Bike Files: Honda CB125F

Motorcycling doesn’t get any more basic, or popular, than this…

CB125F? That’s just a learner motorbike, right?

The Honda CB125F isn’t just a learner motorcycle, it is Britain’s best selling learner motorcycle.

Actually, you can scrub that. The CB125F is the best selling motorcycle in the UK full stop. In terms of powered two-wheelers, only the Honda PCX125 and Yamaha NMAX scooters sold more than the venerable CB in 2023. It outsold the mighty BMW R 1250 GS as the most popular geared motorcycle in the UK, and those figures were not a flash in the pan.

This is a hugely popular and important motorcycle which sells in massive numbers each year, meaning it fully deserves its entry into our Bike Files.

What makes the Honda CB125F so important?

It is such a typical Honda product, designed to do a specific job with the minimum of fuss. It’s a motorcycle which plays an important role in keeping the country moving, whether that’s helping learners complete their CBT, get their licence or simply get to work. It’s cheap, cheerful and easy to ride – a real unsung hero of the motorcycling world.

So what’s it like to ride a Honda CB125F?

It’s a simple motorcycle, making it very easy to review. It’s quite a narrow and spindly motorbike but unlike, say, Honda’s diddy Monkey or Dax, it has more natural dimensions for most riders. The seat height is 790mm, similar to many bigger bikes, but the narrow stride makes it accessible to a wide range of riders.

At 117kg, it is an extremely light motorcycle, and that’s reflected in the handling. Around town it’s ideal for performing tight manoeuvres, and there’s enough power to stay ahead of the traffic.

The engine only produces 10.7bhp (8kw), which is below the 11kw allowed for learner bikes, and if you are looking to ride a bit more on dual carriageways and open roads then it might be worth investing in a more premium 125, which should deliver closer to a 70mph top speed – with better handling and braking to boot.

Not that the CB125F is terrible on the open roads, it isn’t, but the chassis components really are very basic, including the tyres and brake arrangement - which is a linked system rather than the anti-lock brakes used by most more premium models.

Top speed is around 65mph in favourable conditions, although inclines and headwinds will have a negative effect on performance.

But around town it’s got all you really need. There’s a reason why riding schools use them so much. Not only are they inexpensive, they’re an absolute doddle to ride and can take loads of abuse. If you are looking for a small bike to take on the urban jungle, the CB125F really does tick a lot of boxes.

How basic is basic?

It is a simple machine, that’s for sure, but there’s still some bits and pieces on it which might surprise. You get a neat little digital dashboard, a small flyscreen fairing to tidy up the front end, an LED headlight and a centre stand.

So it’s cheap to run?

Is there cheaper?

As well as being inexpensive to purchase, you’ve got a motorcycle with a low insurance group and amazing fuel economy.

Official fuel consumption is almost 190mpg (you read that correctly) which is truly staggering.

That single-cylinder, two-valve engine might not be the most powerful thing out there but it has been designed to be reliable and economical. Honda have endowed it with something called eSP, which stands for ‘enhanced Smart Power’. This is an design which reduces internal friction in the engine, making it so incredibly efficient.

It might be a ‘cheap’ bike that looks to have outdated technology on paper, but that’s far from the case and a lot’s gone into it under the skin. Stuff like off-set cylinder and piston oil jet cooling, alternating current generators and needle bearing operated valves ain’t going to win you any bragging rights at the local bike meet, but you’ll still have the last laugh when you tell them you can do over 150 miles on a fiver of unleaded.

But what if you want something a bit fancier?

We’ve been totally honest here, the CB125F is a utilitarian tool with little to no glamour about it. Honda themselves make the most comprehensive range of 125s of any manufacturer, so you won’t need to step out of their showroom to find a more premium learner motorbike to take your fancy.

We’re big fans of their mini bikes (Monkey, Grom, Dax) which are physically smaller cult machines, and which also don’t cost a fortune, while the CB125R is the Big H’s answer to the likes of the KTM Duke 125 and Yamaha MT-125. It's a really cool roadster that’s right on the 11kw learner limit, giving it more speed to go with its high specification chassis.

What other basic learners are out there?

With Yamaha having discontinued the similar YBR125/YS125 a few years back, Honda is now the only mainstream manufacturer offering such a basic conveyance.

If you want a brand new motorcycle, you’ll really be looking to China and one of the many manufacturers of similar simple machines from the likes of Lexmoto, Sinnis and Zontes. These bikes offer similar levels of performance for even lower prices. Decent as they are though, they aren’t able to match Honda for its brand reputation or dealer network.

At the time of writing (early 2025) the CB125F costs £3149, over £1500 less than the high spec CB125R (which, despite the similar name, is a completely different motorcycle). If you want a simple and inexpensive brand new learner motorbike with a premium name on the tank, you’ll be hard pressed to beat this little Honda.

Have there been any updates over the years?

Sure, all manufacturers tend to make regular updates – if only to adapt to changing emissions laws – and the Honda CB125F is no different. Modifications tend to be minimal over the years, for example the 2024 version gained a different silencer, pillion grabrail and slightly posher paint options.

The model was introduced in 2015, replacing the slightly more upmarket CBF125F (which featured a half fairing), but the version we’re focusing on came along in 2021. Although it looks the same, the engine was completely redesigned to be cleaner, while the chassis shed 11kg. It proves that even though it’s very much a base model, it remains an important part of the Honda range.

Who is likely to buy a Honda CB125F?

The CB125F is an absolute favourite with riding schools, being easy to ride, cheap to run, fairly robust and capable of withstanding abuse from ham-fisted novices.

It’s also popular with delivery riders looking for an alternative twist and go scooters (fitted with the obligatory top box, of course) and every day commuters. If you’re someone looking for simple transport, and won’t ride much beyond the city boundaries, this will do you proud.

Can you modify a Honda CB125F?

The Honda CB125F is no speedster, so any changes will tend to be aimed at improving comfort and everyday practicality than it will outright performance.

Top boxes, handlebar muffs and phone mounts to attach your smartphone to the handlebars are the sort of accessories needed to get the best out of this little workhorse.

Drop bars, crash protectors which limit damage in the event of the bike falling over, are also worthwhile accessories for rookie riders and are an almost essential modification on most riding school bikes we’ve seen.

Sure some will get out the hacksaw and welding gear in order to come up with a bike shed style special, but really these are bikes which are much more about doing a simple job well as they are being flashy and attention grabbing.

The most common modification is fitting L plates. It really is a popular little learner bike!

Why should I buy a Honda CB125F?

You’re looking to get into motorcycle and want a no-nonsense set of wheels which is cheap to buy, cheap to run and easy to ride. With the added bonus of being made by the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers.