A1
Honda CB125R
- 125 cc
- 11 kW
- 1 variant
- 10 models for subcategory A1
- Power from 6.9 to 11 kW
- Lightest model according to dealer data: Grom MSX125
- CB125R with 11 kW at the A1 limit
- Forza 125 with CVT transmission
- Honda RoadSync on CB125F and Forza 125
What makes the eighth-litre class special?
Motorcycles and scooters in subcategory A1 are light, agile and easy to ride. The power of the Honda models ranges between 6.9 and 11 kW. This makes them suitable for town, for country roads and as a second vehicle. According to dealer data, the Grom MSX125 is the lightest.
Two limits are decisive for subcategory A1: the displacement of the 125cc class and a maximum power of 11 kW. A 125cc motorcycle must comply with both. The CB125R makes full use of the power limit with 11 kW, while the compact Monkey and Dax ST125 models are well below it at 6.9 kW.
A1 driving licence and the next steps
All models shown here can be ridden with subcategory A1. You may also ride them with restricted category A (known as A2 in the EU) and with unrestricted category A. The route to your own driving licence leads via the learner's permit for the desired category.
Before buying, consider how you want to progress. If you want to move up to a larger motorcycle later, you can learn clutch control and gear selection on a model with a manual gearbox, such as the Grom MSX125 with its 5-speed gearbox. If you mainly ride in town, a scooter is more convenient: the Forza 125, for example, uses a CVT transmission, and the clutch works automatically by centrifugal force.
Honda 125cc models: naked bikes and cult classics
The CB125R is a naked bike with 11 kW in a slim, minimalist design. The CB125F (8 kW) has been redesigned and has LED headlights and a 4.2-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth for Honda RoadSync.
The Grom MSX125 has been around since 2013: air-cooled engine, 5-speed gearbox and 7.4 kW. The Monkey (6.9 kW) is compact enough to weave through dense city traffic. The Dax ST125 (6.9 kW) revives a model from the 1960s, the Super Cub C125 (7.2 kW) a robust classic that, according to Honda, has served millions of people as a means of transport for decades.
125cc scooters: Forza 125, SH125i, SH Mode 125 and PCX125
The Forza 125 is a sport GT scooter with 10.7 kW, eSP+ engine, 5-inch TFT display and Honda RoadSync, optionally with Smart Top Box or as a Special Edition. The SH125i (9.6 kW) offers LED lighting, an adjustable TFT cockpit and practical storage solutions.
The SH Mode 125 is based on the SH125i platform and, with low running costs, is tailored to the city. The PCX125 has a liquid-cooled four-valve engine with 9.2 kW and low fuel consumption; the DX version also has a 5-inch TFT display.
Top speed and range compared
For cross-country trips, it is worth looking at top speed. According to dealer data, the CB125R reaches 105 km/h and the Forza 125 108 km/h, the SH125i and PCX125 98 km/h each. The compact models are more leisurely: Grom MSX125 94 km/h, Monkey 91 km/h and Dax ST125 90 km/h.
Tank sizes also differ greatly. The CB125F holds 11 litres and the Forza 125 11.7 litres, whereas the Dax ST125 holds only 3.8 litres and the Super Cub C125 3.7 litres. For the Forza 125, Honda highlights the fuel efficiency and range of the eSP+ engine.
Tips: test ride and first course
Seat height and handling are best experienced for yourself. Compare motorcycle and scooter directly: as an official dealer, Honda Motorrad Zürich offers advice, test rides, leasing and a workshop.
If you have never sat on a motorcycle, the best place for your first few metres is the MX-Academy taster course: no driving licence needed, with a rental bike and full protective gear.
Frequently asked questions: 125cc motorcycle
Which driving licence do I need for a 125cc motorcycle?
Subcategory A1. It applies to 125cc motorcycles and scooters with a maximum of 11 kW. Restricted category A and category A include these models.
Which Honda model in subcategory A1 has the most power?
The CB125R with 11 kW, followed by the Forza 125 with 10.7 kW. The Grom MSX125 has 7.4 kW, the compact Monkey and Dax ST125 models 6.9 kW each.
Scooter or motorcycle with gears – which suits you better?
For town and commuting, a scooter is convenient; on the Forza 125 you do not shift at all thanks to CVT. If you want to ride something bigger later, you learn clutch control on a motorcycle with a manual gearbox such as the Grom MSX125.
How fast are the Honda 125cc models?
According to dealer data, between 90 km/h (Dax ST125) and 108 km/h (Forza 125). The CB125R reaches 105 km/h, the SH125i and PCX125 98 km/h each.
Can I try motorcycling before buying?
Yes. In the MX-Academy taster course you ride on closed-off grounds, no licence is needed for it, and a rental motorcycle and equipment are included. For a specific model, ask the Honda dealer for a test ride.