd hand low mileage one and let someone else take the depreciation. That way you'll probably have the bike you want for less (and the possiblilty of having mods on it that you'll want later on should you buy a new one)

[simon1221]

All hail the return of the '2 strokes fall apart quicker than a 4t' debate.
____________________
DNA50 (sorry) ->> TZR125l >> GPZ500S

[stinkwheel]

Well I happen to think they are pretty nice little machines, they handle far better than they have any right to and the OHC liquid cooled motor is not being pushed hard so they should be the epitome of reliability.

On the downside they are overpriced and have too much plastic on them which smashes to bits at the first sign of tarmac.

If it is mainly for town use, you really don't need a fairing, you would be better spending less money on the XL125 trailie. You would command more road presence, have a better view due to being higher up and more low-speed manouverability. Also about ten times less stuff to break if (when) you come off it.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Kickstart]

Hi

125 2 stroke = .

125 4 stroke = .

Just me maybe, but I just find them unpleasant to ride. Little bottom end power and no top end power.

Reliability they might be OK, and less prone to sudden failure, but longer term more prone to premature wear by failing to change the oil or thrashing them from cold.

The RS and Mito are less reliable, but then there are more holes in their barrels than a Swiss cheese to enable them to produce double the power of a CBR125.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Visitor Q]

HAhahahahahahaha

You want to buy a cbr 125 for, wait for it, POSE VALUE.

Whats got more pose value, a nice loud fast wheelie or whopping your mates from the lights. Or a newer plate and shinier stuff.

Theres some muppet who parks outside my tesco and drools over his cbr. I mean christ. It looks like my old hartford legion, but with some cheap fairings stuck on it. Christ if you like that thing, do your test and get a gs500f. Same principle. But with ahem, some, grunt.

If i were you, get some dirty 125 with a kickstart. My hartford legion would run fine with no battery cos of kicker, and cost me £35 to fix after a pretty damn good crash. Got me from a-b, and some people still drooled over it - -, and it was quite a giggle cos it was so strong in 1st, and then nothing any other gear (literally).
____________________
China traffic/travel bike vid - When I make a sweeping statement, please add the word 'statistically' in to the sentence before you bitch...
From September 2014 to January/February 2015 I will not be using any English, nor reading any. As such, I won't be on here. PM at will, but I won't be checking/posting unless in emergencies. Certainly not for the first couple of months. Please berate me savagely if I break that rule...

[The Tot]

London is very keen on their CBR - but couriers tend to use them because they are small and uber manoverable due to their anorexic tyres. If you want a FUN and practical bike and is cheap to insure IN LONDON and allows for a commanding view of the road - i may recommend any USED 2 stroke traillie - a DT125. Power and fun into one. Failing that, if you want something more up to date -XR125L. Nice machines- can handle the mud, can trudge in the snow, corners nicely, WHEELIES like a pornstar with a boner and has a practical rack for carrying 10kgs of cargo - usually shopping and a looped security chain. I'm an unemployed A level student in NW london, paying 420 TPO on my XR (age - 17) compared to 820 for a CBR!!! Practically running the same engine. But to be perfectly honest with you, a Trail bike will handle london's roads much better than a wrist aching sports bike. And i'd say that an XR/DT/KMX looks much more "bikey" than a CBR125 ANYDAY - but that's just my baised opinion - look at the Stunt Saturday Herts video by 89CBRchris to see shots of the XR in action, maybe it'll be enough to tempt you from your CBR.

But having said that- it's better to do your test first as it frees up more options.
____________________
The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[mchaggis]