The morning air in Coorg was still heavy with mist as I rolled the Honda CB125F out from under the cottage porch. Coffee plantations stretched out in every direction, and the aroma of fresh beans clung to the cool mountain breeze. I wasn’t here for high speeds or knee-dragging turns. I was here for something far more grounded, simplicity, efficiency, and the joy of easy motorcycling. This wasn’t a superbike, and it didn’t pretend to be. The CB125F is Honda’s humble offering in the surging 125cc segment. But as I swung a leg over its modest frame and fired up its new starter-generator engine, I had a hunch: this little machine was going to leave a bigger impression than expected.
Good Braking System and Digital Cockpit
The first thing I noticed on the CB125F was how incredibly light it felt. At just 117 kg, the bike is nearly effortless to push around, and once in motion, that lightness translates into beautiful agility. In Coorg’s narrow, twisty hill roads, often strewn with leaves and the occasional tea-sipping cow, maneuverability becomes more important than brute force. And here, the CB125F shines. The 18-inch wheels front and rear help it roll over potholes and broken tarmac with impressive composure. I took it down to the mist-covered trail that links Madikeri to a little homestay on the hillside. Loose gravel, muddy corners, and sharp bends were all soaked in morning dew, but the bike never felt nervous. Its twin rear shock absorbers with adjustable preload absorbed undulations without fuss. Coming down steep inclines toward Abbey Falls, I had a chance to really feel out the braking system. The front disc and rear drum setup isn’t what you’d call aggressive, but it is consistent and confidence-inspiring. Thanks to Honda’s Combined Braking System (CBS), squeezing the rear brake lever also applies gentle pressure to the front, an excellent touch for beginner riders or anyone who wants to avoid sudden brake lock on slippery hillsides. There’s no ABS here, but the CBS genuinely works well for this class of bike. The digital cockpit is clean and clear. At first glance, you might think it’s basic, but spend a few kilometers with it and it starts to grow on you. The gear position indicator is a welcome addition, especially for newer riders still getting used to shifting patterns. The onboard computer displays real-time fuel efficiency, and I watched in awe as the numbers stayed steadily above 60 km/l, even as I climbed uphill. Tucked neatly above the LED headlamp, the cockpit glows white in low light, and even in the blazing Kodagu sun, it remains readable. The display doesn’t bombard you with information, it just tells you what you need to know and lets you get on with the ride. A perfect match for the bike’s personality.
Conclusion
After a full day of weaving through coffee estates, navigating steep hairpins, and coasting past the aroma of fresh spices drying in the sun, I pulled over near Raja’s Seat to catch the sunset. The CB125F stood quietly beside me, its red paintwork glowing warm in the golden light. It hadn’t roared or growled, but it had whispered reliability all day long. The 8 kW (11 hp) single-cylinder engine isn’t a screamer, but it pulls steadily and predictably. I rode it through town, uphill, downhill, and even on a short dirt trail leading to a forgotten viewspot, never once did it feel underpowered for what it was designed to do. In fact, it felt just right. Fuel consumption was shockingly low; Honda claims 1.5L/100 km, and based on the onboard readout and my own math, it’s believable. That’s real-world thrift right there, and in today’s fuel economy-conscious world, that matters. The seat height of 790mm made it extremely approachable. I’m average height, but even shorter riders will feel at home on this bike. The saddle itself is comfortable enough for long stretches. I never felt sore, even after hours of stop-go traffic near the touristy parts of town and longer runs into quieter plantation roads. Is it exciting in the way a 1000cc sportbike is? Of course not. But it never promises that. What it delivers instead is ease, economy, and dependability wrapped in a design that looks smarter than its price tag suggests. For €3,090 (around ₹2.80 lakh in India after taxes), you’re getting Honda’s legendary reliability, a feather-light frame, and a machine that makes everyday motorcycling not just practical, but pleasurable. In Coorg, the roads test your patience as much as your skill, rain, fog, animals, and tourists all try to slow you down. But on the CB125F, I was never in a rush. I didn’t need to be. It’s a bike that invites you to enjoy the ride at your own pace. And sometimes, especially in places as serene as Coorg, that’s all you really need. The Honda CB125F may not scream excitement, but it whispers freedom in a voice clear and true. For a beginner, a commuter, or even someone just looking to fall in love with riding again, it might just be the perfect start.
