Honda CB125R NEO Sports Café [2021-2022]: A Premium Entry Into Motorcycling

Introduction

The Honda CB125R NEO Sports Café isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Designed for riders who refuse to compromise between style and substance, this 125cc naked bike blends retro-futuristic aesthetics with engineering that punches far above its displacement class. Introduced in 2021 as part of Honda’s Neo Sports Café family, the CB125R targets new riders seeking a machine that feels anything but “entry-level.” From its Showa suspension to its Euro 5-compliant engine, this bike redefines what a 125cc motorcycle can be. After spending a day threading it through city traffic and carving backroads, here’s why the CB125R deserves your attention.

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Design & Build Quality: Minimalist Meets Modern

The CB125R’s design language is a masterclass in industrial minimalism. Inspired by its bigger sibling, the CB1000R, it features a stripped-down silhouette with sharp angles, exposed mechanical components, and LED lighting that gives it a futuristic edge. The headlight—a signature dual-bar LED unit—glows like a sci-fi visor, while the taillight is so slim you’ll wonder how Honda fit it all in.

Four color options reinforce its premium vibe:
- Pearl Smoky Gray (new for 2021)
- Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic
- Candy Chromosphere Red
- Mat Jeans Blue Metallic

The steel diamond frame isn’t just functional; its latticework adds visual texture, and the aluminum footpeg hangers hint at attention to detail. The 10.1L fuel tank hides under angular shrouds, topped with an aircraft-style filler cap. At 816mm (32.1"), the seat height is accessible for shorter riders, though the narrow profile makes it feel even lower.

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Engine Performance: Small Displacement, Big Personality

The 2021 update brought a new DOHC 4-valve engine, a significant upgrade from the prior SOHC setup. Let’s break down the numbers:
- 124.9cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder
- 14.8 HP @ 10,000 RPM (11 kW)
- 11.6 Nm torque @ 8,000 RPM (8.6 lb-ft)
- 6-speed gearbox with a slick, light clutch

On the road, this engine is a revelation. Throttle response via the PGM-FI fuel injection is crisp, and the powerband builds linearly from 6,000 RPM. While its 105 km/h (65 mph) top speed won’t shock highway riders, the CB125R thrives in urban environments. The real joy comes from working the gearbox—a precise, click-through six-speed that rewards spirited riding.

Fuel efficiency is staggering: 2.13 L/100km (110 mpg) means you’ll visit gas stations less often than your coffee shop. Combined with the 10.1L tank, that’s a 470 km (292 mi) range—enough for weekend adventures without range anxiety.

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Handling & Ride Experience: Agile, Confident, and Surprisingly Mature

Here’s where the CB125R separates itself from the pack. The 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks—a first for any 125cc bike—deliver suspension performance usually reserved for larger machines. Paired with a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, the setup soaks up potholes while remaining taut enough for cornering.

Key chassis specs:
- Steel diamond frame with 1345mm (53") wheelbase
- Rake/Trail: 24.2° / 90mm (3.5")
- Weight: 130 kg (286.6 lbs) wet
- Tires: 110/70-R17 front, 150/60-R17 rear (radial)

Flicking the CB125R through traffic feels effortless. The narrow handlebars and 51.6% front weight bias inspire confidence, and the IMU-assisted ABS (with 296mm front disc and radial-mount Nissin caliper) adds security without intrusiveness. Even at full lean, the Michelin tires grip tenaciously, and the 140mm (5.5") ground clearance lets you scrape pegs before anything else.

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Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

The 125cc naked bike segment is fiercely competitive. Here’s how the CB125R fares against key rivals:

1. Yamaha MT-125

• Pros: Aggressive styling, 15 HP engine, quick-shifter (optional).
• Cons: Firmer seat, less refined suspension.
• Verdict: The MT-125 is sportier but harsher over bumps. The Honda counters with superior comfort and build quality.

2. KTM 125 Duke

• Pros: 15 HP, sharp handling, TFT display.
• Cons: Premium price tag, vibey engine.
• Verdict: The Duke is a hooligan; the CB125R is the polished alternative.

3. Suzuki GSX-S125

• Pros: Sleek design, 15 HP.
• Cons: Basic suspension, dated LCD dash.
• Verdict: The Suzuki undercuts on price but can’t match the Honda’s premium feel.

Honda’s Edge: No competitor offers Showa suspension or IMU-based ABS at this displacement. The CB125R isn’t the most powerful, but its balance of refinement and agility makes it the best all-rounder.

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Maintenance: Keeping Your CB125R in Prime Condition

Owning a CB125R is relatively hassle-free, but here are key maintenance tips (and MOTOPARTS.store upgrades):

1. Oil Changes

• Spec: SAE 10W-30, 1.3L (1.59 quarts) without filter.
• Interval: Every 6,000 km (3,728 mi).
• Upgrade: Consider MOTOPARTS.store’s synthetic oils for smoother shifts.

2. Chain Care

• Stock: 134-link O-ring chain, 15/48 sprockets.
• Tip: Clean/lube every 500 km (311 mi).
• Upgrade: Swap to a DID X-ring chain for longevity.

3. Brake Maintenance

• Fluid: DOT 4, replaced every 2 years.
• Pads: MOTOPARTS.store’s sintered pads improve bite.

4. Cooling System

• Capacity: 500 mL coolant.
• Check: Inspect hoses annually for cracks.

5. Spark Plugs

• Spec: NGK MR9C-9N, gap 0.8-0.9mm.
• Interval: Replace every 12,000 km (7,456 mi).

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Conclusion: The 125cc Class Gets a New Benchmark

The Honda CB125R NEO Sports Café isn’t just a starter bike—it’s a motorcycle that seasoned riders would enjoy for its polished dynamics and head-turning design. While the 125cc engine has inherent limits, Honda’s focus on quality components (Showa suspension, radial tires, LED lighting) creates an experience that feels anything but entry-level.

Whether you’re filtering through city traffic or exploring winding backroads, the CB125R delivers a grin-inducing ride. And when it’s time for upgrades or maintenance, MOTOPARTS.store has everything to keep your Honda performing at its peak. In a segment crowded with compromises, this little Café racer proves you can have it all.

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Specifications sheet

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