2021 Honda CB125F Urban Motorcycle Review Specs

Honda’s perennially popular entry-level 2021 Honda CB125F Urban Motorcycle is a brand-new motorbike for 2021, weighing in at a whopping 11kg less. Its reduced friction eSP (‘enhanced Smart Power’) engine saves gasoline while retaining performance, and it now has an ACG starter. The updated bodywork borrows stylistic ideas from larger CB siblings, and standard equipment includes an LED headlamp, center stand, and digital dash with ECO meter. A 125cc motorbike for beginners must be a versatile vehicle. Some consider it the most cost-effective mode of transportation, both in terms of the original purchase price and ongoing operating expenses. To these passengers, it must be long-lasting, easy to live with, and cost-effective: straightforward, trouble-free transportation at its most basic.

However, for many novice riders, a 125 mark the beginning of their motorcycle experience, their first real bike. As a result, it must provide all of the above, as well as the thrill, freedom, and innate joy that two wheels provide to daily life. However, it must also be simple for a beginner to operate as they learn, with the build quality and aesthetic that instills palpable pride of ownership.

2021 Honda CB125F Urban Motorcycle – Features and Specs

Engine

The CB125F’s new air-cooled, 124cc 2-valve SOHC single-cylinder eSP (‘enhanced Smart Power) Euro-5 engine has been designed to provide optimal performance for busy urban streets while also providing additional, significant frugality and superb dependability.

Peak power is provided at 7,500rpm, with peak torque at 6,000rpm. The bore and stroke dimensions are 50 x 63.1mm, and the compression ratio is 10.0:1. Standing start acceleration is faster than 200m 12.4s. Still, more crucially, fuel economy has increased from 51km/l to 66.7km/l, allowing for a theoretical range of almost 700km from the 11L fuel tank.

Honda has spent the past five years developing its eSP engines and the engineering that goes into them on an expanding line of 125cc scooters. The emphasis is on incorporating low-friction technology into every aspect of the engine from the ground up; the CB125F’s eSP engine benefits greatly from eight years of accumulated know-how.

And it all begins with weight. The new eSP engine weighs 7kg less than the engine it replaces. Its cylinder is offset, which reduces friction between the piston skirt and bore, and the piston is cooled by an all-new oil jet from underneath, which also reduces friction. Rocker-roller arms operate the valve with needle bearings.

The eSP formula also includes an Alternating Current Generator (ACG), which combines energy production with starting tasks, conserving weight while simplifying the structure. A swing-back system that returns an all-new crank to its position before air intake, giving the engine a ‘running’ start, and a decompression mechanism that eliminates cranking resistance due to compression lessen the effort required to start the engine. The ACG starter is exceptionally silent while in use. The gearbox has five speeds, and the final drive is through the sealed chain.

Chassis, Styling & Equipment

The new tubular frame is made of high-tensile steel and weighs 1.7kg less. It suspends the engine from a robust central spine. It has a geometry that gives the most pleasing mix of ride comfort and straight-line stability, with an emphasis on light steering input and a dynamic sensation at all lean angles. Rake and trail are set at 26-degree and 92.4mm, respectively, with a wheelbase of 1280mm and a wet weight of 117kg, which is 11kg lighter.

Dual rear shocks with 5-step spring preload adjustment compliment the compliance and ride quality of the 31mm diameter telescopic fork; attractive 18-inch die-cast aluminum split-spoke front and back wheels boost stability and ride quality on tough metropolitan streets. The tires are 80/100 front and 90/90 rear. A 240mm front disc is operated by a twin-piston caliper, with a 130mm rear drum providing backup; a two-channel CBS handles both.

The muscular new look of the 2021 Honda CB125F Urban Motorcycle, with echoes of more extensive motorcycles in the CB family, wraps around its revised chassis. The new broad-shouldered fuel tank and silver-finished shrouds, in particular, are inspired by the CB-R Neo Sports Cafe family, while an angular nose fairing and blacked-out fly screen inspired by the CB500F give some wind deflection and a sharper attitude. It also has a new LED headlamp and a digital dash that shows essential information such as a gear position indication, real-time and average fuel efficiency, distance to empty, and an ECO indicator for when riding most economically. The new start/stop button is an integrated switch, as is the high beam/passing switch (the previous model did not have a stop button as standard).

The blacked-out engine, exhaust down pipe, fork lowers, and wheels emphasize the aggressive lines and vibrant paintwork. The muffler is blacked out, although it also has a chrome heat shield. The new shock springs, spark plug HT cap, and Honda are highlighted in bright red on the left-hand engine cover. Other high finishing touches include 3D Honda Wings on the shrouds and mirror/indicator contouring mimicking the overall design language.

With the CB125F’s intended usage as a daily commuter, entry-level motorcycle, and riding school staple, the riding posture is upright and comfortable, with more forward-set foot pegs and broad tubular handlebars providing maximum handling, rider confidence, and all-around visibility. Seat height is 15mm taller at 790mm and easily accommodates two people; a passenger grab rail and a center stand are also included.

2021 Honda CB125F Urban Motorcycle – Technical Specifications

Engine

Fuel System

Electrical System

Drivetrain

Frame

Chassis

Suspension

Wheels

Brakes

Instruments & Electrics