Honda CBR125R (2011-2019) review & used buying guide

The Honda CBR125R has been a sales sensation. It's easy to ride, comfortable, gives good fuel economy and, above all, it’s a Honda, so it's built incredibly strongly. As a 125cc motorbike it's suitable for learners on L-plates as long as they've passed a CBT.

For 2011 the CBR125R was updated. The mini-emperor had new clothes and everyone could see they were considerably sportier. While not as sharp as the Yamaha YZF-R125, it carried off the ‘big-bike’ look very well. It rode just as well too.

The CBR125R went off sale in 2018, leaving just Honda's naked CB125R and ultra practical and thrifty CB125F in Honda's full-size 125 motorbike range.

Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you might want to join an online community to learn more about the bike and what it's like to live with. We'd recommend trying the Honda CBR Forum or the Honda Owners' Club GB Facebook group.

Video: Yamaha R125 vs Honda CBR125R vs Aprilia RS 125

In this film MCN's Trevor Franklin pits three of the most popular 125cc motorbikes on sale in 2011 - the CBR125R takes on Yamaha's R125 and the Aprilia RS 125.

This precise design ethos runs through to how the CBR rides. Although sporty in looks, the riding position is upright and comfy and the rider sits in the bike to give a feel of being in control. Seriously, anyone can jump onto the Honda and feel at home, safe and confident.

Typically Honda, the CBR’s steering is light neutral and precise. And while the IRC tyre branding puts a spark of fear into the hearts of veteran MCN testers, on dry, warm roads they do a good job of allowing a budding sport rider to build confidence.

While the brakes and suspension are adequate, they sit just right with the CBR’s universal ‘friendly’ appeal by not being harsh or sharp.

Let’s face it; a restricted 125cc machine is going to receive abuse. Constant full throttle in an attempt to move along with the traffic will be met with heavy gearbox use, but Honda’s little lump has proved to be a reliable unit. It’s modern by way of fuel injection and water cooling and that’s all you need to worry about with basic checks of oil and coolant level along with the usual warranty service schedule.

Power-wise it’s bang on the power-to-weight allowance and lacks initial get up and go – it’s a job to stay ahead of traffic from the lights. And what about the Honda CBR125R top speed? It’ll struggle to maintain 70mph but 60mph isn’t a problem.

Another likeable part of the Honda is the way it sips unleaded in a commuter-style. 65mpg-plus is easily achievable.

Where the CBR scores highly is the fuel injected motor’s effortless/smooth throttle control. But although the CBR is tractable from the moment the throttle is twisted, it ain’t no power-house. It gains speed with fluidity and no amount of throttle action makes the bike anything but pleasant rather than true race-replica exciting.

Built in Thailand under close scrutiny of Honda personnel so Honda’s legendary reliability shouldn’t suffer one jot. Spares can be expensive – like any motorcycle – and this is worth remembering when taking part in the Roundabout Challenge Trophy – the IRC tyres are made for longevity rather than outright grip.

Our Honda CBR125R owners' reviews show very positive scores, with only one complaint of a bit of rust starting to appear. Looks very closely over the bike before you decide to take the plunge. However, another owner states that the bike fares well when dropped, which is a great observation on a bike appealing to learners.

Honda was hoping the CBR would sell in volumes and priced it accordingly. Even so it was not as cheap as we’d hoped for – Yamaha’s XJ6 Diversion F ABS was only £6999 – but considering the rising cost of raw materials and poor currency exchange it wasn’t so bad, especially when the bike was as good as everyone expected.

Rivals from the 125cc sportsbike class include the Yamaha YZF-R125, the Aprilia RS125 and the KTM RC125.

The MCN Verdict: Honda CBR125R vs Yamaha YZF-R125 vs Aprilia RS125 vs Kymco KR Sport 125 vs Rieju RS3-125 LC Racing

It would be fair to ask: "What is the point in paying over £4k brand new for a bike that is only required to pass the 125cc learner test?" The answer to that is you pay for what you believe in… To further the sports bike riding experience, like anything in life, you need the proper tools. OK, a bike like the Kymco KR Sport 125 will suffice for most, but then other factors like desirability and resale values come into play.

Honda’s original CBR 125 and the Yamaha YZF-R125 have strong residual values as borne out by dealers’ resale prices. Yes, they are higher than private sales but you do get the benefit of a warranty.

There will always be a winner in group tests and the ‘performance’ winner is Aprilia’s RS125. Strange then the RS125’s death bell should be ringing. Aprilia is rumoured to be canning its two-stroke engine in favour of a clean and more user friendly four-stroke. We hope it is just the engine because the chassis is the best here.

Rieju is onto a winner with its RS3. The same engine as the Yamaha but the Spanish bike outperforms it. Once the Rieju’s suspension is sorted, the £900 saving over the Yamaha could feel like £2000! Kymco’s KR Sport is now relegated to a workhorse in this company, but this no bad thing if you want value.

And finally Honda’s CBR125R. Brilliant in every area and keenly priced, it is the bike the heart and head will agree is the bike to have.

Taiwanese-made but Honda’s design and quality control exude from the Honda CBR125R specs. This can be seen from yards away with its heavily influenced Fireblade-form. Look closer and quality of detail hits home – the drilled and slotted discs, long thin-stem mirror stalks to allow an uncluttered view and a shaped hugger to keep crud off the rear end.

Honda themselves would sell you a raft of optional extras for the CBR125R, so keep an eye on the spec of used bikes for sale to see whether they've benefitted from any.

There's also a vast range of Honda CBR125R tuning parts available from various companies, providing everything from exhausts to full race setup. The quality of these modifications may vary, so again, play close attention to the specs and ensure you're buying bits that'll last.