I bought a CB 125F, ask me anything

[potato]

I bought a CB 125F (B) this week, and I wanted to relay my experience with the machine as I clock in some kilometers. I haven't ridden it much right now, with only about 55km on the odometer, therefore I don't feel like I have a lot to say apart from initial impressions.

Before I list out my thoughts, it's important to first understand what my measuring stick is in determining what is good and bad about the bike. Context - I have owned just one motorcycle in the past, that being a Chonda 70, and that will serve as my baseline for what I felt were remarkable improvements. I have also ridden a YBR 125 to a limited extent, and I might look into getting a feel for a friend's GS 150 so I can form a proper comparison.

Another important piece of context is that I ride usually within an urban setting (45-50km a day), and my commute doesn't allow for excessive speeds or any need for high RPMs. I'm sure the difference in engine types will make a lot of difference for long tours and such, or in situations where the rider needs to operate the vehicle at a higher RPM. However, for regular commute for the average Javed, the difference isn't deal-breaking.

Now, onto the experiences that stand out:

1. The one thing most people worry about with OHV engines - vibrations. In terms of vibrations on the seat and contact points where the legs sit, all the way to the footpegs, you don't feel a thing, even at relatively high RPMs. However, you do feel vibrations on the handlebar as the RPMs climb. This is workable though, it's not too intrusive, but it will not do your hands justice on a long trip. I might look into some rubber coverings for the grip to remove more of the vibrations. Company grips are made to last, not for comfort, which is why they lack a softer rubbery material. While I believe products should work out of the box, this seems like a pretty small extra step and purchase, so, I won't be replacing the stock grips with a soft exterior and harder interior grip to kill off vibrations, however, a soft rubber slip-on grip over the stock one should do wonders.
2. The wonky assembly - it looks cheap, I agree wholeheartedly, especially the self-start. However, the self start, while not aesthetic, is sturdy and will last. It doesn't look it across a screen, but from a functional perspective, it works great. The assembly on the left is more jarring I feel, the lights toggle has a small amount of free play side to side (not too much), but I don't feel it's easily breakable either, it's just not engineered with beauty in mind - it is functionally sturdy. The horn button is fairly well fitted, it doesn't have unnecessary play, and while we're at it, the horn is loud enough for me to feel embarrassed for subjecting people to it, which is a good thing on the road, but it might not be a polite way of asking pedestrians to move off the road. I'm worried a little about the hi-low beam toggle however, it's spring operated, I'll have to examine how dependable it is once I've used it, but spring based setups in most things don't last very long. This is of course speculation, I'll have to see how sturdy it is as this journey continues.
3. I so didn't want to list this point so low, but it's been said too often for me to not feel like a broken record. The power - and I cannot stress enough how fun that aspect of it is, even compared to a YBR, and it's even harder to describe. A twist of a throttle pulls you forward with an intensity you can understand as you ride it. It's a different feel from the YBR, it's rugged but smooth, it's a vibe. I've had a pillion on with me when I picked up the bike, and the throttle I require solo vs. with a passenger is practically non-existent. I'm kind of sad riding it across town because I haven't been able to twist any more than 15% of the throttle on those residential roads. My journey back from the showroom involved a route through the highway - I cruised at 70, pulling in the clutch and letting the bike glide and recover so I don't heat it too much, and I barely used a quarter of the throttle to do it. Coming from a 70cc Chonda, the extent to which a 125cc bike compares was astonishing - particularly on inclined roads (which didn't really feel like inclines on a good engine). The throttle is fairly controlled, and feels like its giving you a quality ride - its not jerky, its responsive, but smooth. This without the first oil change with the proper oil is a good sign in terms of ride quality.

I'll be talking more about how this bike performs as I use it, and of course, I'll drop in pictures soon.

However - I do feel I need to say this. With Yamaha's prices skyrocketing and Suzuki removing their GS 150SE from their offerings, this bike is shaping up to be a decent option if it suits your needs. Although cheaper than even a YBZ 125 (simple) Honda's CB 125F is one of those bikes you can't justify in terms of price, you have to ride it to feel what it's worth. It's providing more than the YBZ at the same price, and I wouldn't let the OHV engine and the ugly assembly get in the way of buying it. If your use case fits, this is quality ride.

I'm open to any and all questions you may have - feel free to ask.

[ibaloch777]

You have got a good writing skill. Keep it up. Looking forward for more such comments.
Honda 125s are meant for power, roar and adrenaline. Yamaha , suzukis are for comfort over long ride. Everything has got a purpose. Comparison better not to be drawn.

