2026 Honda CB125F Review

To help maximise efficiency, the Auto Idle Stop function automatically shuts off the engine at traffic lights or during short stops, cutting emissions and avoiding unnecessary fuel use. It works in any gear and can be deactivated using the button on the left-hand switchgear.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2026 Honda CB125F: IDLING START STOP TECHNOLOGY FIRST!

Introducing the 2026 Honda CB125F…

Honda’s perennially popular entry-level CB125F’s standard specification revolves around its low friction enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine that delivers outstanding fuel economy while maintaining strong 125cc performance. Equipped with Idling Stop for 2026 (the first time on a Honda manual transmission), EURO5+ compliance has also been achieved. Refreshed bodywork takes styling cues from a range of much bigger stablemates and equipment includes a new LED headlight and taillight, plus 4.2-inch TFT LCD display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity and USB-C port. A centre stand and passenger grab rail are standard fit.

An entry-level 125cc motorcycle needs to be a multi-faceted machine. To some it represents the most economical way of getting from A to B, both in terms of initial affordability and running costs. To these riders it must be durable, easy to live with and economical: simple, trouble-free transport at its most fundamental.

But to many new riders a 125 is the start of their motorcycling adventure, their first ‘real’ bike. So, it must deliver all the above, plus everything else that a motorcycle should – the excitement, freedom and instinctive pleasure that two wheels bring to everyday life. Yet it also must be easy for a novice to manage as they learn, with a build quality and styling that instil tangible pride of ownership.

For any manufacturer, welcoming and introducing fresh entrants to their brand is important. The right initial experience can lead to a lifelong association, and the CB125F has long served this function for Honda – a tough, user-friendly entry-level motorcycle that offers the perfect first rung on the ladder. The CB125F was a new model name for Honda in 2015; it maintained the previous CBF125’s core strength of robust simplicity but built strongly on that strong foundation in terms of quality, ease of use and style.

In 2021 the CB125F was renewed once more, with a complete (lighter weight) refresh that made it even more desirable and cost effective. In 24YM it received a light update through a new muffler and pillion grab handle and now, for 2026, it moves on again with updated styling, revised details and additional tech that owners will appreciate.

As ever, the CB125F remains a great bike to simply get you where you need to be, or from where to begin the ride – and journey – of a lifetime.

The CB125F is a serious small machine, whose original development involved the filing of no fewer than 19 patent applications. Completely updated in 2021, it lost 11kg thanks to a new engine, redesigned frame and revised bodywork. For 2026 – and expanding on its success – the CB125F receives refreshed, sharper styling with a new, premium, headlight signature, plus enhanced specification and everyday usefulness in the form of a full-colour 4.2” TFT display, complete with RoadSync smartphone connectivity and USB-C port conveniently located near the handlebars.

Idling Stop technology has been applied and, as before, the air-cooled enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine offers a user-friendly experience, EURO5+ compliance, and outstanding fuel economy, all while maintaining excellent 125cc performance

The 2026 CB125F will be available in the following bold colour options:

• Imperial Red Metallic
• Matt Marvel Blue Metallic
• Matt Axis Gray Metallic

2026 Honda CB125F Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Start Something Special

Sharper, Smarter, More Connected
Refined from the wheels up, the CB125F benefits from updates to the front and rear cowl as well as new LED headlights all-round, providing a more modern aesthetic. A new 4.2-inch TFT screen has been added, featuring Bluetooth® connectivity, so you can utilise Honda RoadSync, keeping you up to date and connected whilst on the move.

Smart Power. Long Range. Low Waste.
The single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve eSP (enhanced Smart Power) PGM-FI fuel-injected engine is built tough – but it’s clever, too. It delivers smart acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency of 67km/l (1.4l / 100km), offering a potential range of up to 800km between fill-ups.

To help maximise efficiency, the Auto Idle Stop function automatically shuts off the engine at traffic lights or during short stops, cutting emissions and avoiding unnecessary fuel use. It works in any gear and can be deactivated using the button on the left-hand switchgear.

Honda RoadSync
Stay in touch while you ride. With Honda RoadSync, CB125F riders can access essential features on the move – adding everyday convenience to every journey.

