Honda revamp CB125F commuter with start/stop tech, TFT dash and 188mpg economy claim

Honda’s long-running CB125F has long been the commuter of choice for thousands of riders, and now it’s smarter, sleeker, and more efficient than ever before.

The biggest change for the new model year is the addition of engine stop/start functionality – making the little CB the first manual Honda motorcycle to feature system, already found on the firm’s Vision 110, SH125i and PCX125 twist‑and‑go machines.

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The tech quietly cuts the engine at standstill (in any gear) before seamlessly restarting it as soon as you pull away, helping to extract even more efficiency from the already ultra‑frugal 124cc single cylinder engine.

Honda reckon the CB can now return a jaw-dropping 188.4mpg – or more than 453-miles from its petite 11-litre tank. That massive fuel economy figure would take you from London to Leeds and back on £13 of fuel, while still having 50 miles range to spare!

The ‘Idling Stop’ system can be switched off via an integrated switch, and Honda have also beefed up the battery – from 4Ah to 5Ah – to ensure durable cranking power.

The two‑valve air‑cooled motor remains otherwise unchanged, pumping out a modest yet ample 10.7bhp and 8lb.ft, while meeting the latest Euro5+ emissions rules.

The Big H have also integrated their enhanced Smart Power (eSP) tech – including low‑friction engineering such as an offset cylinder, needle roller bearings for the roller/rocker arms, and a piston oil jet – to maximise economy, minimise engine wear, and ensure near‑silent running.

A five‑speed box and sealed chain drive round off the simple, no‑nonsense drivetrain.

Away from the bonkers efficiency stats, the CB125F’s styling has had a big bike-inspired refresh for its latest incarnation, boasting sharper bodywork, new LED lights front and rear, and a blacked-out exhaust.

A centre stand and grab rail come as standard, and the all‑new 4.2‑inch colour TFT dash adds a touch of sophistication – replacing the former LCD unit and now complete with Bluetooth connectivity, a fuel‑gauge readout, a gear position indicator, USB‑C phone charging, turn‑by‑turn navigation, and even music or call control with a paired headset.

Honda have kept things simple with the chassis, retaining the steel frame used previously, alongside 18-inch wheels front and rear shod with skinny tyres for minimal rolling resistance.  

There’s also Combined Braking on hand for fuss‑free stopping, plus basic suspension, which – aside from five‑stage preload adjustability from the rear twin shocks – offers no additional alteration.