Honda presents the new MSX125

Easy to use, functional and unconventional, the first Honda designed for pure fun was the 1963 Monkey which was characterized by small diameter wheels. Developed and renewed from generation to generation, it was followed by the Dax and Ape models. The concept behind it is now more than ever in vogue, especially among young drivers of the latest generation of boys and girls, the "Generation Y" in the United States, the "Dek Neaw" in Thailand and the "Street- Kei” in Japan. A generation raised in the borderless age of the Internet and inspired by culture, fashion and a critical spirit that questions everything that sounds conventional.

Instinctively attracted to motorbikes, these teenagers are looking for two-wheeled vehicles that are bold but easy to ride, characterized by an absolutely captivating design. They are young people who do not want to go unnoticed but who like to stand out from the crowd and, considering the limited economic resources typical of their age, they want all this while spending little.

For this new generation of young motorcyclists, Honda designed the MSX125 (Mini Street X-treme 125). It offers everything you expect from a Honda in terms of performance, build quality and dynamic balance, whilst boasting its own unique style and character. Born from inspiration
contemporary, it is a one hundred percent original and unconventional motorcycle.

Model overview – Produced in Honda's state-of-the-art factory in Thailand, the MSX125 has compact dimensions to ensure exceptional handling for users of all heights and riding experience. However, the emotions on the bike are those of a real motorbike, thanks to high quality and absolutely effective brakes and suspensions. It immediately inspires extreme confidence and makes you want to jump on the saddle and set off, whether it's an urban adventure or a ride out of town, because with the first and only "Mini Street X-treme 125" agility and
performance goes hand in hand with unmistakable style, combining a contemporary look and absolute freedom.

The heart of the MSX125 is a spirited and highly reliable 4-stroke single-cylinder engine with air cooling and 4-speed gearbox, powered by Honda PGM-FI electronic injection with automatic starter and electric starter, for starts that are always ready in any season of the year, at cold or with a hot engine. Consumption is very low, reliability is total, while power and torque are delivered efficiently
always smooth and easy.

The new MSX125 is a small bike with the contents of a big bike. The very sturdy steel frame is coupled with advanced suspensions, with upside-down fork, rear monoshock and steel swingarm. The brakes are powerful, perfect for slowing down the weight with a full tank of petrol of just 101,7kg! AND
The 12-inch wheels, with a split-spoke design like on the splendid CBR-RR, are fitted with large-section low-profile tires that offer great grip and road holding.

There are 4 patents developed and registered by Honda for the new MSX125, all relating to the composite structure of the superstructures that join the frame, proof of a project that is only compact in size, certainly not in the investments to create it.

Main features
Chassis – The priorities for the development of the chassis of the new MSX125 were three: it had to be an easy motorbike for novices and less experienced motorcyclists – therefore with a seat low to the ground – light and easy to handle, to be moved and parked effortlessly even with the engine off . But with the very advantageous weight/power ratio, better than many motorbikes of the same displacement, it also had to be safe at all speeds and
stable on out-of-town routes, even with a passenger on board.

An upper single-beam frame in square-section steel was therefore chosen, light but very resistant. The main beam directly connects the steering head with the swingarm pivot plates, to ensure that all the other components are visibly 'suspended' from the frame, making a decisive contribution to the minimalist look of the MSX125. A precise configuration of the horizontal/vertical rigidity of the frame and the calculated flexibility in the area of ​​the swingarm pivot and in the engine attachment plates guarantee a perfect balance between comfort, driving precision and safety.

The intelligent structure of the chassis also allows the components of the PGM-FI electronic injection system and the electrical system to be easily housed under the superstructures, without taking up space for the petrol tank which can thus boast a capacity of 5,5 litres.

The wheelbase is super compact, just 1.200 mm, but the chassis geometries are based on maximum dynamic balance, with 25° of inclination of the steering head projecting 81mm of trail. With a weight of just 101,7kg with a full tank of petrol and the saddle just 765mm from the ground, anyone can try
the extreme fun of riding a real motorbike, and even campers will be happy to take their new MSX125 on holiday, thanks to the great ease of transport.

