Honda's entry-level naked star

Pin It

In a segment marred by disappointing delivery-type bikes, budding riders now have a brand new naked model added to their options. Meet Honda’s latest naked star.

The entry-level 125cc motorcycle market is one that many manufacturers in South Africa pay little attention. Either they rely on old technology models, which are merely rebranded every year with different coloured decals, or they just don’t bother at all.

A quick look at manufacturer’s international websites show a great selection of 125cc machines – from seriously speedy supersport machines to down-sized adventure trail bikes. Locally, however, buyers are often limited to commercial delivery-type bikes, or a handful on/off-road models. And in a market where obvious opportunities exist to cheaply mobilise the masses, this is a real shame.

Of course it won’t make sense for manufacturers in SA to have the same spread of models as, say, in the UK. But at least one 125cc hero will stand them in good stead. 

Such a lack of presence not only results in the obvious loss of sales, but manufacturers also miss out on the early chance to built relationships with budding riders who are likely to move on to bigger bikes when they are old enough or have the cash.

One exception to this rule has been Honda with their very successful CBR125R. Despite its small displacement this entry-level motorcycle benefits from much the same technology as the larger supersport machines. Now Honda has introduced a brand new naked version of this star – the CBF125. 
 
Sales figures are testament enough to Honda’s expertise in the creation of successful entry-level bikes that are easy to own, cheap to run and maintain, and which instil confidence. The CBF125 manages to also successfully combine these features.

According to Honda it has been developed with learners, commuters and anyone else who
is interested in using two-wheels to get around the city in mind. But, they say, where some 125cc motorcycles are developed merely as stepping stones to bigger and better things, or functional but rather ordinary workhorses, “the CBF125 was created to be cherished”. Just how long a rider will “cherish” his CBF125 remains to be seen.



Much of the CBF125’s styling has been borrowed from its bigger naked and semi-faired brothers. The overall lines are compact, sinewy and sports-inspired. The front end integrates a half-cowl with a small, tinted windscreen that offers some wind protection at higher speeds and the raised handlebars and raised bridge have a classic naked appeal. In combination with the low seat this creates a comfortable upright riding position.

Naturally there won’t be any tyre-shredding performance under the saddle of this baby naked, but the single cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected engine delivers plenty enough kick to happily buzz in and about town while also building your two-wheel confidence. With 8.3kW and 11Nm at its disposal, the CBF125 quickly gathers speed in a city climate, and it’s perfectly capable of sprinting to the next traffic light. And with a range of over 600km from its 13-litre fuel tank, you won’t have to pay overly frequent vists to the forecourt.

There are three colours to choose from – red, black, and silver metallic – and the new CBF125 is available at dealers now. It retails for R19 999 (incl. VAT).