The CBR name is synonymous with superb handling at any speed, and the new 2012 Honda CBR125R is no exception. Despite its slightly larger overall dimensions, the 2011 machine remains extraordinarily easy to handle, immediately giving new riders the confidence they need. Key to the CBR’s manoeuvrability is its riding position, which is designed around the low 793mm seat. The location of the handlebars and footpegs has been revised for improved control while maintaining outstanding rider comfort. Together with the contoured new fuel tank, which is bigger on the new machine for improved range, the result is an unmistakably sporty but easygoing riding position. The rider’s weight is distributed evenly, creating a posture that isn’t tiring to maintain and that doesn’t in any way restrict movement.
The 2012 Honda CBR125R boasts a competitively low kerb weight of just 136.9kg. This mass is distributed perfectly between the front and rear wheels in a 49:51 weight distribution, while the compact single-cylinder engine helps keep the centre of gravity low. The result is a machine that feels instantly manageable, regardless of a rider’s height or stature, so the rider feels completely in control.
The CBR125R’s dramatic new full fairing is more than a mere styling exercise. By providing protection from windblast, the fairing makes the rider more comfortable, particularly over long-distance journeys that can punish riders of Naked machines. The fairing also features a powerful one-piece headlight and bright taillight for superb visibility at night.
Digital instrumentation is now commonplace on large-capacity machines. For 2012 the Honda CBR125R underlines its big-bike credentials by adopting this technology. The result is a thoroughly modern rider’s eye-view, with speed, engine revs and engine temperature all visible at a glance. The display also includes a six-segment fuel gauge, a clock and an odometer/trip meter. Grab handles on either side of the rear seat provide the sense of security so crucial to passenger comfort, leaving rider and pillion free to enjoy the ride.
As you’d expect of a machine with aspirations well beyond its modest engine size, the 2012 CBR125R has an all-new full fairing cowl. The aggressive yet sophisticated new look is typically CBR, with clean lines inspired by 600cc and 1000cc Supersports machines but developed into a unique style such as the VFR1200 has. The new single headlight design sets the tone for the rest of the fairing, being both original in shape and suggestive of much more expensive motorcycles. From there the fairing quickly tapers rearward to a slim and sporty tail unit. Since the compact new exhaust system finishes ahead of the rear axle, the back of the machine appears to float above the purposefully wide new rear tyre, creating a dynamic forward-biased silhouette.
Colouring concept
Terra Silver Metallic SE
Perfect for fooling bystanders into thinking they’re looking at a middleweight motorcycle and not a 125, the silver metallic colour option works brilliantly with the new CBR125R’s sophisticated lines.
Asteroid Black Metallic
Another classy metallic paint option, this menacing colour sits perfectly with the CBR125R’s new, more mature feel – a serious colour for a machine that means business.
Engine and Transmission
Like the previous CBR125R, the 2012 model uses a powerful single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. The single-cylinder configuration boasts many advantages over a twin-cylinder engine of the same capacity, most noticeably lighter weight, smaller dimensions, improved fuel economy and mechanical simplicity. Developing peak power at just 8000rpm, the CBR125R has the performance to make every ride a joy, whether it’s commuting to work or college or riding open roads for the sheer thrill of it.
Honda’s advanced PGM-FI system is key to the CBR125R’s clean-revving and manageable performance. The system’s Electronic Control Unit works with the electronic ignition to provide exactly the right fuel/air mix to the cylinder for any given combination of throttle position and engine revs. The result is a smooth power curve delivered with the accuracy and predictability needed to breed rider confidence. New FI settings also make the engine more fuel efficient. The 2011 CBR125R uses a mechanically actuated clutch for fine control and a light feel at the clutch lever. The transmission’s six ratios complement the engine’s flexible power delivery perfectly, giving the CBR125R the performance young riders demand.
Few engines in motorcycling are more rugged or affordable to run than the CBR125R’s liquid-cooled single. The electric start means the machine is ready to go at the push of a button, while its outstanding efficiency means superb fuel economy, delivering an impressive range from the slim and compact 13-litre fuel tank. Because the fuel tank can be smaller for a given range, in turn this helps create a lighter and more compact motorcycle. The superb fuel economy betters the previous model thanks to a revised final drive ratio and new fuel injection settings. The new bike is also easier to look after – for 2011 the filter that supplies clean fuel to the fuel injection system has been moved outside the fuel tank to make maintenance simpler.
The 2011 CBR125R features a new exhaust system incorporating an oxygen sensor and a Tri-metal catalytic converter. The catalyser all but eliminates the emission of polluting hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides, ensuring the CBR125R easily complies with emissions legislation. Emissions
are further reduced at source by the PGM-FI system, which analyses the exhaust gases via the oxygen sensor to maintain the air/fuel ratio at the ideal for clean combustion. The exhaust system is made of stainless steel so it has excellent resistance to corrosion.
Chassis
Lightweight Frame
The Honda CBR125R uses a lightweight pentagonal-section steel twin-spar frame. The design is a proven one, linking the critical areas of the headstock and the swingarm pivot point using a straight and unbroken spar on both sides of the engine. The design delivers the rigidity required of a sportsbike frame while also being light and compact.
Sporty, User-Friendly Geometry
The chassis feel of the CBR125R treads a line between the swift responses required of a Supersports machine and the reassuring predictability that develops rider confidence. The wheelbase is one of the shortest in its class at just 1313mm, ensuring the CBR125R flicks through bends with a fluidity and grace none of its rivals can match. However a trail figure of 90mm means this thrilling agility never threatens to cause instability. In short the CBR125R is ready for anything, from super-smooth open roads to the trafficpacked and bumpy challenge of the city.
Sophisticated Suspension
Control and a superb ride feel are guaranteed by the CBR125R’s premium suspension components. The front wheel is controlled by a 31mm hydraulic telescopic fork, while the rear tubular steel swingarm mounts to a Monoshock for sporty control and exceptional comfort. While in its element on the kind of smooth and twisting roads Supersports machines of all sizes revel in, the CBR125R also has the chassis sophistication to remain stable and comfortable on the roughest back roads.
In line with the new brief, the 2012 CBR125R uses tyres and wheels of a size more commonly associated with the 250cc class. The lightweight new 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear cast wheels use a striking five-spoke design and bring both stability and increased grip. They also underline the CBR125R’s full-sized credentials – this is a serious motorcycle. They are slowed by equally impressive braking systems, with powerful disc brakes front and rear. The front brake uses a 276mm disc gripped by a twin-piston caliper, while at the rear a 220mm disc and single-piston caliper offer the accuracy and feel that make low-speed manoeuvres easy.
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