Available on both iOS and Android, the Honda RoadSync app lets you:

• Use navigation for turn-by-turn guidance
• Make and receive calls
• Send and receive texts
• Listen to music
• Get real-time weather updates

All functionality can be operated via the switchgear on the left handlebar, so you can stay connected without taking your hands off the controls.

CB125F brings range of big bike-inspired updates and a Honda ‘first’ for its 26 year model iteration

• Idling Stop technology appears on a manual Honda motorcycle for the first time
• All-new 4.2” TFT monitor, Honda RoadSync and USB-C port bring useful, premium technology
• Revised bodywork and lighting introduce a more premium silhouette
• Euro5+ compliant ‘enhanced Smart Power’ (eSP) engine brings efficient, strong 125cc performance

Honda’s perennially popular A1 licence-compatible CB125F has been thoroughly updated for 2026 with a range of big bike inspired additions, to ensure it remains a compelling proposition for riders of any age looking for stylish, cost-efficient mobility with a wide range of the latest technology.

In the decade since its introduction to the European market in 2015, the CB125F has garnered a loyal following from over 82,000 customers, with the UK leading the way in sales, closely followed by France and Germany.

A revised enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine is at the heart of the 2026 CB125F, which delivers outstanding fuel economy while maintaining strong 125cc performance. A new 02 sensor and updated ECU settings ensure both EURO5+ compliance and outstanding fuel efficiency of 66.7km/l, giving the CB125F a potential range of over 700km from the 11L fuel tank.

The biggest revision to the proven engine formula is the addition of Idling Stop, making the CB125F the first manual transmission Honda motorcycle to feature the technology, following successful applications on the Vision 110, SH125i and PCX125 scooters and the DCT-equipped Gold Wing Tour. The advanced technology switches off the engine at standstill, reducing both fuel consumption and emissions, and operates (in any gear) to seamlessly restart the engine as the clutch is let out,

Complementing the revised powertrain is updated, sophisticated styling that conveys even more ‘big bike’ style, with a new broad-shouldered fuel tank that takes its cue from other, larger models in the CB family. This is backed up by a refreshed nose fairing and more compact, blacked-out fly screen up front, whilst at the rear a revised ‘large mass’ rear cowling adds to the dynamic look. Crowning the revised look are all-new LED light units front and rear, both with a unique, distinct and highly visible vertical light signature for increased visibility.

Rounding out the 2026 revisions is a brand new, full colour 4.2-inch TFT display that relays key information clearly and, for the first time on the CB125F, incorporates smartphone connectivity via Honda RoadSync for seamless calls and music streaming. For convenient smartphone charging, a USB-C socket is included near to the handlebars.

The 2026 CB125F will be available in the following bold colour options:

• Imperial Red Metallic
• Matt Marvel Blue Metallic
• *NEW* Matt Axis Gray Metallic

2026 Honda CB125F Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine

• Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine with ACG starter – now includes Idling Stop technology for even greater fuel economy, plus EURO5+ compliance
• Low friction technologies include offset cylinder, needle bearings for the roller/rocker arms and piston oil jet
• Five-speed gearbox and sealed final drive chain
• Uprated 5Ah battery

The CB125F’s air-cooled, 124cc 2-valve SOHC single-cylinder eSP engine has been engineered from its inception to maintain optimum performance for busy urban streets but with extra, serious frugality and supreme reliability.

Peak power of 8kW is delivered @ 7,500rpm, with peak torque of 10.9Nm @ 6,000rpm. Bore and stroke is set at 50 x 63.1mm, with a compression ratio of 10.0:1. This results in standing start acceleration over 200m of 12.4s, but more importantly, the fuel efficiency is 66.7km/l, giving a potential range of over 730km from the 11L fuel tank.

Honda has developed its eSP engines – and the engineering that goes into them – on a growing range of 125cc scooters over the last 8 years. The focus is around building in, from a clean sheet, low-friction technology to every facet of the engine. And it starts with weight; the 2021 upgrade reduced the weight of the eSP engine by 7kg. Its cylinder is offset, reducing friction between the piston skirt and bore, while the piston itself is cooled by an oil jet from underneath, again reducing friction. Valve operation is via rocker-roller arms equipped with needle bearings.

