Honda CG 125 (1975-2008) Review | Speed, Specs, Parts & Prices

The best way to describe the Honda CG 125’s ride quality is: bouncy. Especially if ridden by a larger pilot. But that's okay, because only a complete madman would expect a Honda CG 125 to handle anything like an Aprilia RS 125 race rep - the most desirable sports 125 of the late 90s and early 00s.

That said, it does the job and CGs have been known to haul more than just a large rider to and from work elsewhere in developing countries! If you are on the hefty side, there is the option to jack up the preload on the rear twin shocks, which should help give a little more control.

Away from the suspension, life on the CG 125 is comfortable and unintimidating. Sitting upright with a thick, generously-padded seat beneath you and a basic set of clocks up front, you can maximise its potential in even the most congested of urban cityscapes - turning every journey into your own hilarious gymkhana course.

Although not a problem for shorter riders, it is likely that the CG’s small proportions will feel cramped for a taller rider - feeling more like a BMX bike, with a buzzing four-stroke single cylinder strapped into the frame for a laugh than a full-fledged motorcycle.

Elsewhere, up until an update in 2004, braking power was provided by a drum at the front and rear. Weighing so little, they are perfectly adequate - hauling the bike up quickly, with a notable dive from the spindly front forks. A stamp on the rear will quickly lock the skinny rear wheel, too - which could catch out some novices in poor riding conditions. After 2004, the CG got a front disc brake, alongside a larger fuel tank and updated styling.

What's the Honda CG 125 like for a pillion?

Whilst the Honda CG 125’s air-cooled 124cc motor is only good for a claimed 11bhp, it’s surprisingly capable of gentle two-up riding.

I should know, I’ve got a 1996 model tucked away in the corner of the garage and cover up to 1000 miles a year around the rutted rural lanes of backstreet Lincolnshire with a pillion.

Great fun for leisurely jacket and jeans plods to local cafes and exploring single track roads that would be otherwise be a pain on a bigger bike, it’s happy enough chugging up to around 45mph before the engine starts to feel strained.

Downhill with a decent back draft you’ll see 50 on the minimalist clocks, but I’d steer clear of busy main roads unless you like being overtaken by a constant stream of aggravated traffic.

What’s more, the piddly suspension isn’t built for two over distance and I have blown a fork seal on more than one occasion under heavy braking when riding as a two.

Outside of that though, the comfy flat bench seat is big enough for the both of you and the bike has played a vital role in introducing people to the fun of motorcycles, without scaring them to death. It is intimate though and I wouldn’t dare take anyone larger than my circa 50kg frame, as I would be worried about busting the max weight limit of the machine.

Pegs are chunky and come with tough rubber covers, which fold away by the shocks when not in use. If yours is kickstart only like mine though and you stall when riding, be prepared to ask the pillion to jump off, as the small proportions means you’re likely to strike their right foot when kicking down the lever.