Honda’s 2021 CB125F; seriously small, seriously smart

by MotoGusto Editor

Honda’s popular entry-level CB125F is a brand-new motorcycle for 2021 — and it’s a whopping 11kg lighter. Its low friction eSP (‘enhanced Smart Power’) engine significantly improves fuel economy – seeing a range of 188.4mpg – while maintaining performance and now features an ACG starter. The revised bodywork takes styling cues from bigger CB stablemates, and equipment includes an LED headlight, centre stand and digital dash with ECO meter.

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, plus 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 they learn, with a build quality and styling that instil tangible pride of ownership.

For any manufacturer, welcoming and introducing fresh entrants to their brand is important. The right initial experience can lead to a lifelong association, and the CB125F has long served this function for Honda — a tough, user-friendly entry-level motorcycle that offers the perfect first rung on the ladder. The CB125F was a new model name for Honda in 2015; it maintained the previous CBF125’s core strength of robust simplicity but built strongly on that strong foundation in terms of quality, ease of use and style.

For 2021 the CB125F is renewed again, with a complete refresh that makes it even more desirable and cost effective. The new CB125F is a great bike to simply get you where you need to be — or from where to begin the ride of a lifetime.

Seriously small, seriously smart, seriously lighter

The new CB125F is a serious small machine, whose development involved the filing of no fewer than 19 patent applications. Made at Honda’s Atessa facility in south east Italy it offers a huge jump in fuel economy from its air-cooled enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine offers 27% extra fuel economy, with no loss of performance.

It’s also 11kg lighter, with a redesigned frame and an up-to-date, big-bike re-style; an LED headlight and revised digital dash are quality finishing touches. The 2021 CB125F will be available in the following colour options: Splendor Red, Pearl Cool White and Black.

The CB125F’s new air-cooled, 124cc 2-valve SOHC single-cylinder eSP (‘enhanced Smart Power) EURO5-specification engine has been engineered from its inception to maintain optimum performance for busy urban streets but with extra, serious frugality and supreme reliability.

Peak power of 8kW is delivered @ 7,500rpm, with peak torque of 10.9Nm @ 6,000rpm (as opposed to 7.8kW @ 7,750rpm/10.2Nm @ 6,250rpm). Bore and stroke is set at 50 x 63.1mm, with compression ratio of 10.0:1. Standing start acceleration over 200m 12.4s, but more importantly, the fuel efficiency is vastly improved – leaping from 51km/l to 66.7km/l, giving a potential range of over 700km from the 11L fuel tank.

The CB125F’s Smart Power (eSP) engine offers 27% extra fuel economy with no loss of performance

Honda has developed its eSP engines – and the engineering that goes into them – on a growing range of 125cc scooters over the last 5 years. The focus is around building in, from a clean sheet, low-friction technology to every facet of the engine; the CB125F’s eSP engine benefits hugely from eight years of accumulated know-how.

And it starts with weight. The new eSP design is 7kg lighter than the engine it replaces. Its cylinder is offset, reducing friction between the piston skirt and bore, while the piston itself is cooled by an oil jet from underneath, again reducing friction. Valve operation is via rocker-roller arms equipped with needle bearings.

An Alternating Current Generator (ACG) is also part of the eSP formula and combines electricity generation with starting duties, saving weight while simplifying layout. The effort needed to start the engine is reduced thanks to a swing-back system that returns the crank to its position before air intake – giving the engine a ‘running’ start – and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance due to compression. In use the ACG starter is extremely quiet. The gearbox is 5-speed and final drive is via sealed chain.

Seriously sharp, new tubular frame and adjustable shocks

The 2021 CB125F wears aggressive new styling, with echoes of larger bikes in the CB family, around its redesigned chassis. The broad-shouldered fuel tank and silver-finished shrouds in particular take their cues from the CB-R Neo Sports Café family, while a CB500F-influenced angular nose fairing and blacked-out fly screen provide some wind deflection, and a sharper attitude. It also houses a new LED headlight and digital dash that displays the information that matters, including a gear position indicator as well as real-time and average fuel economy, distance to empty and ECO indicator, for when riding in the most efficient way. The start/stop button is an integrated switch (the previous model did not feature a stop button as standard) as is the high beam/passing switch.

The new tubular frame uses high-tensile steel in its construction and is 1.7kg lighter. It 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 92.4mm, with wheelbase of 1280mm and wet weight is 117kg, a full 11kg lighter.

Dual rear shocks offer 5-step spring preload adjustment and complement the 31mm diameter telescopic fork’s compliance and ride quality; stylish 18-inch die-cast aluminium split-spoke 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 dual piston caliper, with back up from the 130mm rear drum; both are managed by two channel CBS.

The engine, exhaust downpipe, fork lowers and wheels are blacked out, underlining the strong lines and bold paintwork. The muffler too, is blacked out but also finished with a chrome heat shield. Bright red detailing is to be found on the shock springs, spark plug HT cap and HONDA, picked out on the left-hand engine cover. Other quality finishing touches include 3D Honda Wings on the shrouds and mirror/indicator shaping that emulates the design language of the whole machine.

With its intended use as an everyday commuter, gateway machine to the world of motorcycling — and riding school stalwart — the CB125F’s riding position is upright and relaxed, with more forward-set footpegs and wide tubular handlebars giving optimum control, rider confidence and all-round visibility. Seat height is 15mm higher at 790mm and offers room for two adults comfortably; a passenger grab rail is also standard, as is a centre stand.

Technical Specifications 

ENGINE 
TypeAir cooled 4 stroke OHC single
Displacement124cc
No of Valves per Cylinder2
Bore & Stroke50 x 63.1mm
Compression Ratio10.0:1
Max. Power Output8kW @7,500rpm
Max. Torque10.9Nm @ 6,000rpm
Noise level (dB)73.5dB(Lwot) 71.8dB(Lurban)
Oil Capacity1L
FUEL SYSTEM 
CarburationPGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity11L
Fuel Consumption (WMTC)66.7 Km/L
CO2 Emissions WMTC34 g/km
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 
Battery Capacity12V-5A・h
  
DRIVETRAIN 
Clutch TypeWet, multiplate with coil springs
Transmission Type5 speed
Final DriveChain
FRAME 
TypeTubular steel
CHASSIS 
Dimensions (L´W´H)2015mm x 750mm x 1100mm
Wheelbase1280mm
Caster Angle26°
Trail92.4mm
Seat Height790mm
Ground Clearance160mm
Kerb Weight117KG
Turning radius2.04m
SUSPENSION 
Type Front31mm telescopic
Type RearDual shocks – 5 stage preload
WHEELS 
Type Front18in five spoke aluminium
Type Rear18in five spoke aluminium
Tyres Front80 / 100 18M/C
Tyres Rear90 / 90 18M/C
BRAKES 
CBS System Type2 channel CBS
Type Front240mm single disc with two piston caliper
Type Rear130mm drum
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS 
InstrumentsSpeedometer, milometer, fuel gauge, rpm counter, gear position indicator
HeadlightLED
TaillightLED

For more information visit: www.honda.co.uk

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

#hondacb125f #honda #hondamotorcycles #motogusto

0 comment
0

Related Articles

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More