An Alternating Current Generator (ACG) is also part of the eSP formula and combines electricity generation with starting duties, saving weight while simplifying layout. The effort needed to start the engine is reduced thanks to a swing-back system that returns the crank to its position before air intake – giving the engine a ‘running’ start – and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance due to compression. In use the ACG starter is extremely quiet.

Idling Stop technology – as found on the Vision 110, SH125i and PCX125 scooters – is a benefit of the ACG system and a 2026 addition; it’s also the first on a Honda with a standard manual transmission. The system switches off the engine at standstill, operates (in any gear) to seamlessly restart it as the clutch is let out, and can be turned off if desired. A new 02 sensor plus updated ECU settings ensures EURO5+ compliance while an uprated battery, from 4Ah to 5Ah, ensures durable cranking power.

The gearbox is 5-speed and final drive is via a 428 sealed chain.

Styling & Equipment

• Comprehensive styling refresh builds big bike appeal
• New 4.2-inch colour TFT screen features Honda RoadSync connectivity
• USB-C charging socket 
• New LED front and rear lights
• Passenger grab rail and centre stand standard fit

The 2026 CB125F wears updated, sophisticated styling to deliver the owner even more of that big bike style. Building on what went before, the broad-shouldered fuel tank takes its cue from other models in the CB family with added dynamicism in its taut lines – backed up by a revised ‘large mass’ rear seat cowl – while the refreshed nose fairing and blacked-out fly screen are more compact and stylish yet still provide ample wind deflection, alongside the tank side shrouds. The all-new headlight unit is an LED item with a unique, distinct and highly visible vertical light signature; the re-shaped taillight is also new LED. The start/stop button is an integrated switch as is the high beam/passing switch.

The centrepiece of the new riding experience is a brand new, full colour 4.2-inch TFT display that includes gear position indicator, fuel gauge and clock. It also incorporates Bluetooth, while the smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync is also an upgrade. This feature allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. Owners just need to download the Honda RoadSync app, connect to the CB125F, and they’re ready to go. For convenient smartphone charging, a USB-C socket is included.

The engine, exhaust downpipe, fork lowers and wheels are blacked out, underlining the strong, defined lines and bold paintwork options. The muffler too, is blacked out and finished in a near full length chrome heat shield. Other quality finishing touches include 3D Honda Wings on the shrouds and mirror/indicator shaping that emulates the design language of the whole machine.

With its intended use as an everyday commuter, gateway machine to the world of motorcycling – and riding school stalwart – the CB125F’s riding position is upright and relaxed, with forward-set footpegs and wide tubular handlebars giving optimum control, rider confidence and all-round visibility. Seat height is set at a manageable 790mm and offers room for two adults comfortably; an aluminium passenger grab rail is also standard, as is a centre stand.

Chassis

• Lightweight tubular steel frame 
• Preload adjustable twin rear shocks
• 117kg wet weight
• Confidence-inspiring Combined Braking System (CBS)

The CB125F’s tubular frame uses high-tensile steel in its construction. It suspends the engine from a sturdy central spine and features geometry that provides the best balance between ride comfort and straight-line stability, with a focus toward light steering input and sporty feel at all lean angles. Rake and trail are set at 26° and 92mm, with wheelbase of 1,285mm and wet weight is only 117kg.

Dual rear shocks offer five-stage spring preload adjustment and complement the 30mm diameter telescopic fork’s compliance and ride quality; stylish 18-inch die-cast aluminium split-five-spoke front and rear wheels increase stability and ride quality over rough city streets.

Tyres are sized 80/100 front and 100/80 rear. A 240mm front disc is worked by a single piston caliper, with back up from the 130mm rear drum. Aiding new and less experienced riders is the confidence-inspiring Combined Braking System (CBS), which applies some braking force to the front disc when using the rear brake, for more balanced and stable low-speed control.

2026 Honda CB125F – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ TBA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

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2026 Honda CB125F – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

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2026 Honda CB125F – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).