So I’ve been thinking about which 125 to get. Do I get a Yamaha or a Honda? Do I get a YBR 125, a YBR 125 Custom, a CBF125, A CB125F, Or even go for a MT-125 or a CBR125?
Well, I got to have a look in the Honda dealership in Farnham today, and have a sit on the CB125F. Honestly, I was not that impressed with the build quality. It is a very light bike, and looks like a carbon copy of the YBR-125. It really just doesn’t feel as well put together.
CB 125F
Advantages
- I can get a discount on one (cousin works for Honda)
- Looks good
- Has underseat storage
- Gear indicator
- It’s a Honda
Disadvantages
- It doesn’t feel as well built (really did not feel on par with the other Honda bikes in the showroom)
- Dealership is further away
- Internet reviews don’t seem as favourable
- Cheap clocks
- So So looks (I know its not far off the YBR 125, but it just doesn’t appeal as much to me.
- No luggage rack as standard
- Slim tires
CBF 125
Advantages
- More aggressive styling
- Nice riders seat – like the slightly raised back.
- Underseat storage
Disadvantages
- Cowling would be expensive to replace it broken
- Not seen one in person
- Slightly put off by the build quality of the CB125F
- No luggage rack as standard
- Honda Farnham reported this as ‘discontinued’ (strange as it still appears on Honda’s website and my Cousin says he can get me one…)
- Slim tires
- Iffy electrics (reportedly designed by first-year college students. Why you’d run your lights off an AC Line from the alternator is beyond me. Surely running off DC is better)
- Would require work to rebuild the electrics to be acceptable or for the ability to replace the bulbs…
- Great site that explains how to fix this: http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-DC-circuit-for-your-Honda-CBF-125/
- Crappy headlight (see above point about electrics)
CBR 125
Advantages
- It’s a race bike! Looks awesome!
- Girlfriend loves how it looks
- Much better build quality than the CB125F
- Better engine than the other Honda 125′s
- Faster
- Wide tires
Disadvantages
- Expensive insurance
- Cowling would be expensive to fix
- Faster (more likely to crash it – maybe not a good first bike)
YBR 125
Advantages
- Can get one second hand for around £2000
- Service centre is 5 minutes around the corner (Infinity)
- Good solid build quality
- Good internet reviews
- Limited to around 60-65MPH (better for me as I’m a first time rider)
- Luggage rack included
Disadvantages
- No underseat storage
- Slimmer tires (not quite as slim as the Honda CBF125 & CB125F)
MT 125
Advantages
- Looks great
- Advanced LCD Clocks
Disadvantages
- Expensive to buy
- Expensive to insure
- LARGE bike! I struggle getting on it as the tail is so
