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Is the Honda CB125F a Good First Motorcycle? A 2026 UK Buyer’s Guide

The Honda CB125F is a credible lightweight manual commuter for some new riders. Check its 2026 UK specifications, CBT eligibility, fit and full ownership costs before buying.
Entry549 Date Time5 min MechanicCarCody Team
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For a new rider in the UK who wants a lightweight manual bike for local commuting and learning, the Honda CB125F is a strong first-motorcycle candidate—not an automatic best choice for everyone. Honda’s UK 2026 listing gives it 8 kW, a 117 kg kerb weight and a 790 mm seat height, alongside a £3,299 list price. Check that its size and controls suit you, that your licence permits you to ride it, and that the bike fits your routes and total budget before buying.

What the 2026 Honda CB125F offers

Honda UK lists the 2026 CB125F as a 124 cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, two-valve SOHC single with PGM-FI fuel injection and a manual five-speed gearbox. Its listed maximum output is 8 kW at 7,500 rpm, with maximum torque of 10.9 Nm at 6,000 rpm. For UK pricing and specifications, see Honda UK’s CB125F specification page.

Specification 2026 UK listing
List price £3,299
Engine 124 cc, air-cooled, four-stroke single
Maximum power 8 kW at 7,500 rpm
Maximum torque 10.9 Nm at 6,000 rpm
Transmission Manual five-speed
Kerb weight 117 kg
Seat height 790 mm
Fuel tank 11 litres
Brakes CBS; 240 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum
Claimed fuel consumption 66.7 km/l (1.4 l/100 km), a manufacturer figure

Honda Motor Europe’s 7 May 2025 release for the 26YM (2026 model year) also lists an LED headlight and taillight, a 4.2-inch full-colour TFT, RoadSync connectivity, USB-C and idling stop. It states Euro 5+ compliance and claims WMTC fuel consumption of 66.7 km/l (1.4 l/100 km) and CO₂ emissions of 32 g/km. These are manufacturer specifications and test-cycle figures, not guarantees of real-world consumption or independent safety assessments. See the Honda Europe 26YM announcement. Equipment and figures can differ by market and model year.

Why it may suit a first-time rider

The CB125F’s listed 117 kg kerb weight and 790 mm seat height give you concrete figures to assess for low-speed manoeuvring and reach. They do not establish that every rider will find it easy: body proportions, confidence and experience matter. Sit on the actual bike and try the controls with a qualified dealer or training provider before deciding.

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Its modest output and commuter-oriented layout make it a reasonable option if your priorities are ordinary local journeys and learning on a manual motorcycle. The five-speed gearbox means you will practise clutch and gear control. A 125 is not a substitute for a larger motorcycle if your regular journeys demand sustained higher speeds; the manufacturer specifications do not quantify how the CB125F performs on those routes.

The 2026 equipment—LED lighting, a colour display, phone connectivity, USB-C and idling stop—adds convenience features to the commuter case. Those features alone do not prove a safety advantage or better value than another bike.

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  • Fitment: Motorcycle short levers replacement for Honda GROM MSX125 2014-2025; for CBR500R/CB500F/CB500X 2013-2021; for CB400X/CB400F/CBR400R 2013-2021; for CBR300R/CB300R/CB300F/FA 2014-2021; for CBR250R 2010-2020; for CB125F/CB125R 2018-2022; for MONKEY (Z125)2019-2022;for CBR150R 2010-2020; for CB250R/F 2018-2022; for CBF190R CB190R 2016-2021; for CB190X 2017-2021; for CB190SS 2016-2021
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  • Adjustable Levers: 6 position adjustment, Adjust the set screw on the lever and get the best clutch or brake response
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Can you ride a CB125F on a CBT?

In Great Britain, a rider aged 17 or over who has completed Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) can ride a motorcycle up to 125 cc and 11 kW under learner conditions. That includes displaying L plates—or D plates in Wales—and the learner period is time-limited. A CBT is training, not a full motorcycle test or an unrestricted licence. Personal licence history and jurisdiction can affect the rules, so check the current GOV.UK CBT guidance before riding.

A full A1 licence is a separate route. GOV.UK lists an A1 motorcycle limit of 125 cc and 11 kW, with CBT, theory and practical tests, from age 17. Check the official motorcycle licence categories and requirements for your circumstances.

