1984 Honda CB125S from United States of America
Summary:
A great learner bike with awesome fuel economy
Faults:
Nothing has gone wrong as of yet.
General Comments:
This motorcycle is docile and very forgiving of ham-fisted control usage by my friends who are now learning to ride. I find it to be an amusing enough city scoot, and getting 80+ mpg around town almost makes up for the 12 claimed horsepower on tap. It handles reasonably well, and is easy to muscle around thanks to its light weight (claimed 220 lbs.)
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th August, 2008
26th Sep 2023, 10:35
The main difference between the CB and CG is the CB is overhead cam whereas the CG is pushrod. A CB engine is very dependent on regular oil changes. Any loss in oil to the OHC will wear the head to cam bearings.
The CG engine has its cam in the crankcase and will tolerate low oil to some extent.
6th Mar 2010, 17:55
I have just bought a 1975 Honda CB125S. It is in need of restoring, but is complete. I was amazed at how everything is still original. It still has the original tool kit as well as the original key that fits all locks. Most of the chrome is in astonishingly good nick for 35 years of age.
First step was to strip the entire motorcycle and send the frame to be shot blasted and powder coated. I will renew the engine casing screws with allen bolts for two reasons, firstly they look better and secondly, they don't round off. Rims, rear mud guard, rear shocks are in poor condition so will be renewed. Side panels are cracked, so will be renewed and seat cover is split.
Engine seems okay with good compression. I don't want to rebuild it if there is no need. The tank is originally candy red so it will be resprayed in that colour, although I do prefer the candy topaz orange, but that was the colour of the year before my one.
The CB125S is very similar to the CG125, but I prefer the CB125 and love the nostalgic look of the instruments and other parts.