Honda CB125F 2026 — Specifications

Do you remember the first CBF 125? It began its journey the same year Michael Jackson ended his. Plenty of other things happened in 2009; but for Honda, it was the return of a utility vehicle in the range after the earlier discontinuation of the CG 125.

It initially wanted to position itself as a mini semi-faired roadster, with a sleek and almost intrepid look. Since then, the CBF has gradually returned to a no-frills city roadster, imbued with a desire for an economical all-rounder.

It will take a lot of strength to recognize this new CBF. Sharpen your eye, engage your senses, and discover a better-integrated bubble, the removal of the mandibles on the edges of the headlight, subtly revised front and rear lights, a rear mudguard with a curved purpose – it's a very light facelift. Honda clearly wanted to focus its efforts elsewhere.

Where then? On the equipment. The muses of modernism bring it a new dashboard, formed with TFT technology. Enough to instantly forget the LCD figures of the CBF of yesterday to appreciate a beautiful arrangement of information and colors in a 4.2-inch format. A little smaller than the 5" of the CB 125 R, Hornet 500 or 750 and other Hondas, it provides almost as many services. Including Bluetooth and the RoadSync app to pilot your smartphone and have a navigation service – a key asset for this little machine designed to cover every urban corner. Another bonus, and essential, a USB-C socket makes its appearance.

The CBF’s single-cylinder engine isn’t that old. Barely since 2021 that it has been appearing in this motorcycle (and quite a few scooters). Its power is frugal (10.9 horsepower), as is its appetite (1.4 liters per 100 km). It is calibrated for the missions of its host, which does not prevent it from having technologies that larger engines could envy. Like its alternator-starter to save weight. Which allows for the integration of a Start & Stop system in 2026. Called "Idling Stop" at the winged firm, it automatically cuts the engine when it has been idling for more than 3 seconds. A twist of the throttle and it restarts.

A few modifications allow it to pass Euro5+ to be quiet for a few years on the markets. A more robust battery accompanies these evolutions.

For the chassis, nothing changes. The rider will always approach this very accessible machine as easily with a seat height of 790 mm and only 117 kg – the weight of the battery of a hybrid-rechargeable car. Simple for quiet use: a diamond-type steel tubular frame, a 30 mm fine fork, pre-load adjustable shock absorbers, a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, 18-inch thin tires like a moped and a CBS coupled braking system.

With that, the CBF 125 is the most sensible of Hondas. The most economical above all. It’s up to you to appreciate the boost that comes with it.

M.B - Manufacturer photos