Honda has unveiled the 2026 Honda CB125R, a refreshed entry-level naked bike for international markets, primarily featuring four striking new color options while keeping all mechanical specs unchanged. focusing exclusively on cosmetic enhancements. The motorcycle now comes in four new color options while continuing with the same mechanical package. Despite the refresh, the model is unlikely to make its way to India due to pricing challenges and strong competition within the domestic 125cc segment.
Fresh new colors & more style,
For 2026, Honda hasn’t tampered with the engine or performance, but has given the 2026 Honda CB125R a pretty noticeable aesthetic uplift. The bike is now available in four new color options: Matt Rock Gray, Matt Lucent Silver Metallic, Zefiro Blue Metallic, and Matt Pearl Diaspora Red.
These new shades — especially with the contrasting “CB125R” graphics on the side shrouds and the subtle, negative-style “Wing” logos on the fuel tank — give the bike a fresh, more premium vibe.
This cosmetic update aligns with the styling of Honda’s larger “Neo Sports Café” bikes, bringing a sophisticated, street-naked-bike attitude to a 125cc machine.
Performance & Hardware
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It continues to use a 125 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve engine — the same engine that was updated a few years ago.
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Power output remains around 11.0 kW (≈ 14.7–15 bhp), and torque is around 11–11.6 Nm, depending on specification.
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Transmission: a 5-speed (or 6-speed in some markets) gearbox continues, depending on the market version.
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Suspension: up front, 41 mm Showa “Separate Function Big Piston” (SFF-BP) upside-down forks; at the rear, a non-adjustable mono shock.
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Brakes: a 296 mm floating front disc with a radial-mount 4-piston caliper, and a 220 mm rear disc, with ABS (two-channel / lean-sensitive, IMU-based) for safety.
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Other features: full LED lighting, a 5-inch full-color TFT display, which displays speed, rpm, gear indicator, fuel info — giving a modern, “big-bike” feel.
Chassis & Suspension
A steel diamond frame keeps handling sharp, with 41mm Showa SFF-BP upside-down forks up front and a preload-adjustable mono shock rear. Ground clearance is 140mm, seat height 816mm, and trail 90.2mm, making it accessible for beginners while stable for experienced hands on twisty roads. The lightweight build shines in real-world agility, like darting past slower traffic or carving corners with confidence that punches above its 125cc class.
Brakes & Safety
Stopping power relies on a 296mm front disc with a radial-mount four-piston Nissin caliper and 220mm rear disc, enhanced by IMU-based lean-sensitive dual-channel ABS—a premium touch rare in entry-level bikes. This setup provides progressive bite and stability during hard leans, giving riders peace of mind in wet or emergency stops.
Practicality and Market
Dimensions measure 2015mm long, 820mm wide, 1055mm tall, with electric start and 1.5L oil capacity for low-maintenance ownership. Priced around $5,680 globally, it’s aimed at young urban riders in Europe seeking style and tech without complexity. Sadly, no India launch seems likely due to pricing mismatches in our competitive 125-150cc segment, though its premium vibe echoes the CB300R you know from Big Wing showrooms— a sleek global tease for Honda fans like us dreaming of more Neo Café options on home turf.
Conclusion
The 2026 update for the 2026 Honda CB125R isn’t about reinventing the wheel — it’s about giving the same well-liked package a fresh look. For those who already appreciate what the 2026 Honda CB125R offers — easy rideability, compact size, modern features — this refresh adds a dose of personality and style, making it more attractive than before.
But if you were hoping for serious upgrades — engine grunt, electronics, or mechanical overhaul — those hopes will have to wait for another cycle. For now, the new 2026 Honda CB125R remains a “smart, stylish 125” rather than a “125 that tries to be something bigger.”
