2004 Honda NSR 125r

The Honda NSR125 is a watercooled single cylinder machine. It has a full fairing to keep the wind aerodynamic, however it is for me a good looking machine. I knew what I exactly required when I looked in on my friend and his bike. Hence, I am reviewing the Honda NSR125.

The Look
It's had white plastic bodywork with silver controls, black buttons on the handlebars, and a blue display screen on the instrument panel. I liked that clearly. It's got many buttons on the front of the handle bars - on-off switch, stop clutch/brake levers, speedo, revcounter etc.
The seat is a black with silver inserts.
The machine itself does have a kick starter. It's also got locking fuel tank, alloy wheels, helmet lock, indicators, and rear seat foot pegs. This is very useful - you have added a passenger getting free travel. It can be crunch, but it must be good, for two people can go to work on it.

Weight
As for the weight, it is not going to be a concern for anyone, I can tell you that. It's very light compared to any other company's models, and other Honda products. The weight comes in at 300lbs, and is so light that anyone can move it. It could be pushed very easily, and picked up should it fall over, by most anybody.

Ease of Use
It's has a very simple to use. That's a good point compared to some. It is easy to drive as it has a light easy gear change, and limited power, which mean it is a very easy machine to use.
It has 2 stroke oil, which is topped up with the petrol at 70mpg. It is good - it will easily do 70mph. The motor is not even trying as it is restricted due to government laws. Unrestricted it is twice as powerful, so it is only doing a very low revolution per minute when flat out. It is 12hp, but very big horses, like cart horses, not donkeys or ponies.
Another point is the ease of starting the electric motor, which is inside the engine and works first time every time. The seat is small, but comfortable for most people.

Consumables
As it's highly economic to buy, then the fact is that I have used it for two months now, and it has lasted me this time with no problems at all. Lots of factors are involved in this scenario - it has a low watt motor, so is very restricted, and is using the power of 1/2 the unrestricted engine. It has done 10K miles at no expense to me, only petrol and 2 stroke oil.

Durability
It's made from strong plastic with bits of metal and a flexible plastic rubber mixture, so it is highly durable, and I have tested this many times while dropping it. While doing some cleaning, I knocked the bike, but I called the repair shop, then repaired it myself. When fiddling with it, it does not involve any problems. Nothing happened much, it is nothing remarkable.

Advantages

It driving quality and feature are excellent for my limited needs. No 'WOW' factor, but the sound has a 'WOW' factor and I can recommend the extra feature of sound. It is so clear and bright to hear as it rev's around town. So handy, so useful, I can play on it as well as use it as a commuting machine. I am not at all able to complain about anything. It is then highly durable and economic to use. I do know where it is made (Japan), so it is very good quality.

Disadvantages
As it does have a restricted motor, it is not for motorways or long distance riding! Small and light is OK, if you are small and light, otherwise it will be uncomfortable.

Overall
Small, light and reliable, a good product to be of interest to learners, commuters and those wanting a small machine. It is excellent at what it does.



Honda NSR Specs

Liquid cooled two stroke single
124.8 cc
bore:54 stroke: 54.5mm
compression ratio: 6.8:1,
max. power: 26.5@94000 rpm (DIN) (18.5kW),
Max. Torque: 1.95kg-m/ 9500rpm.
6 speed gearbox,
capacitatr discharge (CDI) ignition system,
manual transmission,
electric starter.
Weight:132kg,
wheelbase: 1345mm,
seat height: 800mm,
35mm telescopic fork, travel, 118mm axal,
rear suspension: pro link swingarm, 125mm axal, travel,
6 spoke cast aluminium wheels,
tyres: 100/80 1752T, 130/70 17 62T,
front brake: 318 x 4mm hydraulic disc with dual piston capiliar,
Rear brake: 220 x 4mm nydraulic disc with single piston capiliar.
Fuel capacity of 13 litres with 2 litre reserve.
Performance (derestricted): 100.2 mph, 73mph (restricted to 12bhp), 15.65@85.7 s/s , 47.5 mpg.