BACKGROUND
This is about Honda CBR125R that sells as an entry level motorcycle in Australia. From reviews understand that some people like the Honda Shine. Since I do not have the chance to drive the Honda Shine as available in India; I have chosen to write a review on a 125cc Honda CBR125R.
MOTIVATION
I went to the petrol station to fill some petrol for my Hyosung motorcycle. Then I saw a teenager fill up his CBR 125R mototcycle....I asked him about it and he said he it was "cool" and touched 100 easy and was fuel-injected.. A thought occured - hey, this would be a great motorcycle in India if it was priced right and offered 50+ kmpl..
LOOKS:
Similar to the new Yamaha 150 with dual headlamps. Honda has done race type fantastic design on this and of course the exhaust, the seats are race type designs too....like a mini-Ducati/Aprilia/Buell.
*IMPRESSIONS:
*I saw this in the Honda retail outlet here and was impressed with its race-type looks. Gee, this must be 200cc, I thought. I sat on themotorcycle and from the Honda salesman I learnt it was the same 125cc, thought must be 10HP or so. Still felt it was a small bike for me, since am close to six feet and broad shouldered, 90+ kilos.
Found out since it offers class leading 17HP due to Honda’s quality ElectronicFuel Injection....and liquid cooled engine...all in a 125cc package. Feels like a baby Fire Blade (1000cc). Has been selling tops in Yamaha zone called Europe.
Feels more expensive than the 4200 A$ it sells for. One somewhat low priced Honda by Honda standards. The next Honda bike bland looking 250cc is 9000 A$....WHEW! Will do the test ride although it is a small motorcycle ....and reports later....
TECHNOLOGY
Powerful engine for its class. Takes many older 250s of the 90s head on. 17HP -EFI, single cylinder. Dual cylinder and 4 valves would send this to 19HP at least. Quick to go up the revvs, and to 10, 000 RPM this can handle pretty good too.
Designed for commuting and hi-ways can go upto 125kmph. Liquid cooled engine, Electronic Fuel Injected, 6 gears, suspension mono-shock, 17 inch tires with 100/80 rear and standard front tire. Weight - 120 kilos. Could be lower to offer more speed. Front and rear disc brakes...standard. Impressive. Beats even the 150cc Indian carb editions, power wise.
VERDICT "RaceDNA/looks/speed-Honda badge"
Saw a blue one on the freeway. Hit 80 kmph fast...just whizzed by. Feel that the CBR125R is something that Indian motorcycle consumers will like for racing and some hiway riding besides city commutes. Basement prices and fun overseas, Can Honda offer this for 60K in India with 50kmpl and top speed say 120kmph?Bring above specs to India, Honda and you may have a winner....Japanese Ducati with lower prices? You betcha!