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Honda CB125E
Pros
Easy to manoeuvre
Maintenance is a breeze
Fuel efficient with low running costs
Rusting
Have had the 125 for 18 months and pleased with it accept I'm a bit concerned about the rust appearing on and around the handle bars and forks. Parked under cover and well ventilated and can't seem to find if or where premature rusting is mentioned i any warranty.
Purchased in September 2019 at Rising Sun Townsville for $3,500.00.
Chris PMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 22 reviews
- 9 likes
Sorry But
The motorcycle that should never have been marketed. With the CT110 and ''Postie 125' that followed this bike filled a void no one even noticed. I'm a Honda kind but this is plain fuglyme. Looks like a scrapped Taiwanese after market jigsaw puzzle that doesn't quite come together. OK their 125 was Pulitzer for its time 70's wise, butt back then Honda attracted people who didn't ride bikes. Another example of ''you get what you pay for'' - a cheap, ugly, underpowered, generator with wheels. poor aftermarket value is obvious.
Bear S.Sydney, NSW
Brand new rode it home and to work and back once and sprayed oil all over
I bought this new 2 Saturdays ago. I rode it home and had a lot of fun on this little bike. I then rode it to work and back one day and found my left boot and pants had been sprayed with oil. I looked at the bike and found oil all over the gearbox and along the side total 118ks of running. I called the dealer and was told it was my responsibility to get it back to them. I get their sister dealership much closer to truck the bike back to my dealership 60ks and wait 6 days to get told that it is a gasket and grommet leaking and that there are no parts in Australia. The dealership has ordered the parts but Honda is saying (2 weeks)6th of June at best.
I know some of you love your 125's but at the moment I'd rather get a refund.
Purchased in May 2020 for $2,999.00.
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Nick57Bendigo
Review from someone that knows everything about this bike
I had this bike for 5 years after I got my license and know it like a son. Did all my own maintenance, just use the manual. Valve clearance is easy by the second time, change oil about 1500km or so , cheap Kmart oil 15 -40 is fine, no filter. Spray the chain every couple of times. Get a sheep skin cover for 90 dollars online for naked bikes was the best solution, put a cheat water proof cover over that so your butt don't get wet when it rains. Michelin pilot sporty 90/90 18 tyres front and back , tubeless work perfect on this bike, about 90 eac...
Read moreh from Queensland online Tyre shop. I could take large corners at 50km on green light like Bell and high St Preston and touch knee to ground, power out in 3rd girl. 50 is the max i tried 55 once and rear suspension was bucking side to side, it's too much stress on the frame. Bike does 40km to litre city driving at 50km/h but 28km when cruising at 82 on the highway all day. Get a bigger front sprocket one tooth more and a front wind shield online. It will cruise all day then at 90km with the same revs you had at 82 before. 101km/h is still the same top speed, learning forward on tank with no wind. Bike was $1995 retail price when came out in 2013 they increased price since then. Make sure dealer not being greedy and adding extra to today's rrp check bike point, best to buy demo models online on Gumtree for 1500. Never had a problem with reliability, quality is amazing for the Chinese price but it's Honda. Few of the plastics wear out eventually a little, the paint quality is About a 7/10. I could change gears without using the clutch after the first year , learn how to rev match , watch utube videos, transmission was super smooth. Brakes are great , if you pump them hard at 80 you will stop in a few seconds and almost go over the handlebars. I tested one time but it puts huge stress on the frame the shocks Creek and push forward a lot. Put washes and thicker oil in forks it drives better there too spongy from factory , set up for light girl riders that ride it like a bycicle. Buy a tank pad , protect the tank, don't waste time changing headlights or mods what it's got is perfect for 80 to 90km. Can replace chain with a extra heavy duty one , will probably last forever, 50,000 since 11nm torque can't wear it out. Standard one I got 18,000km with bike. Put cheap bar ends on to protect it on falls and use the centre stand in long term parking. I drove from Bendigo to Melbourne and all over Vic with this bike on 90km hour most times, no problem at all. Be careful when draining oil, the drain bolt can strip easy , aluminum , don't overnighted. Speedo is accurate I tested it with a car , this bike has no weakness it was perfect , easy to drive, comfortable, fun and cheap. Driving 300km just wears you out after a while and I started using public transport. I never had to spend money fixing this bike just replace tires, batteries, oil , do value check, adjust chain and that's it . Air filter a few times and make sure to greece all moving parts ohh and put fork gaitors on buy online fork protection I never had any fork seal leak after I did that, looks good to. If you don't like this bike then just buy a car , the next size up like a cbr250 or vtr 250 will cost 4000 second hand and only give you an extra 10kmh on a main Rd , I never thought it was worth it. Cruising around Melbourne on a cb125e and parking anywhere doing 550km on a tank of fuel 14 litres was amazing on this bike. I crashed 2 times total and only had 100 dollars each time, cracked headlight mostly. It really does not cost anything to have this bike unlike my Hyundai lantra I was spending 1500 a year on maintenance to keep it roadworthy all the time. If your a learner , need cheap transport, have a hobbie farm or just want the best value motorcycle in Australia buy this bike. If your a bike gang member or a guy that spends 1500+ to motorcycle clothing go and buy a 700c instead, this bike is for fun , economic transport not ego.Purchased in January 2013 for $1,995.00.
