The Honda CB125R 2026 Review is a detailed examination of one of the most technologically advanced and aesthetically specialized motorcycles in the global 125cc segment. This machine is the smallest offering in Honda’s “Neo Sports Café” family, designed to provide beginner riders and urban commuters with the look, feel, and premium hardware of a high-capacity naked bike. For 2026, Honda has focused on aesthetic refreshment, introducing a new color palette while retaining the robust, high-specification mechanical package. While its official launch in the Indian market remains highly unlikely due to potential pricing challenges, this review analyzes its premium features and performance specialization.
Engine Specs and Performance: The DOHC Liquid-Cooled Specialization
The core specialization of the Honda CB125R 2026 Review subject is its uncompromising engine architecture, a sophisticated design rarely seen in the 125cc class.
The DOHC Liquid-Cooled Heart
The motorcycle continues to be powered by a $124.9\text{ cc}$ single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) engine. This DOHC setup is a major technical specialization that allows the engine to breathe better at high revs compared to simpler SOHC or 2-valve engines, maximizing performance.
- Maximum Power Output: The engine produces a peak power of $11.0\text{ kW}$ (approximately $15\text{ bhp}$) at $10,000\text{ rpm}$. This high-revving power delivery is phenomenal for a $125\text{ cc}$ bike and is the legal maximum for the A1 license category in Europe.
- Maximum Torque: Peak torque stands at $11.6\text{ Nm}$ at $8,000\text{ rpm}$.
- Transmission: The power is delivered through a smooth and efficient 6-speed gearbox, a specialization that allows for better gear spacing and more relaxed cruising at higher speeds compared to the 5-speed boxes common in its class.
The engine uses PGM-FI electronic fuel injection for sharp throttle response and excellent efficiency, maintaining compliance with the latest global emission standards (Euro5+). The focus on liquid-cooling ensures optimal thermal management, leading to better reliability and consistent performance even under strenuous urban traffic conditions.
Features and Advanced Hardware: Premium Components
The hardware package of the Honda CB125R 2026 Review subject is a clear statement of its premium positioning, featuring components typically found on much larger motorcycles.
Showa SFF-BP Forks and Lightweight Chassis
The most striking hardware specialization is the use of $41\text{ mm}$ Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD (Upside-Down) front forks.
- Benefit: These premium inverted forks provide superior damping performance, high stability, and a better feel for the front tire compared to conventional telescopic forks. This significantly enhances handling and braking confidence.
- Chassis: The bike is built around a lightweight inner pivot diamond frame, contributing to its remarkably low kerb weight of just $130\text{ kg}$. This featherlight construction makes the CB125R incredibly agile, nimble in city traffic, and easy to manage for beginner riders.
Sophisticated Braking and IMU-Based ABS
The braking system is another technological specialization:
- Front Brake: A large $296\text{ mm}$ hubless floating disc is gripped by a radial-mount Nissin 4-piston caliper.
- Safety: Braking is controlled by a 2-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) that is managed by an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This lean-sensitive ABS technology adjusts the braking force based on the bike’s lean angle when cornering, a safety feature almost unheard of in the 125cc segment, providing exceptional control in challenging conditions.
Digital Cockpit and LED Lighting
The rider interface is modern, featuring a crisp $5\text{-inch}$ full-colour TFT display. This display shows speed, RPM, gear position, and fuel information, all clearly legible. The bike features full LED lighting—including the distinctive round LED headlamp and compact LED taillight—which enhances both visibility and the bike’s high-quality aesthetic.
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Mileage, Comfort, and Riding Experience
The Honda CB125R 2026 Review subject achieves a high level of efficiency and comfortable ergonomics while delivering a sporty riding experience.
Fuel Economy and Riding Range
Despite its high-performance DOHC engine, the CB125R achieves good fuel efficiency. The WMTC (World Motorcycle Test Cycle) consumption figure is approximately $45.5\text{ kmpl}$. Given its small $10.1\text{-litre}$ fuel tank capacity, this still translates to a respectable range of over $450\text{ km}$ on a full tank, making it efficient for daily commutes.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The bike adopts the Neo Sports Café styling, which offers a slightly aggressive but upright and comfortable riding posture.
- Seat Height: The seat height is $816\text{ mm}$, which is manageable for most riders.
- Handling: The low kerb weight and excellent suspension hardware result in predictable handling, stability on the highway, and high agility in city traffic. Its tight $2.3\text{ metre}$ turning radius makes U-turns and parking effortless.
Pros, Cons, and Price in India
The Honda CB125R 2026 Review confirms the motorcycle as a technologically brilliant and aesthetically premium machine, but one that faces significant commercial challenges for the Indian market.
Pros (Advantages)
The major advantages are the segment-leading $15\text{ bhp}$ DOHC liquid-cooled engine, the premium hardware (Showa USD SFF-BP forks, radial-mount brakes), the advanced IMU-based 2-channel ABS safety specialization, the lightweight $130\text{ kg}$ chassis for superior handling, and the full-colour $5\text{-inch}$ TFT display. The Neo Sports Café styling provides a distinctive, premium look.
Cons (Drawbacks)
The primary drawbacks are the high cost of its imported premium components (Showa, Nissin, liquid-cooling), which makes it extremely difficult to price competitively in India’s cost-sensitive $125\text{ cc}$ segment. The bike’s European pricing (around £4,799 OTR) is equivalent to approximately $\text{₹}5.0$ Lakh to $\text{₹}5.5$ Lakh (without taxes), a price point far exceeding the Indian market’s expectations for a $125\text{ cc}$ machine.
Expected Price in India (Unlikely Launch)
The Honda CB125R is highly unlikely to be launched in India. Honda already successfully competes in the segment with the cost-optimized Honda SP 125, Shine 125, and CB125 Hornet.
However, if the CB125R were to be imported or locally assembled with its current global specifications (41mm USD forks, liquid-cooling, DOHC, IMU-ABS), its estimated Ex-Showroom Price in India would likely fall between $\text{₹}1.40\text{ Lakh}$ to $\text{₹}1.65\text{ Lakh}$. This places it in the high-end $200\text{ cc}$ segment (where it would compete with models like the TVS Apache RTR 200), making it commercially unviable. The final On-Road Price in India would exceed $\text{₹}1.90\text{ Lakh}$.