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Rank #3
Be In Your Mind 1 Set Motorcycle Fork Dust Seals 31x43x10.5mm Compatible with Honda CB125F 2015-2020 MSX125 2013-2017
  • Compatible with Honda CB125F 2015-2020 MSX125 2013-2017 MTX50 1984 MTX80 1982-1984 XL185 1980-1983 XR125 2003-2008 XR200 1980-1984.
  • Compatible with YAMAHA TTR110 2008-2017 TTR125 2011-2014.
  • The dimensions are 31x43x10.5mm, ensuring tight installation to prevent oil leakage and foreign matter intrusion.
  • The dustproof oil seal ensures stable shock absorber performance, helps improve vehicle handling, and enhances riding stability and safety.
  • Contains 2 front fork seals and 2 dustproof seals to meet the sealing needs of the front shock absorber system.

The DVSA CBT syllabus covers protective equipment, motorcycle operation and maintenance checks, control, observation, hazard anticipation and on-road situations. Training and protective kit belong in the same buying plan as the motorcycle.

What gear do you need before CBT?

GOV.UK says CBT attendees need a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards (with the stated exception for a Sikh wearing a turban), motorcycle gloves, boots or sturdy footwear that protects the ankles, and protective trousers and a jacket. A course provider may supply a helmet, so ask before buying. The GOV.UK CBT clothing and equipment list gives the requirements; its road-riding overview also covers helmet requirements for road use. Prioritise fit and compliance with current standards; no specific product has been independently assessed here.

  • Motorcycle gloves
  • A standards-compliant helmet, if your provider does not supply one
  • A protective jacket and trousers
  • Boots or sturdy footwear that protects the ankles

How to decide whether it is the right first bike for you

  1. Confirm your licence route. Check current rules for your age, licence history and where you will ride using the relevant GOV.UK guidance.
  2. Match the bike to your routes. Consider whether your journeys are mostly local or require sustained higher speeds; the CB125F’s 125-class output may not suit every road or use.
  3. Try the fit and controls. Sit on the motorcycle and, with a qualified dealer or training provider, assess reach, balance and the manual controls. Listed weight and seat height are starting points, not a personal fit test.
  4. Compare the full cost. Include the actual dealer price, insurance quote for you, training, protective kit, servicing and other ownership costs. Honda’s £3,299 figure is its UK 2026 list price, not a personal out-the-door quotation.
  5. Compare alternatives on the same terms. Check new and used prices, licence eligibility, weight, seat reach, output, transmission, braking equipment, comparable fuel-economy test cycles, local parts and service support, warranty and total setup cost. The available manufacturer information does not establish that the CB125F is superior to named rival 125s or used motorcycles.
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What to check if you are considering a used CB125F

Used-bike condition depends on the individual motorcycle, not just its model name. Verify the exact model year and specification, review service records, and inspect the tyres, chain, brakes, condition and paperwork. If you are not confident assessing them, ask a competent mechanic or dealer to inspect the bike. The cited manufacturer sources do not provide a CB125F-specific used inspection checklist or an independent reliability rate.

What the evidence does—and does not—show

Honda’s 7 May 2025 release describes the CB125F as “a tough, user-friendly entry-level motorcycle” and “the perfect first rung on the ladder.” That is Honda’s promotional language, not an independent assessment. Honda’s published specifications support a practical case based on learner-sized displacement and output, listed weight and seat height, manual controls and commuter features; they do not establish universal ease, comparative superiority, real-world fuel economy, reliability, resale value, insurance cost or crash risk.

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OTOTEC 20 Pack Oil Drain Crush Washers M12 12x20x2 mm Aluminum Sealing Gaskets Compatible with Honda CB125F GLR125 2017-2020
  • - Compatibility: Compatible with Honda CB125F GLR125 2017-2020; also fits engines using M12 drain bolts on many 125 cc motorcycles. Confirm 12x20x2 mm size with your service manual before purchase.
  • - OEM Cross-Reference: Replace OEM 94109-12000 for easy lookup and matching by dimensions.
  • - Construction: Aluminum sealing washer; compressible ring forms a uniform seal under proper torque. Smooth faces promote even contact with the drain bolt flange.
  • - Maintenance Use: Intended for routine engine oil changes; replace the washer at each service to help reduce seepage and keep the crankcase area clean.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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