Honda CB125F - practical and economical
More and more two-wheelers with 125cc engines appear on Polish roads. One of the most interesting proposals is the new Honda CB125F, which combines an attractive appearance, decent workmanship and at the same time an affordable price.
Honda fans don't need to introduce the CBF 125. The practical two-wheeler has been on the company's offer for years. A new CBF has been prepared for the current season. The belonging of the equipment to the line of new motorcycles (CB500F, CB650F) is emphasized by the changed name - CB125F. One can argue for a long time whether the novelty is actually the smallest SV, or the two-track one offered so far after a deep modernization.
However, there is no doubt that Honda took this project seriously. She worked on the engine, changed the frame, the shape of the rims, the shape and size of the fairings, lights, turn signals, the bench, the footpegs, the chain case, and even the color of the rear suspension springs.
Complex improvements had a positive impact on the appearance of the motorcycle. The CB125F no longer looks like a budget two-wheeler that was designed for customers in the Far East. Optically, it is closer to the mentioned CB500F and CB650F. Those with a younger heart will also appreciate the eschew of discreet paint schemes. The bright yellow CB125F has something to please.
In the cockpit, you'll find a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, daily odometer, and even a display of the currently selected gear. It is a pity that there is no place even for the simplest clocks.
The designers of the CB125F abandoned the 125-inch wheels used in the CBF17 in favor of the "eighteen". We will appreciate them when we are faced with the need to overcome a bumpy or dirt road. In such conditions, the CB125F is surprisingly comfortable - soft suspension settings also pay off.
You don't have to worry about the condition of the bottom of the exhaust manifold. Ground clearance is more than 160 mm. When trying to drive fast on asphalt, the front suspension dives after pressing the brake. It remains to live with this, since the spring preload can only be adjusted from the rear.
We mentioned that the engineers took a closer look at the powertrain. We have 10,6 hp available. at 7750 rpm and 10,2 Nm at 6250 rpm. Slightly smaller than the Honda CBF 125.
0,7 HP and 1 Nm are designed to improve performance at low and medium speeds. We will appreciate it first of all in city traffic. Smooth starting is made easier and higher gears can be shifted faster. The gear selection mechanism is precise and silent. The clutch lever, in turn, provides a symbolic resistance, so that even prolonged driving in traffic is impossible in the palm of your hand.
It is a pity that we still do not have the gear ratio of the 125th gear. CBF aims to be a versatile motorcycle. The Six will reduce fuel consumption and improve driving comfort on national and expressways. An alternative would be to lengthen the gears.
According to the current specification, the CB125F efficiently accelerates to 70 km/h, and on the route it effortlessly maintains a "cruising" 90 km/h. Under favorable conditions, the technique accelerates to 110-120 km / h. However, at maximum speed, the tachometer needle reaches the end of the scale. In the long run, such a drive will not benefit the engine. Moreover, it is cooled only by air, which makes it difficult to maintain the optimal temperature of the drive unit under heavy load.
Even with intensive driving, fuel consumption does not exceed the threshold of 3 l / 100 km. Under typical operating conditions, the engine consumes 2,1-2,4 l / 100 km, which, in combination with a 13-liter tank, guarantees an impressive range. Depending on the driving style, gas stations have to be called in every 400-500 km.
With a curb weight of 128 kg, narrow tires and an upright driving position, the Honda CB125F is easy to handle. There are no problems with maneuvering, as well as with setting the motorcycle in corners. The couch rises 775 mm above the road, so even short people can stay on their feet. However, this is an extreme scenario. The CB125F is extremely agile, and even slowing down to the speed at which we overtake cars stuck in traffic doesn't throw it off balance.
The spacious bench and upright riding position suggest that the bike will prove its worth on longer rides as well. However, it is not. When driving faster, gusts of air may be felt. Small side fairings do not divert air flow from the knees and legs. The hood over the indicators is also ineffective. Riding without motorcycle clothing on cold days will certainly not be comfortable.
Honda CB125F was priced at PLN 10. This is one of the cheapest 900s in the group's palette under the red wing badge. The technique does not cause special emotions, but it is soundly designed, easy to operate and economical. Anyone who has had a category B driver's license for at least three years and would like to switch to two wheels should be pleased.
