The Honda Owners Club

We have 2 relatively new members to our branch who both have CBF's Andrew has the CBF125 and Will has the CBF250.
On all the ride out's they have been on with the branch they both cope well amongst the big bikes. Admittedly we don't thrash about on a ride out but these CBF's hold their own.

I ordered one of these form Grafton's in Milton Keynes as soon as I heard the price, a few years back I sold my japanese spec cg125 and had regretted it ever since.
I am near 6 foot tall and weigh quite a bit, and have been using it when the sun shines to commute a 75 mile round trip to work.
I have done nearly 2500 miles in less than 3 months, it cruises easily at 65 to 70 on the motorway and easily keeps up with traffic on main roads. It only takes a litre of inexpensive semi-synthetic oil every 2500 miles and the tappets are old fashioned screw and locknut - easily accesible and easily done by almost anyone. It handles well and is easy to ride. Currently I am getting about 270 miles for every 11 litres, and with a 13 litre tank it leaves a fair bit in reserve. This is over 110 miles per gallon, I am sure I would get better with less motorway work.
Time will tell how the cosmetics stand up to time, it does however look well finished. The Vertically split crankcase models with roller bearings from honda have always been reliable ie CG125 CD200 CD250.
I do have other motorcycles to ride so the mileage I have clocked in a short time is testament to the bikes versatility.
I hope this helps anyone considering getting one, as a cheap efficient piece of transport its pretty good.

I am about to buy a small cc bike as a commuter - I am interested in the cbf125 and also the cg125 and xr125. can anyone say how these bikes compare? what are the pros and cons of each? (i'm 6 foot, so want a physically bigger bike).
thanks in advance
D.W.

CG125 pro's and cons - reliable frugal and well built (except the brazillian ones) early models had drum brakes (not very powerfull) enclosed chain makes for good commuter bike. circa 150 mpg (if japanese built). I have owned both a brazillian and japanese version and would only recommend the japanese. - push rod engine.

XL 125. more upright taller bike suitable for the larger person. knobbly tyres not so good on the road. about 60 mph top speed - If you want an off road style bike the 125 varadero is much better. about 65mph top speed. more modern overhead cam engine.

CBF 125 more modern fuel injected engine overhead cam engine, larger than cg 125, about 115 mpg. 13 litre tank gives good range. Indian tyres hard wearing but a bit skittish in the wet. about 70mph top speed.

cbr 125 better on all counts with liquid cooling and twin cam good brakes and better equipment. 75mph top speed but fuel consumption is about 80mpg.

Personally I'd go for the cbf or cbr choosing on basis of performance or fuel economy - whichever is more important to you.

hi guys , just joined , i have owned my cbf125 since june and love it , but i have just had the pleasure of a puncture and have 2 problems
1. no one will do a repair on it ,
2 i cant find tyres for it , no one make the 100 90-17 55p rear tyre , anyone any suggestions ???

Welcome and unlucky.


Someone must make the tyre otherwise Honda could not fit it. Have you asked at your Honda dealer?

As to repairs then read other areas on the forum about why's, who's, where's etc.

Thanks for the reply ,honda dealer advised that tyres were made by an indian manufacturer and they stopped making them last year , all stock was bought by honda uk and they are sold out , dealer has offerd to fit lower profile tyres for £110

I think that is unlikely as the bike is in full production still being a new model under a year old. Contact Honda UK at Slough speak with customer services ( or if possible Michelle Hill or Fiona Cole and mention HOC) and they should be able to point you in the right direction. I hasten to add this will not necessarily be cheaper but keeps your bike at correct specification for warranty and safety.

Bridgestone Exedra 100/90 R17 55S Is referenced on the bridgestone website, it is the same size and profile the "S" at the end refers to the speed rating the "p" of the standard tyre is for up to 93mph the S for the bridgestone is for up to 112 mph so should be up to the job. I suggest you could ring them for technical advice.

cheers Glen, im awaiting a callback from Honda UK re this , i found a garage in Glasgow that can get me one but at £75 and £25 for fitting , although they have said they will try to plug it first , so im getting somewhere , im lost without my wee bike, i will check out theyre site and contact them too

Hi Guys,

Honda UK were extremely unhelpful, they dont make the tyres so they aint interested , however i went back to the garage i bougth the bike from MICKEY OATES in glasgow who are a Suzi dealer and they are replacing the tyre for £45 , oh can also warn you guys when the AA plug ur tyre they make the hole to big for a bike bung to fit . thanks everyone for the advice , this is an excellent site , and dont anyone be put off the CBF , its the best 125 on the market

Glad your sorted.

Who did you talk to at Honda as our contacts would follow up on your comment as they are actually very customer concerned. They want their bikes to sell and that included the tyres regardless of who made them.

hi,

spoke to ben over the phone and got an email reply from Matt his reply was ....
Honda UK do not supply the tyres for our Motorcycles and we are not responsible for the manufacturing.
You will need to contact a local authorised Honda dealership who will be able to contact DTS (dealer technical support) for further assistance

If that was the response you got then it is not as you say 'extremely unhelpful' it is factual if perhaps a little disappointing. What it does tell you is that the dealer had not done their part in contacting DTS as they would have been then told where to obtain supplies or appropriate replacements without giving the tale of Honda having bought all the stock etc.

However totally agree with you the bike is brilliant for its size and Glenn was able to direct you to a viable and worth replacement tyre so hopefully all is well.

hi again,

Dealer looks to be correct , Mickey Oates called and advised that the recommended tire is the continental conti go 100 90-17 55 , continental dont make this tyre any more so ive got a Conti go 100 80-17 55 on the rear .
are there any issues with this change ????
in the end im happy ive got bike back on the road at a cost of £45
thanks agian for all advice