In October 2022, Pak Suzuki introduced their all-new GSX 125 in Pakistan. To date, it’s the only CBU unit motorcycle being sold officially in Pakistan.
It’s comfortable to ride, the build is solid, and it is loaded with some really good features as compared to our local options.
On the opposite side, we have the Honda CG125, Pakistan’s most iconic and second-most-sold motorcycle.
Both bikes are upside down from each other in every aspect, e.g., popularity, pricing, resale, and spare cost.
Here’s a 1-1 Comparison of both bikes:
Resale Value
No match!
Honda wins the game!
In fact, according to a PAMA report, Honda is the top-selling brand in the two-wheeler market.
Even if you sum up the sales of all the two-wheeler manufacturers, they still can’t beat Atlas Honda, i.e., 124K total sales of all the manufacturers, alone AHL sales figures are 719K.
Just visit a nearby bike showroom, and they will purchase your CG on the spot without any wait. Or, put your CG’s ad on Pakwheels for a better offer.
On the other hand, the GSX125 doesn’t have a strong market resale value. It’s not that the GSX will not sell; it’ll just give you a hard time.
First of all, no local dealer will purchase it from you in cash. These dealers don’t take risks and only buy bikes that they know have a market.
You can either sell the GSX on Pakwheels or give it to the showroom on a consignment basis (they’ll pay you only when the vehicle is sold).
Performance
Again, CG125 takes the win.
With its low curb weight, slim tires, and OHV technology, Honda is a far better choice than the GSX.
GSX, on the other hand, has bigger tires and weighs more than CG. Hence, its power-to-weight ratio is lower; it will easily lose the drag race with CG125.
Engine technology also plays an important role here. CG uses OHV technology, which weighs less but produces a lot more torque than the OHC used in GSX.
Comfort
Now, GSX turns the game!
Associating CG with comfort is like expecting a snowfall in June. CG is the most uncomfortable motorcycle you can ever drive.
It makes a hell of a lot of vibrations, especially at a speed of 70 Km/h. After riding it for 30 minutes at over 70 km/h, your lower body will feel like it’s being pricked by a thousand tiny pins—it’s so intense.
The seat is also not comfortable—it’s like a brick. Don’t think of doing a long tour on this bike unless you don’t love your back.
We’ve not tested the GSX, but owners have reported that it does have a vibration, but it is not noticeable and long tours are possible on it.
Spare Parts Availability and Pricing
CG spares are readily available and dirt-cheap, while GSX’s spares are not readily available and are seriously costly.
We don’t know the pricing of all the GSX’s parts, but here’s what we could find from Suzuki’s dealership:
Writer’s comments: GSX 125 parts are jaw-droppingly expensive!
Ease of Use
Both bikes are easy to use. However, unless you’re obsessed with CG’s sound and you don’t ride a bike for street racing, GSX will give you true bike riding pleasure.
The GSX’s driving posture is best, the seat is like a sofa, the engine is silent, and you get all the necessary gauges, which makes for a pleasurable riding experience.
After spending 500K and considering the heart attack giving spare parts cost, you really don’t want to risk getting your GSX into an accident.
The CG125 is also easy to use and comfortable in the city; it’s just that CG will give you extreme fatigue in long rides due to its vibrations and brick-like seat.
But, in CG, you don’t have to fear accidents as much; its spare parts are dirt cheap and readily available, and any mechanic can work on this bike.
Specs and Features
The GSX comes with all the standard features, including self-start, dipper, and disc brakes, while the CG is just a metal frame with the engine mounted on it. It’s all manual, with no self-start and no disc brakes. Even the brightness of the headlights and taillights depends on the bike’s RPMs.
CG has no specs and features. It’s just a bike focused on torque, power, and weight-carrying abilities, not designed for comfort.
Writer’s Verdict
If you have so much extra money in your bank, you don’t care about resale value, and you can afford jaw-dropping spare pricing, then go ahead and buy GSX125.
However, if you need a reliable one that demands very low maintenance, can last an eternity, and your daily running is no more than 30 Km, then CG could be a good option. It’s resale, parts, reliability, and mechanics availability are up to the mark.
If you can’t afford the vibrations of CG or you want a bike for long rides, you can go with other local options like GS150 or YBR. They are cheaper than GSX and offer very good ride quality.
