Witness the 2011 Honda CBR125R, which is set to join the Aprilia RS4 and KTM 125 Duke in Europe. The 125cc sportsbike class is getting more and more crowded, and the newest member of this category comes from Honda Thailand. The Japanese brand wanted to build a 125cc sportsbike with the look and feel of a bigger, more expensive machine. Therefore, the VFR1200F-like styling is agressive, and the bike is lightweight, arefined and easy to use.
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The bike features a liquid-cooled 125cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection. The rev-happy mill produces 13hp at 10,000rpm and 7,5 ft.-lb. of torque at 8,000rpm. The 2011 CBR125R boasts a competitively low kerb weight of just 136.9kg. The CBR125R uses a mechanically actuated clutch for fine control and a light feel at the clutch lever. The transmission’s six ratios complement the engine’s flexible power delivery perfectly, giving the CBR125R the performance that riders demand. This mass is distributed perfectly between the front and rear wheels in a 49:51 weight distribution, while the compact single-cylinder engine helps keep the centre of gravity low. The result is a machine that feels instantly manageable, regardless of a rider’s height or stature, so the rider feels completely in control.
The 125cc CBR in action
Control and a superb ride feel are guaranteed by the CBR125R’s premium suspension components. The front wheel is controlled by a 31mm hydraulic telescopic fork, while the rear tubular steel swingarm mounts to a Monoshock for sporty control and exceptional comfort. While in its element on the kind of smooth and twisting roads Supersports machines of all sizes revel in, the CBR125R also has the chassis sophistication to remain stable and comfortable on rougher back roads. In line with the new brief, the 2011 CBR125R uses tyres and wheels of a size more commonly associated with the 250cc class. The lightweight new 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear cast wheels use a striking five-spoke design and bring both stability and increased grip. They also underline the CBR125R’s full-sized credentials. They are slowed by equally impressive braking systems, with powerful disc brakes front and rear. The front brake uses a 276mm disc gripped by a twin-piston caliper, while at the rear a 220mm disc and single-piston caliper offer the accuracy and feel that make low-speed manoeuvres easy. The sporting character and impressive versatility of the CBR125R can be further enhanced with an extensive range of optional equipment from Honda Access Europe.
2011 Honda CBR125R Specifications and Photos