[wasi41922]

I just bought a Cb 125F 2022 model a couple of months ago. In the beginning, I easily used to hit 117 km/h @ 11000 RPM. Now I don't know what's the issue but I can barely get above 95 km/h @ 8500 RPM. In the beginning, my fuel average used to be 50-53 kilometers per litre and now it's barely giving 35 kms/litre. I've always taken great care of my bike, timely oil changes and tunings. Thought it may be spark plug issue, so I changed that with NGK's 1000 power plug but still not a difference of an inch. Please help me in this regard. My bike's odometer reading is ~5950kms. The pick isn't also the same that I used to enjoy

[ibaloch777]

Share so far experience.

[potato]

Hey,

I'm not sure what might be wrong, but I don't think 50-53 kmpl was ever that realistic. Maybe your riding habits changed, the throttle, maybe lower gears. You might be getting lower quality fuel, or bad fueling stations. Have you taken it to a good service center? If you have only went to a single one, consider finding another, preferably the largest one. The difference I felt from one service center to another was astonishing. I'm currently on 1800KM, but I'll let you know how it goes. I personally haven't stretched the bike that far either, I'm a fairly reserved rider, the most I've gone is 90 with some throttle to spare.

Also, the rear shocks feel a bit too rough. I'll try to see if the adjustments make a difference, will update soon.

Good luck.

[potato]

Sorry for the late response, it's been a hectic semester.

I haven't yet taken any decent pictures either, I got into an accident shortly after I bought the bike too, that was another reason for the delay. The rear tyre as usual. Replaced it with a Panther Trekker 100/90-18. I'm too lazy to get it serviced and take it to somewhere nice for a photoshoot, but, I might just wash it myself and take some pictures anyway soon.

The rest of the review will come in time, expect it fairly soon.

[affanhaq94]

I purchased a 125f 2022 in blue for use in our colony and small trips to put around in after I just moved to Pakistan.

Overall, my experience is 50/50 with this bike. I will list the pros and cons of my ownership experience.

Day 1 purchasing the bike, it has a rear suspension squeak and front brake noise. Rust began forming on the exhaust silencer, bolts on handlebars and other bolts on the body pieces. Took it back, they were unable to solve the squeak and submitted claim for the rust. Replaced the silencer for us.

Also noticed power was just, not there. Acceleration was subpar compared to my uncles 150 Suzuki and brother in law's 110 pridor. Contacted Honda atlas and was told to take it in for 500 km service at another location.

Took it in at 500kms, performed the service, greased the rear control arm bolt and found a piece of plastic in the front brake caliper. Front brake noise solved, rear suspension squeak was solved for 2 days before returning. The rusty bolts? Painted with a brush and reinstalled.

My front parking light also seems to not work anymore. Can anyone confirm this indeed does have a front parking lamp? It used to work but now it doesn't. Techs are saying it doesn't have one. I know it does, as I would always used it when going to read Maghrib prayer when full beam was not necessary.

1000km service. I put some pressure on the tech's to solve my problem. They removed the entire read suspension assy and found the rear bushing was pressed incorrectly from assembly causing my noise. New bushing and so far it seems to have solved it. It's only been one day though, so we will see. They convinced me the front parking light does not exist so we have left that not working. They also dropped my headlight assy and cracked it. Refuse to fix/replace obviously because 'it was like that already'.

Power is now a lot better. I drove it up to 110 kph forcefully in order to test. Seems good.

Overall, what I like:

Looks, riding position, balance of the bike, easy to ride.

What I don't like:

Quality is poor, cheap material, poorly put together, fuel gauge isn't always accurate.

Overall a decent bike. Would I buy it again? Probably not. If I have no future issues, I may change my verdict. Was actually wanting to go for a gr150 Suzuki, but there was a 3 month wait period. I am also a bit biased as I also own a 1000cc Suzuki which is stuck in Karachi for custom clearance.

[muhammadsufiyan31906]

Asalam o alaikum , I have got the same issue brother my bike gives me an average of 30 to 35 km per litre which is very less , if anyone has a solution for this please do share it will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[affanhaq94]

Did you resolve this? I am going through the same. Bike doesn't feel as quick and struggles to get over 95. Maybe the fuel mixture is off? I think mine is like this after the mechanic adjusted the mixture

[ehteshamhashmi786]

How did you solve the squeaking noise from the back? I have this problem, tech said it's from the axle and he just replaced the washel. Also at which RPM do you shift gears for a normal and smooth ride and obviously for max fuel efficiency

[affanhaq94]

The rear axle was a headache. It has been solved by then replacing the entire rear arm under warranty with new bushings.

They first tried to just grease the bolt, then tried just a new bushing, but it had to have the entire arm replaced.

I only use the bike for very short trips so I can't answer the fuel efficiency question. I either ride leisurely or quick and haven't really looked at my fuel economy if I am being honest