J ChuSydney, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 4 likes
Meet its design brief perfectly
I bought it 2nd hand for $1800. The first owner only had it for a couple of months and only done 385 kms!!!
So it came with full set of keys, an original dealer receipt and contract, a manual book, a service book, tools etc.
Now it has travelled over 8000kms, The bike is so easy to ride and maintain. Any mechanically minded person should be able to perform its scheduled service easily. It is so easy and cheap to service, I actually over service the bike, ie oil change (800ml) every 2000kms, spark plug every 4000kms, chain adjust, clean and l...
Read moreubed every 1000km, air filter clean and valve clearance check every 4000kms. Constantly I get 2.4lt/100km, commuting around inner west. This bike is so popular in food delivery business/courier but No.... I do not use it for such...only for from and to work. I have 2 other bigger bikes but this CB125e gets the most use in the family. It never misses a beat in rain, hail or shine.Purchased in March 2017 at Private Owner for $1,800.00.
spacemanSydney, NSW
- 4 reviews
- Verified purchase
Perfect for learners
This bike is perfect for learners. I purchased this for $2700 brand new.
Pros
Cost Effective - As mentioned I purchased this for $2700. Running costs are trivial. Annual costs are about $260 per year including comprehensive insurance. It normally costs less than $10 to fill the 12 litre tank which lasts about 400km.
Manoeuvrability - In terms of handling this bike is superb. You can really throw this thing around in parking lots. Great for instilling confidence for road riding. It feels like riding an overpowered electric bike or moped.
Commuter - perfect for my commute on the north shore (not city). Never have to worry about parking.
Cons...
Read moreSlow - It takes a long time for this bike to reach it's 80km/h top speed. Do not take this thing on freeways. Instrumentation - there is only a speedometer and fuel gauge. No tachometer, after owning this bike for about four months I have no idea what the redline rpm of this bike is. The speedo actually has shift point suggestions.Purchased in June 2019 at Freedom Motorcycles Brookvale for $2,700.00.
SERGEBentleigh East
- 12 reviews
- 9 likes
Really enjoy this bike - great for learners!
I'm just a Learner so I wanted a bike rather small, light and easy to ride and it has been perfect so far. Very easy to ride. Of course, it doesn't have a lot of power and you can mainly go up to 80km/h but it's perfect for the city. And regarding fuel consumption you can get any better than that! I will probably upgrade to something a bit more powerful in a couple of years but for the moment, it's what I need to learn, safely.
Purchased in September 2019 at gumtree for $2,100.00.
aiden333777Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 2 reviews
Perfect
It is so easy to ride and it is very easy to control also its one of my favourite motor bikes. I highly suggest you try it. Very strong condition too
Purchased in April 2018.
The reviewer stated that an incentive was offered for this review
MarkSydney Surrounds, NSW
- 2 reviews
- 2 likes
Great little bike and cheap to maintain
I like small bikes and many of my motorcycling years were done on bikes ranging from 90cc to 125cc, Not covering so many kilometers these days, I wanted a reliable little motorbike that is cheap to run and register. I cannot lie, I wouldn't mind a few more horsepower than the CB125E can provide, but I am very happy with this little bike and plan to keep it for many years.
My home is in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, so the 125 has to cope with a 80km/hr roads, uphill on part of each trip. More power would be useful uphill, but the little...
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DavidPerth
- 4 reviews
- 5 likes
Great little bike!
