WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: BIKEREVIEW

The Honda CB125 twin is an iconic bike, produced from 1966 when it took over from the CB93 and into the 1980s, when its retirement saw the end of 125 twins at Honda. Less exotic but more practical and affordable was the long running (14 years) CB125S single. 

For owner Glenn this version brings back memories of a simpler time, having spent hours and miles on the pillion seat of just such a motorcycle from the age of 15. The freedom of just being on a motorcycle was something he immediately loved.

It was only a few years ago however, that on a Sunday morning at a swap meet that he saw this particular CB125S for sale.

Having always wanted one, Glenn snapped the bike up immediately for the $200 asking price. With just 3000 miles on the clock the bike was a real keeper and its state of neglect was mainly due to having been left in a less than protective shed for a lengthy period.

All the components were there however, while the engine itself was in perfect condition internally. The bike was restored while keeping the bike as original as possible, with almost everything remaining stock. A few dramas did present themselves however, such as issues with the stock exhaust system, which was in need of some love.

Attempts to re-chrome the system quickly came to a halt when it was discovered while polishing that it was simply too thin, as it blued upon the polishing wheel. Instead, another tack was taken, using HPC coatings to get the required look and protection for the system.

The engine as stated earlier was in great condition, meaning the main requirement was a replacement airfilter, thanks to the original literally turning to dust in the interim. A new filter of the standard design was created to fix this problem.

The frame also received some attention, receiving a sand blasting to ready it for a new coat of two pack paint.

Even the original wheels were retained, along with the original rubber that this motorcycle rolled off the showroom floor with!

Where the exhaust system was too thin to re-chrome the mudguards luckily were not, receiving a brand-new coat to return them to original condition. The bodywork also received the stunning paint you can see today, thanks to one of Glenn’s mates who replicated the original colour.

The other major change in this relatively painless restoration was sourcing new indicator lenses, which are one of the very few parts not to have originally come with the bike.

When we asked Glenn what he had spent we almost had a heart attack, considering the state the bike is currently in!

“I didn’t spend a lot, maybe $600,” said Glenn, “but this bike has only done 3442 miles since new and it was just badly stored. “I could see the potential however, as the bike had not been butchered”.

THE HISTORY

First released in 1966 after claiming the CB93’s spot in the model lineup, it wasn’t until 1967 that the ‘S’ model twin saw a major overhaul from the original centre cam chain design, as a lighter more compact design was adopted, with a side cam driven engine. Other benefits included closer positioning of the cylinders – creating smoother power as well as an increase in the rpm redline, from 9500rpm, up to 11000rpm.

While power was unchanged, still sitting at just 15 horsepower, the newer model was significantly lighter, almost 16 kilograms in fact providing noticeable performance gains. Less welcome features did however include a four-speed gearbox which left most owners wanting and the lack of a rev-counter for the buzzy machine.

Luckily these issues were addressed with the introduction of the K2, which not only sported a candy paint scheme – the first ever seen in this capacity category – but also improved upon the gearbox, with a new five speed offering, as well as offering a headlight mounted speedometer with rev-counter. Sadly only the Japanese models were fitted with electric start while the rest of the world just had to make do.

The K3 likewise surpassed it’s earlier iteration with a semi-fabricated frame, while the rest of the K family and B6 models all followed suit.

1977 saw the CB125T introduced, claiming the title of the fastest four stroke production 125cc twin, not only of its time but well into the present.

The engine was so successful in fact that it was utilised until the line’s production ceased in a variety of offerings – including everything from sports bikes to cruisers.

While certainly not the largest or the most powerful of the bikes on offer during this period the CB125 left its mark on both motorcycle history and on many of the riders of the day ­– retaining the same spirit that gives it a timeless appeal, over 50 years later.

The single-cylinder version appeared in 1971 and ran right through to 1985. It has an OHC engine that revs to 9000rpm and makes 12hp. The first models had drum brake, with the disc arriving in 1974. In 1976 the capacity was increased to 124cc and and stragely the tacho was dropped. Over the following years, the disc brake was dumped for the old drum again, an electronic ignition replaced the points and a 12V system replaced the 6V setup... 

SPECIFICATIONS 1971 HONDA CB125S

ENGINE: Air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke, 122cc, 9.4:1 compression, 56.5 x 49.5mm bore x stroke, five-speed, chain final drive,

POWER: 8.8kW [12hp]@9000rpm

WEIGHT: 92kg (dry)

CHASSIS: Steel tube frame

SUSPENSION: Telescopic forks and dual rear shocks

BRAKES: Front and rear drum brakes

WHEELS: Spoked wheels, 2.5 x 18 and 2.75 x 18

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