Honda CB125R 2025 Review: Bold Colours, Features, Global Specs

The 2026 Honda CB125R is a premium entry-level motorcycle that Honda has refreshed for international markets with a stylish new appeal. While the bike’s mechanical setup and performance remain unchanged, the company has focused on updating its styling to make it more eye-catching. Honda has introduced four bold and modern new colours, which instantly add a premium feel.

If someone is looking for a lightweight, easy-to-handle, and stylish motorcycle that looks modern and inspires confidence during rides, the CB125R will surely become one of their top preferences.

The newly introduced shades—Matt Rock Grey, Zefiro Blue Metallic, Matte Lucent Silver Metallic, and Matte Pearl Diaspro Red—offer a fine balance of elegance and sportiness. Whether it’s the clean matt look or a bright metallic shine, Honda has carefully addressed the preferences of every type of rider.

Interestingly, the bike’s fundamental bodywork and design language remain similar to the previous CB125R, which also resembles the CB300R that was once available in the Indian market. Sharp tank extensions, an aggressive stance, and a retro-modern circular LED headlamp give this motorcycle a unique identity.

Being a part of the Neo Sports Café family, its overall design carries a highly premium appeal.

Looking deeper into the design, the CB125R features a full-LED lighting setup, which enhances night-time visibility and adds a modern look to the motorcycle. A 5-inch TFT colour display is another premium addition in this segment. The screen displays essential riding information in a clear and aesthetically pleasing manner.

The tubular steel frame gives the bike strong structural stability, especially while cornering or riding on uneven roads.

Coming to performance, Honda has not made any changes—and this might actually be a positive thing. The 125cc DOHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine is already known for its refined performance. Producing 15 bhp, the engine offers engaging power delivery for a 125cc motorcycle.

The five-speed gearbox is smooth, making the riding experience comfortable and beginner-friendly. Thanks to the lightweight body, the engine’s efficiency and the bike’s handling feel even better.

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One of the biggest highlights of the CB125R is its premium hardware. The 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks are rarely seen in this category and significantly enhance ride comfort by absorbing bumps and potholes effectively.

At the front, the bike gets a 296mm disc with a 4-piston radial caliper, which provides sharp and predictable braking. The IMU-based lean-sensitive ABS is another high-end feature, usually seen in mid-capacity motorcycles rather than 125cc bikes, making cornering and emergency braking much safer.

With a kerb weight of just 130 kg, the motorcycle offers excellent handling and manoeuvrability. Whether it’s tight city traffic or narrow lanes, the bike feels extremely easy to ride. Its lightweight and compact design make it an ideal premium starter motorcycle for new riders, especially A1 licence holders.

Talking about India, it’s a bit disappointing that the chances of the CB125R being launched here are very low. The Indian 125cc market is extremely price-sensitive, where bikes like Shine 125 and SP125 dominate due to their affordability.

With its current international pricing, the CB125R could cost around ₹5 lakh in India, making it difficult for Honda to position it competitively. Since Honda already has a strong presence in the 125cc commuter segment, launching a premium 125cc motorcycle like the CB125R may not make commercial sense.

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Still, the CB125R continues to be one of the most premium and well-balanced 125cc motorcycles in global markets. Whether it’s the design, hardware, or rider-friendly performance, the bike maintains a perfect blend in every area.

Features like Showa USD forks, TFT display, lean-sensitive ABS, and lightweight construction make it a popular choice among students, new riders, and urban commuters.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Premium Neo Sports Café design
Lightweight (only 130 kg) for easy handling
Best-in-segment Showa SFF-BP USD front forks
Lean-sensitive ABS for enhanced safety
Full-LED lighting and colour TFT display
Smooth and beginner-friendly performance
High-quality build materials and finishing

Cons

High international pricing
Very low chances of India launch
125cc engine might feel overpriced for Indian buyers
Limited practicality for pillion riders
Engine performance is city-oriented, with limited highway punch

Expert Opinion

From an Indian automobile journalist’s point of view, the Honda CB125R is an outstanding premium 125cc motorcycle. It is perfect for riders who want world-class hardware, refined performance, and a modern design in a lightweight package. The handling, suspension quality, and braking feel top-notch. However, considering the Indian market’s price expectations, its high pricing and limited practicality make it unsuitable for our market.

Even if Honda decides to launch it in India, pricing would remain its biggest drawback. Internationally, it continues to be one of the best premium beginner motorcycles, especially for regions where 125cc licensing norms apply.

Conclusion

The 2026 Honda CB125R is a stylish, lightweight, and premium entry-level motorcycle that stands out in its segment due to its modern-retro design, top-quality hardware, and smooth performance. It is ideal for riders who want an attractive, confidence-inspiring daily commuter with high-end features. However, for India, the Honda CB125R remains more of an aspirational product rather than a practical one.

With Honda already dominating the Indian commuter market, a premium 125cc offering like this is unlikely to reach our shores. Internationally, though, it remains a fun-to-ride, premium, and well-balanced motorcycle for beginners and urban riders.