Honda CBR125R New

Honda makes a lot of motorcycle models, but not all of them can be seen in U.S. showrooms because of American Honda’s perception that they wouldn’t sell in large enough numbers to make it worthwhile. Meanwhile, Honda Canada is being more aggressive by importing models already created for world markets, such as the CB1000R naked sportbike and the CBF1000 sports standard we recently reviewed. This not-in-America theme continues with the CBR125R, a stylish and affordable entry-level sportbike you won’t find at Honda’s American dealers. –Ed.

An eighth of a liter isn’t that much. It’s about how much coffee you’ll get if you order a short cup of brew at Starbucks. If we’re talking streetbike engine displacement, that’s 125cc. But don’t let the small piston fool you, Honda’s CBR125R is as much fun as a barrel of Bonobos wired on caffeine.

The CBR125R is powered by a modern, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected SOHC 125cc Single that claims 13.5 horsepower. Admittedly, those aren’t superbike numbers, but there’s enough power to keep you ahead of city traffic and to maintain a safe pace along secondary roads. Mild hills require a downshift or two, as does turning into the wind, both of which shave speed off the CBR. And along winding, hilly roads you’ll be rowing through its slick-shifting six-speed gearbox like a ’60s hippie throwback rows through vinyl in a vintage record shop.