Totally what I would expect of Honda. "Does what it says on the tin". Have come 'down' from a Fireblade to this after 12 years without a bike. Didn't know whether my ego could handle it, but at this price can't really go wrong. All you need for quick trips around town, when a scooter doesn't really appeal. I am 6ft 3" and 100kg, seat feels a bit low, but fine. Bike feels solid on the road. Nimble and keeps up with city traffic. Love the almost agricultural build simplicity, practicality and frugality. Nothing superfluous. Generally hig...
Read moreh quality build and components, except super thin vinyl on saddle which creases and I expect a tear in the future. I will use it for shopping for my next 'blade or even 600RR! Even then I think I'll keep her for the odd quick commute, when its going to be left on a carpark and to keep the miles off the RR. Loving my new little Honda - it's great to be back in the saddle again!batesyBathurst
- 3 reviews
- 3 likes
rock solid bike
I use mine for around town and a few trips out of town, if your a learner or on p plates it goes as fast as u can legally go.
it starts first time every time and you get a brand new reliable little bike for a low cost.
Honda wont make anything bad, its great, i love the look and the handling and the fact that i got a new machine with 0km for the cost of a second hand with 30,000 -40,000 km on the clock.
Tomperth
- 8 reviews
- 12 likes
Cheap transport - you get what you pay for
This is about as small as you can go, engine wise, and still be able to get around urban roads safely. This is competing with postie bikes, chinese bikes, and scooters. They all cost around the same price so do your research and pick what attributes you want carefully. This bike is NOT recommended if you have to travel outside an urban area. You can only assume that this bike will top out at 80 km/h. Depending on wind, load, your size, and gradient, sometimes you will see higher on the speedo, up to 105 km/h on the flat. So it's perfectly able...
Read more to keep up with traffic in 80-100 zones. But forget being overtaken in 110 km/h zones if you are doing 80 into a headwind. No thanks. Onto the review anyway: Pros: -Extremely easy for anyone to ride -Tight turning circle -Low seat height -Low weight -Forgiving controls -Fuel economy ranges around 2.7-3.0 l/100km in real world use -Extremely simple design makes it easy to work on1 comment
DecioSydney
- 6 reviews
- 1 like
Cheap and reliable
I purchased my 2016 cb125e for $1500 used with 5000kms on the clock you can find these on the road for 2400 new worth every cent fuel is 400kms to a tank around 12litres never had an issue starts 1st time every time 1 thing i was told do not use kill switch as it sometimes goes faulty and can get costly to diagnose otherwise perfect ride
Jack
- 4 reviews
- 1 like
Good entry level bike
This was my first bike and it's still going strong after 15 years. Never have any issue with it, good price, solid building and have plenty of power for new learner. Great fuel consumption a littl go a long way, easy to fix and after market part r plenty to choose when u want to custom ur bike
Over all great bike
OztogSydney
- 3 reviews
Simple and easy LAMS Rider
Honda has created in the CB125E a simple and affordable learner approved bike, perfect for someone first bike as a lot of learner courses use the same bike in their courses so the transition from course to road is an easy one. Comes in three colours red blue and white . Over all a great early bike to get to terms with riding on the open road.
Find out how Honda CB125E compares to other Naked Bikes
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giuseppebyron bay
- 8 reviews
- 1 like
perfect run around
I live in a small town and I use it just like a scooter, due to its incredible handling and ease of riding.
Mechanical features are as simple as it gets and I expect that it would run forever even if one did not bother service it. Fuel consumption is hard to believe and the rego in NSW is so cheap for such a small engine.
I would suggest it to anyone that wants to avoid traffic, fall in love with motorbikes or just even to experienced riders after a very relaxed ride.
Larry3000
- 4 reviews
Perfect Learner bike
I got my learners last year and i wasn't sure what to buy, having read around i can happily confirm this bike was exactly what i was looking for, costs less than 10 bucks to fill the tank and it has no problems reaching highway speeds. would recommend it to anyone looking for an entry level motorbike
John Juma
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
best in my life
Handa CB125 is the best motor cycle l drive for one year is the best ,l enjoy it during that time ,l like it better than a car easy to park less potrol and easy to control.lam still want to drive it here in Australia.lam happy to do that .
WinborBrisbane
- 2 reviews
- 4 likes
Cheap, confortable and good
40km/L, very good for city, you can run for highways top spead is more than 100km/h.
Is very confortable for long hours on bike.
Is very good for city, no good for highway, is perfect for up and downs, is very silence.
