Launched in 1995, the Honda CA 125 had a cruiser-inspired design, but a frugal commuter engine straight out of the Honda CB 125 of the 1980s. This gave the CA 125 owner a unique experience, with a driving feel. very similar to that of the larger American cruise ships. Even the seat mimicked the styling of a solo rider, with just a basic pad for the passenger. Honda Motorcycle Company continued production for 5 years, during which time this bike was a favorite of riders who wanted a bit of a biker image during their regular commute.
The Honda CA 125 was powered by a proven air-cooled four-stroke engine with a displacement of approximately 125 cc. Not exactly a powerhouse, this frugal commuter engine put out just 11 horsepower at 9500 rpm. It was a fun ride though, thanks to the cruising riding stance and light curb weight of just over 300 pounds. Once on the road, this Honda could hit speeds of around 70 mph in fifth gear. Amazingly, Honda gave this cruiser design motorcycle a fuel tank that held approximately 2 gallons of gasoline.
The 5-speed transmission on the Honda CA 125 was also familiar to Honda commuter motorcycle owners. Designed for frequent gear changes on urban and urban roads, it comes with a dependent clutch plate and responsive gear ratios. The CA 125 used 17-inch, 90/90 tires at the front with an effective disc brake, while the rear had smaller, thicker 15-inch, 130/90 tires and a drum brake. This combination of tires added to the cruiser styling, along with the generous use of chrome throughout the bike and the streamlined exhaust.
Under the right riding conditions, CB 125 cruiser style motorcycles would average fuel consumption of up to 65 to 70 mpg. This frugal cruiser-style engine combination proved very popular internationally, with some countries still making clones of the Honda CA 125 for growing economies. You can also find this sturdy little Honda on many UK streets, with owners and enthusiasts keeping the spirit alive. Quality replacement parts are still available that can help you restore any production model of the CB 125 to perfect working order. The excellent Honda engine is usually in perfect condition, even after thousands of miles behind it. With a little effort and a few original parts, this one-of-a-kind traveler from the ’90s can still provide young drivers with a thrill on a budget.