Another goal in the development of the MSX125 was to offer suspension quality above the category. The 31 mm upside down fork - which for the first time equips a 125cc Honda model - reduces unsprung masses and, thanks to the greater pressure and sliding area of ​​the hydraulic pistons, (in comparison to a standard telescopic fork) offers superior damping
along the entire excursion. Furthermore, the fork plates are oversized, to facilitate superior handling and a feeling of safety, while the robust monoshock absorber is connected to the H-shaped boxed steel swingarm with a 50 x 25 mm section.

The 12" die-cast aluminum wheels with 2,5" channel are essential for the look, thanks to the Y-spokes, and for the dynamic performance of the new MSX125. Lightweight and attractive, they are fitted with low-profile tires in sizes 120/70-12 at the front and 130/70-12 at the rear. In proportion to the diameter of the wheels, the brakes are also maximoto-style, with the 220 mm front disc gripped by a two-piston caliper, and the 190 mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper.

The new MSX125 uses a combined projector headlight. This solution not only characterizes the front with a stronger personality, but also allows the use of a single lamp (type HS1 double filament 35W/35W) for low beam and high beam which exploit the surfaces of the multireflector dish.

Finally, an eye-catching blue light flanks the headlight lens, improving visibility in traffic and adding a further touch of personality, while at the rear the bright LED headlight unit "mirrors" the maxibikes of the Ala manufacturer.

The compact instrumentation with LCD digital display is easy to read and offers all the fundamental information for the rider: speedometer, odometer with trip, fuel level indicator and clock. Resetting the trip meter and setting the clock, or switching between trip and trip meters,
occurs via the convenient buttons on the sides of the dashboard.

There are two color versions for the Italian market:

• Solid Asteroid Black Metallic
• Pearl Himalayan White

Motor – The 2cc air-cooled, 125-valve single-cam engine of the MSX125 derives from one of the most tested and reliable Honda engines ever, produced to date in almost 1 million units and famous throughout the world for its efficiency, robustness and longevity.

Further developed to equip the new MSX125, it is now more fuel efficient, thanks to the use of low friction technologies, such as the offset cylinder (already adopted on PCX125/150, SH125/150i, CBR250R and CRF250L) and the roller rocker for the operation of the valves. Furthermore, thanks to the particularly low weight of the motorbike, it was possible to reduce the inertia of the crankshaft to offer a more aggressive response to the throttle control without sacrificing the excellent fluidity of the power delivery.

The gearbox has four gears, perfectly spaced to offer both brilliant acceleration and adequate pick-up, while the multi-plate wet clutch requires very low lever effort, ideal for younger or less experienced motorcyclists. The final transmission features a 15-tooth pinion and a 34-tooth crown, a ratio designed to allow snappy starts at traffic lights, relaxed extra-urban transfers and a pleasant sweetness of response to the throttle control even when leaving the longest ratio engaged, ideal for skidding without stress in heavy traffic.

The sophisticated PGM-FI electronic injection fuel system guarantees efficient combustion and always precise starts, furthermore the intake and exhaust systems have been sized to maximize the fluidity of delivery and the punch of the sound. An ingenious solution is the division of the manifold and intake duct in two, in order to improve torque delivery at low and medium speeds, also thanks to the large 3-litre airbox with paper panel filter, which ensures a conspicuous but silent flow of air. Maintenance is reduced to a minimum, so much so that the filter itself has a service cycle of 16.000 km.

The exhaust system manifold has a diameter of 28,6 mm and a 3-liter multi-section silencer, for brilliant power delivery even at high rpm. Impossible to burn yourself with the muffler, because there is double-layer protection, with an internal metal cover and an external resin cover. The efficiency of the catalyst has been maximized by positioning it inside the manifold itself, so as to reach the operating temperature sooner. The elongated and moderately curved shape of the collector section preceding it ensures that the burnt gases flow more quickly and uniformly.

Everything in the engine of the new MSX125 is aimed at creating a perfect mix of performance, fuel efficiency, versatility and absolute fun.

For young drivers of… “generation Y”.