Honda CRF125F 2024 — Specifications

What's the best way to build a young rider's confidence on rough terrain without handing them a machine that's beyond their skill level? Honda has been answering that question for years with its CRF lineup, and the 2024 Honda CRF125F fits squarely into that philosophy. Positioned just above the CRF 110 F, this small 125 cc four-stroke off-road bike serves as a bridge between getting started and more committed motocross riding. Priced at 3249 euros, it clearly targets teenagers on the rise, but also smaller-framed adults looking for a simple, reliable machine to have fun on the trails.

Beneath the styling borrowed from the full-size CRF 250 R and CRF 450 R, the 124.9 cc single-cylinder produces 8 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 9.80 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. On paper, that's modest. In practice, it's exactly what you need to learn throttle control. The Honda CRF125F is not a snappy two-stroke like the Yamaha YZ125 or the KTM 125 SX, which flirt with 110 km/h straight out of the crate. Here, top speed caps out around 90 to 95 km/h, and power delivery is smooth and progressive thanks to the Keihin electronic fuel injection. The 52.4 x 57.9 mm bore and stroke, paired with a 9:1 compression ratio, favor flexibility at low and mid-range rpm rather than aggressive top-end pulls. The 4-speed gearbox is more than adequate for this type of use, with each gear calibrated to keep the engine in its comfort zone. The electric starter, backed up by a backup kick-starter, prevents any starting headaches out on the track.

On the chassis side, Honda didn't cut any corners. The steel tube twin-spar frame borrows its architecture from the brand's competition models, delivering a solid compromise between cornering rigidity and forgiveness in ruts. The 31 mm inverted telescopic fork and Pro-Link mono-shock each offer 168 mm of travel. That's enough to soak up the bumps on a motocross track without rattling a lightweight rider. The 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels, fitted with 70/100 and 90/100 tires, contribute to stability while maintaining genuine agility through direction changes. Braking is handled by a 220 mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and a 95 mm rear drum, offering enough modulation for a learning audience.

At 90.2 kg wet and with a seat height of 785 mm, the CRF 125 F big wheel version suits teenage frames without being intimidating. The 4.5-liter metal fuel tank, protected by the frame architecture, features a low-fuel warning light that comes on at the last liter. The wide handlebar fitted with waffle grips and the adjustable brake lever reflect careful attention to ergonomics for young hands. Every detail is designed so the rider can focus on their line rather than their machine.

Should you go for it? If you're looking for a reliable Honda CRF 125 to introduce a youngster to motocross or light enduro riding, the answer is yes without hesitation. It will never compete with the 125 two-strokes on a fast track, but that's not its playground. Its strength lies in the confidence it inspires, the smoothness of its engine, and the build quality that's signature Honda. Up against a Kawasaki KLX 140R or a Yamaha TT-R 125, it holds its own perfectly. For riders who find it too tame, the CRF 250 R is waiting just one step up.