The Honda CB125 is a 122 cc (7.4 cu in) motorcycle made by Honda from 1971 to 1985 (1973–1985 in the US). It had a single-cylinder overhead camshaft (OHC) engine with a 9500 rpm redline. The "S" model was produced from 1971 to 1975 and was replaced in 1976 by the "J" model (the US bikes retained the S designation). The newer model sported a two piece head, 124 cc (7.6 cu in) displacement, and a larger carburettor.[1][2]
Major changes
Aside from different color schemes and minor lettering differences, these are some of the major design changes:
1973 - First year the bike was released in the US as CB125S0. UK model CB125S with tachometer and exhaust with trumpet end.
1974 - Front drum brake changed to disk, tachometer was added.
1976 - Engine displacement increased from 122 to 124 cc (7.4 to 7.6 cu in), tachometer was eliminated.
1983 - The bike was produced but not released for customers this year.
1984 - The electrical system was changed from 6 to 12 volts.
1985 - The last year the bike was released in the US, headlight shape was changed from round to rectangular.
US model year changes
Identifications, specifications, and changes throughout the years. This chart is for units sold In America only.[1]
Ignition
Displacement
Front brake
Rear brake
Instruments
Notes
1973
Breaker points
122 cc
Drum
Drum
Speedometer
(only)
6v electrical system
(73–83)
1974
Breaker points
122 cc
Mechanical disc
Drum
Speedometer
and Tachometer
1975
Breaker points
122 cc
Mechanical disc
Drum
Speedometer
and Tachometer
1976
Breaker points
124 cc
Mechanical disc
Drum
Speedometer
(only)
1977
1978
Breaker points
124 cc
Mechanical disc
Drum
Speedometer
(only)
1979
Breaker points
124 cc
Single leading shoe
Front brake
Drum
Speedometer
(only)
1980
Breaker points
124 cc
Single leading shoe
Front brake
Drum
Speedometer
(only)
1981
Capacitive Discharge
124 cc
Single leading shoe
Front brake
Drum
Speedometer
(only)
1982
Capacitive Discharge
124 cc
Single leading shoe
Front brake
Drum
Speedometer
(only)
1983
Not produced
1984
Capacitive Discharge
124 cc
Single leading shoe
Front brake
Drum
Speedometer
(only)
12v Electrical system
(84–85)
1985
Capacitive discharge
124 cc
Single leading shoe
Front brake
Drum
Speedometer
(only)
Rectangular headlight
This table explains the specific changes year to year.
The components of the CB125 did not change much throughout the years unlike the appearance of the CB125. The majority of the changes made upon the bike was the color of the fuel tank, and the color of the decals. The color and Decals changed every year the Cb125 was produced.
Notes
^ abHonda Motorcycle Identification Guide. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 2000. pp. 30–50. ISBN0-964249-1-1-1.
^Scott, Ed (1983). Clymer Honda 100-350cc OHC singles 1969-1982 service-repair-performance. U.S.A.: Jeff Robinson. pp. 0–102. ISBN978-0-89287-184-1.