Honda CB125F MY2017, the "motina" ready for anything [FIRST CONTACT]

Our journey inside Honda's "under 125" range ends, which began last Friday with the presentation of the "Easy Test" event (here the article), during which we had the opportunity to try the numerous solutions that Honda offers to the "B license public", as well as obviously to 16 year olds. We close with the "intruder", the only motorbike among the 4 scooters that we have told you about in recent days. This is the CB125F, also the subject of innovations for MY2017, especially with the transition to Euro 4 and the debut of CBS combined braking.

The CB125F is also the only one of the lot not produced in the Italian Atessa plant. This is a more particular product than the "mopeds" we told you about, precisely because for urban mobility we usually orient ourselves towards a scooter. However, it still has the charm of a "real" motorbike, even if simple and with a small displacement, as well as peculiarities that make it a solution with undoubted advantages compared to a scooter. It doesn't attract very young people due to its look, in all honesty a little too "Asian" for our tastes, but it offers quality, but above all "total" reliability, which earns it a host of admirers.

Since 2017 it also gains a countershaft balancer, which makes its engine, notoriously a "mule", even more unstoppable. The 18" wheels and dashboard that rotates integrally with the handlebars are also recent innovations, while the confirmation is its air-cooled engine with 2 valves.

Once you get on the saddle it feels like riding a bicycle, given how narrow and light it is, how easy it is to handle and within everyone's reach, even as the first "battle" bike with which to gain experience regardless of gender, age and height, because the CB125F lets itself be lead very easily by anyone. However, what makes it unique and, at least in our opinion, puts it at an advantage over a scooter, is the fact that, net of performance limited by its power, which stands at 10,6 horsepower, delivered at 7.750 rpm , is a motorbike with which you can go around the world without any problem.

Over 50 km/l and 13 liters of tank leave us thinking that, if we wanted, we could return from Rome to Milan without even stopping at the petrol station! That spirit of freedom typical of a motorbike, even if small, is expressed here on a motorbike much more evidently than with a scooter. More simply, if with the other 4 vehicles tested we would hardly think of making a long-distance trip, with the CB125F we imagine a more heterogeneous use. Perfect for getting around the city, but also for traveling at the weekend, perhaps for a trip to the seaside, or for taking it on holiday and having the possibility of moving around without the stress of having to find parking for the car near the beach.

Insignificant operating and maintenance costs, a reputation for being indestructible and extreme ease of use are its main advantages, but it also does not give up on being discreetly finished and with anything but modest equipment. The gearbox is 5-speed, with a very light clutch and there is even an indication of the gear engaged, something that we sometimes don't find on medium and large displacement motorbikes. The saddle is just 775 mm from the ground, while the weight is limited to 128 kg, including a full tank of fuel. In city traffic you also move better than scooters, with the only "annoyance" of having to fiddle around a bit with the gearbox and clutch, but for some it is almost a pleasure, in addition to the fact that you don't get tired at all. Available in 3 colors: Onyx Blue Metallic, Pearl Sunbeam White and Candy Blazing Red, the Honda CB125F MY2017 is listed at a price of 2.690 euros.

Test clothing:
Jacket: Toucan Urbano Eros
Trousers: Tucano Urbano Genoa Gag
Gloves: Tucano Urbano Aero Touch
Shoe: Stylmartin Sneaker Sunset
Helmet: Tucano Urbano El'Jet