2021 Honda CB125R is the right size but wrong price

Honda updates CB125R for Europe

Honda has been steadily updating its lineup, particularly the CB's. You're well aware of the Neo Sports Café CB650R, which debuted in EICMA 2 years ago and is offered locally.

However the latest to get an updates is a smaller model more Pinoys can appreciate: the new CB125R.

Designed for a certain class of license holders in Europe who are restricted to certain roads, the CB125R is meant to be a bike for those starting to ride and planning to work their way up to higher license grades and bigger bikes.

Honda's CB125R Neo Sports Café bears the same styling as the bigger CB650R. In fact, it also rides on the very same 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP)* inverted forks. These are the same units fitted on the 2021 CBR650R and CB650R, with spring rate and damping tuned to suit the smaller and lighter CB125R.

Its single-cylinder, DOHC engine is has been upgraded to produce more power, now generating 11 Ps and 11.6 Nm of torque. It is also now Euro 5 emissions compliant.

Other features include a full-LED lighting and instrument panel; disc brakes for both the front and the rear, with the front getting a radially-mounted 4-piston caliper and hubless 296mm floating front disc. ABS is also a standard feature.

The 10.1L fuel tank is hidden underneath angular shrouds and is topped with an aircraft-style filler cap. With a claimed fuel economy of 45.5km/l (WMTC mode), the CB125R can cover over 455km in one top up.

PH availability

^{The Honda Neo Sports Cafe family}

We asked our friends from Honda Philippines if they have plans to bring this model in. Currently, there is no decision yet. Though we suspect it's not likely because of the possible high price once it lands here.

As is often the case, the SRP (including shipping and taxes) of a motorcycle can make or break its success in the Philippines. This CB125R, is built in Europe, which will heavily affect that.

Completely built-up (CBU) units imported from countries like Japan or regions like Europe typically have higher import taxes than those made locally or from ASEAN member nations like Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia. While building it locally is also a possibility, local brands tend to choose models (like scooters or business models) that can easily sell in the tens of thousands a year.

If the computed Philippine SRP of a potential new models is much higher than most of its competition, manufacturers like Honda will likely decide against bringing in that particular model.

This Honda CBR125R is sold in the UK between GBP2,250-3,450 which converts to PhP144,000 - 220,0000 without shipping or taxes. Add those in and this bike could cost somewhere between PhP175,000 - 250,000. Would you pay that much for a 125cc?