An entry-level 125cc motorcycle has to be a multi-faceted machine. To some it represents the most economical way of getting from A to B, both in terms of initial affordability and running costs. To these riders it must be durable, easy to live with and economical: simple, trouble-free transport at its most fundamental.

But to many new riders a 125 is the start of their motorcycling adventure, their first ‘real' bike. So it must deliver all of the above and everything else that a motorcycle should - the excitement, freedom and instinctive pleasure that two wheels bring to everyday life. Yet it also has to be easy for a novice to manage as he/she learns, with build quality that instills tangible pride of ownership and style that adds street credibility.

For any manufacturer, welcoming and introducing fresh entrants to their brand is important. The right initial experience can lead to a lifelong association, especially when a family progression is built into the line-up for when age and experience advance.

Honda's CBF125 has long proved a tough, user-friendly entry-level motorcycle. The new 2015 CB125F is drawn from a fresh gene pool and while it maintains the previous model's core strengths, it builds heavily on quality, ease of use and a desirable new look. It's a great bike to simply get you where you need to be - or from where to begin the ride of a lifetime.

Model Overview

The new CB125F has been styled with a strong family resemblance to the twin-cylinder CB500F and four-cylinder CB650F. An injection of aggressive ‘streetfighter' attitude matches an upright riding position and wide handlebars, giving excellent control.

An all-new steel frame provides strength, with geometry for all-round reactive and confident handling. Revised 18-inch (from 17-inch) wheels iron out surface imperfections and aid stability, as do the telescopic forks and twin rear shocks. Powerful but novice-friendly braking is delivered by a hydraulic caliper and disc up front with a drum rear.

Heart and soul of the new CB125F is its robust fuel-injected single-cylinder engine. The engine has been developed to deliver strong low and mid-range torque with crisp throttle response. It provides brisk acceleration in busy urban situations, is easy to manage and smooth at all rpm thanks to the addition of a balancer shaft. It's also economical and a ready starter in challenging weather conditions thanks to use of the latest design PGM-FI system.

For the end user the other good news is that the 2015 CB125F, armed with an array of improvements plus Honda engineering and high quality finish arrives in dealers at a highly competitive price point.

Key Features

Styling & Chassis

With strong desire for naked motorcycles of all capacities throughout Europe, the CB125F channels its larger siblings' street style with a broad-shouldered and muscular ‘mass forward' stance. Angular side shrouds extend forward from the fuel tank and the contoured side cowls narrow neatly, minimizing the height difference between rider and pillion.

The compact nose cowl surrounding the multi reflector headlight and dash display completes the aggressive new look. Clear indicator lenses and orange bulbs add a stylish finishing touch.

The engine, exhaust downpipe and muffler, fork lowers and wheels are blacked out, underlining the crisp lines and bright paintwork. Subtle red detailing is to be found on the shock springs and Honda logo on the engine crankcases. It's a bike built to endure the rigours of European weather, whilst its new style, build quality and finish add greatly to owner satisfaction.

As a machine that will see use as every day commuter, riding school stalwart and open door to the world of motorcycling, its riding position is upright and relaxed, with more forward-set footpegs and wide handlebars (pulled back slightly, with 45° lock left and right) giving optimum control, rider confidence and all-round visibility. Seat height is 775mm.

The integrated steel frame suspends the engine from a sturdy central spine and features geometry that provides the best balance between ride comfort and straight line stability, with a focus toward light steering input and sporty feel at all lean angles. Rake and trail are set at 26° and 97mm with wheelbase of 1295mm. Kerb weight is just 128kg.

Dual rear shocks offer 5-step spring preload adjustment and complement the 120mm telescopic fork's compliance and ride quality; stylish six-spoke 18-inch aluminium front and rear wheels increase stability and ride quality over rough city streets. Tyres are sized 80/100 front and 90/90 rear. A 240mm front disc is worked by a double piston caliper, with back up from the 130mm rear drum.

The CB125F will be available in four colour ways:

• Pearl Twinkle Yellow
• Onyx Blue Metallic
• Pearl Sunbeam White
• Candy Blazing Red

Engine

The CB125F's 124.7cc, air-cooled fuel-injected OHC 2-valve engine is tough, proven and efficient. Bore and stroke is set at 52.4 x 57.8mm, with compression ratio of 9.2:1. The cylinder head has been revised for 2015 and the addition of a balancer shaft neutralises vibration. The 5-speed gearbox provides a wide spread of useful ratios. Peak power of 7.8kW arrives at 7,750rpm, with maximum torque of 10.2Nm delivered at 6,250rpm.

But numbers tell only half of the story; focus of the engineering team was around the powerplant's real-world user friendliness - in other words, strong low and mid-range torque, with excellent throttle response for smart acceleration from a standstill in urban riding. The engine's pick up and throttle response is noticeably stronger.

Fuel economy of 51.3km/l (WMTC mode) provides a range of over 600km between fill-ups from the 13-litre tank and the PGM-FI employs the latest solenoid, making for much easier starting in extreme cold or adverse weather.