Honda CB125S
71/100 Overall
67 On the road75 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB125S vs Honda CG125
Honda CB125S scores 71/100 overall against Honda CG125 on 70/100. On the road: 67–70. As classics: 75–70. Overall result: Honda CB125S.
Honda CG125
70/100 Overall
70 On the road70 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB125S | Honda CG125 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 4 | 4 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 10 | Honda CG125 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 10 | Honda CG125 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 6 | Honda CB125S |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 9 | Honda CG125 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 7 | 6 | Honda CB125S |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 7 | 7 | Level |
Choose the Honda CB125S if…
you want an economical, dependable and approachable Honda single with traditional CB styling.
Choose the Honda CG125 if…
you value indestructible simplicity, economy and one of Britain's most familiar training and commuter motorcycles.
Background
History
Honda CB125S
The Honda CB125S was produced from 1971–1985 and used a approximately 125cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Honda CG125
The Honda CG125 was produced from 1976–1989 and used a 124cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB125S
- Its production span in this library runs from 1971 to 1985.
- The recorded engine description is: approximately 125cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, styling.
Honda CG125
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 124cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB125S
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB125S. Its library score for reliability is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Honda CG125
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CG125. Its library score for reliability is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB125S
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Honda CG125
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB125S
Rivals to the Honda CG125
Final result
The verdict
Honda CG125 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Honda CB125S wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda CB125S takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.