The Honda CR series was first developed in the 1960’s as Honda’s entry in the motocross segment, and has had a loyal following among motocross enthusiasts in the U.S. since the 1970’s.
The line contains three motorcycles with engines in the 85cc, 125cc, and 250cc sizes. The Yamaha YZ 125 and the KTM 125 are the principal competitors of the Honda CR125. The CR125 is a motocross 125 powered by a a single cylinder two stroke engine. The engine is liquid cooled, and is able to produce a maximum of 41.5 horsepower at 11500 revolutions per minute. Torque output in the 125 cc engine is 20.6 pound-feet of torque at 11000 revolutions per minute. Power output in the CR125 is competitive with other motocross 125 bikes. Fuel is fed to the engine through a Mikuni carburetor, and the fuel tank has a capacity of 2 gallons.
Honda has implemented a number of measures over the years to shave weight off of this bike, and the bike has been a leader in the motocross 125 segment in this area. Honda pioneered the use of aluminum frames in this market segment, and was the first manufacturer to introduce an aluminum frame in this segment in 1997. The bike also employs electronic digital ignition and an electronic starting system. Plastic is used throughout the bike where practical to reduce weight, and the fenders and side panels of the motorcycle are durable and extremely light. The side covers of the engine are cast from magnesium, rather than steel or aluminum, to further reduce the weight of the bike.
The CR 125 weighs has a dry weight of 192.9 lbs. Power is fed through a 5 speed gearbox with a chain final drive. The CR 125 uses a suspension system produced by Kayaba. In the front suspension, the CR 125 employs 46 mm inverted cartridge fork with 18 position rebounding and 20 position damping adjustability. The fork can travel a maximum of 305 mm. The rear suspension is a single shock with spring pre-load. The shock has a 30 position rebound damping adjustability and a compression damping adjustability. The compression damping adjustment can be adjusted at either low speeds or high speeds.
The total travel distance capability of the rear shock is 318 mm. The CR125 utilizes a single disc brake in both front and back, with 2 piston calipers in the front and 1 piston on the rear wheel. Ground clearance is competitive with other bikes in this class, coming in at a height of 13.6 inches.
The Honda CR 125 motocross bike is a fantastic piece of kit!
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