Official: Honda CB125R is the sports naked for new riders | EICMA 2017

Described as a stripped-back entry-level sports-naked, the Honda CB125R echoes the ‘Neo Sports Café’ styling of the new CB1000R, but weighs just 125.8kg, ready to ride.

The liquid-cooled SOHC single-cylinder motor is said to be free-revving with ‘strong low to mid-range acceleration’, with a ‘unique presence aimed to engage and inspire young riders.’ It puts out 13.1bhp (9.8kW) @ 10,000rpm and 7.3lb-ft (10Nm) @ 8000rpm through a six-speed gearbox for a claimed 0-50mph time of 11.4seconds.

The all-new tubular steel lattice frame has a ‘tuned rigidity balance’ for feedback; the swing-arm and its pivot plates are pressed steel, and combine with 41mm upside-down forks and a preload adjustable shock.

The front brake is a Nissin four-piston radial caliper with a hubless 296mm floating disc (it’s fixed further out on the wheel, rather than at the hub), while the rear sees a single-piston biting a 220mm disc. Interestingly, the ABS – which works on the front and rear – uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU), claimed to give precise front to rear modulation of the anti-lock system.

The aluminium fat bar-style handlebars, fixed via risers to the top yoke, give 40° of rotation for a 2.3m turning circle, while the seat is set at 816mm.

The LCD dash is just 23.5mm thick, and shows speed, revs, fuel level and gear, with full LED lighting across the whole bike; the split headlight is the thinnest ever fitted to a Honda motorcycle.

Fuel economy is claimed to be 136.7mpg, which means the 10.1 litre tank could offer a range of up to 298miles.

SPECIFICATION: 2018 Honda CB125R