I go to mecanic every 4000km to change the oil
InaAustralia
- 4 reviews
Good for beginners
Bike is good for beginners, light to handle. Doesn't really go above 80 km/h, so highway driving in traffic can be unpleasant. Very wind affected, but easy to hold in good conditions. Choke takes some getting used to, especially if coming from a bike that doesn't have one. Dirt roads are ok, sandy roads not so much, therefore better suited for town driving.
Questions & Answers
Sherron C.asked
Hi. When starting my bike with the choke on. Once its warmed up, when I turn the choke off it stalls. 2014 glh125e
Shez
2 answers
should be warmed up after just 1min usually unless your in the snow. dont need to start with choke on, just press start and when it starts straight away turn choke right up, ride for 1min or so then turn choke off. If you really need to keep choke on after 2min then you really have something else wrong with your fuel getting through or your almost empty. The choke is only needed on really really cold morning to help carb bike run better, they usually can start without choke and just warm up sitting there idle
Carbs need a clean more than likely - ie- pilot and jet
Matt Tasked
Hey I had a small accident with my cb125e, I tapped the vehicle in front of me with the front fender and tyre, no damage done but my speedometer suddenly stopped working, I checked the speedo cable on both ends and it is still intact, any idea what happened?
Is this something I can fix myself or do I need to bring it in for repair?
2 answers
Speedo sprocket is probably damaged - new one needed
if the cable is not lose the one that attaches to front wheel , speedo cable then its the speedo itself, something broken or stuck inside. my speedo stopped working once and shop fixed it. had to open it up one of the cogs inside needed spray of greece and was seized up then it worked again. light tap shouldnt break anyting, i fell of mine at 70km and everything worked drove home just bent the centre stand , smash fender and light thats all. new speedo is a pain might cost $100, you ca prob get any of Ebay it should work but then theres the $100 hour labour charge to do anything here and hook it up. does the speedo have power can you see the neutral light? thats a start that is not broken . maybe a wire is lose somewhere hard to know if cant see it and im not really a mechanic just know a bit
Asitasked
Hi I got cb125e 2016. The headlight bulb has blown. Can you suggest me a nice and bright LED if possible? What type of bulb goes in there? And also my front brake light switch is not working. What can be done any suggestions guys?
2 answers
I have no idea BUTT - get rid of it - NOW! - Buy a CBR 250 R - RIGHT NOW!! or a VTR 250 - Used $2500. Better reliability than KTM - I'm 59 years old and I'm getting one - a toy with attitude - Honda ARE No. 1
just use the normal original one take it out need screwdriver and get it off ebay or supermarket. Dont waste your time trying to modify lights for H1 or H2 or led i did it myself and it was a waste of time on that bike. The original had the best range and was good enough you only doing 80km or less most of the time, the led made it bit wider but the range was less which made it worse not better. $180 job down the drain. who cares about the front brake light switch nobody cares if they can see you braking by brake lights on motorcycle they ignore you have time anyway. i would just leave it its not a necessary.
Details
Points of praise for the Honda CB125E
- Reviewers often reported that this Honda motorbike is especially easy to clean and maintain. Many also appreciated that they were able to service and maintain their Honda CB125E themselves, saving them the money and time of having to go visit a mechanic.
- A lightweight build makes this motorcycle easy to manoeuvre. This helped to build up learner bikers’ confidence, even though this bike is not necessarily designed for speed or power, or superior acceleration, with its 124cc engine capacity.
- Fuel efficiency as well as other running costs are reported to be low, with the petrol tank also being generously sized, at 14L. If you’re not doing too many long-distance rides, you won’t have to refill too frequently if you opt for a full tank each time.
- A quiet riding experience was enjoyed by many reviewers, with any exhaust and mechanical noise being soft.
Category | Naked Bikes and Learner Approved Bikes |
---|---|
Engine Capacity | 124.1cc |
Release date | Jan 2012 |
Manual | Download manual |
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Tom
Just an update for those interested: Bike was purchased with 5000km, it is now at 22000km. It has still been totally reliable and user friendly, but there have been some non-maintenance parts required...
Read more. -Stock kenda tyres had 'baked out' by 12000km. Had tread and no visible dry rot, but were absolutely lethal in the wet. Pirelli city demons and metzeler me22s both fit this bike, both are mediocre but an improvement over the stock kendas. Easy to find in 2.75x18 front and 3.00x18 rear. -Stock chain was utterly trashed by 15000km, and that's with careful cleaning and maintenance. Sprockets were okay. Replaced with O ring chain for about $60.