Honda CRF 125 Assessment: Specs You MUST Know Earlier than Shopping for

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Contemplating shopping for a Honda CRF 125 grime bike however can’t resolve if it’s the appropriate bike for you? Possibly you’re in search of your first grime bike or need to improve from a smaller dimension – regardless of the case, you’re in the appropriate place!

On this evaluation, I’m going to point out you what sort of grime bike the CRF125F is, the variations between the fashions and years, what to anticipate when shopping for and driving one, and how you can know if it’s the finest grime bike based mostly in your particular wants so that you just save money and time!

What’s a CRF125F grime bike?

It’s a 125cc 4 stroke path bike with a easy air-cooled engine and a 4-speed guide clutch transmission, however what does that imply to you? It’s constructed to be dependable, simple to experience, and it’s Honda’s smallest grime bike with a clutch.

2023 Honda CRF125F Honda CRF 125 Review: Specs You MUST Know Before Buying

In order for you a barely smaller grime bike with no clutch then you must try the Honda CRF110F.

CRF125F vs CRF125FB – What’s the distinction?

There are a number of small adjustments between the small wheel & huge wheel fashions that add as much as make a noticeable distinction between the grime bikes.
These are the variations between the Honda 125F & 125FB:

  • Wheel & tire dimension
  • Seat peak
  • Floor clearance
  • Suspension journey
  • Handlebars
  • Gearing

The usual mannequin has smaller wheels (14/16”) with a seat peak of 29.1”. The larger wheel CRF125FB model has 16/19” wheels and tires with a 30.9” seat peak.

Not solely is the seat peak taller, however the greater wheels make a distinction in dealing with on the CRF125FB – it rolls over obstacles on the path slightly simpler and is extra secure.

CRF 125 engine traits

Dependable, clean, and low upkeep are the key phrases I’d use to explain this engine. It’s a easy, air-cooled 125cc 4 stroke, so it doesn’t have a lot energy, however which means it’s very forgiving and nice for studying to experience. 

Hold oil in it and alter the air filter when soiled, and this engine will final for years. That’s until you’re thrashing it on a regular basis. 

Horsepower – does it actually matter?

A inventory CRF 125 has about 6 horsepower. This doesn’t sound like a lot, however there’s extra to it than simply peak horsepower.

You see, while you have a look at the ability every grime bike produces, that’s solely the “max horsepower” it makes at one particular RPM. Which means it’s a must to rev the engine to that RPM and preserve it there to make that energy. 

2022 Honda CRF125FB Engine Honda CRF 125 Review: Specs You MUST Know Before Buying

That’s tough to do and never sensible, in order that’s why it’s essential to contemplate the ability curve from idle to peak, which is the place this Honda 125 4-stroke shines. With respectable torque proper off of idle and a clean energy curve, it’s extraordinarily simple to experience in case you’re a newbie studying how you can use the clutch.

Prime velocity

You’ll be able to attain a prime velocity of about 45 MPH on a inventory CRF125F in case you’re on flat floor. This quantity isn’t essential both since you’re not going to go that quick on trails in case you’re critical about grime biking. If you wish to elevate the max velocity then simply go to a smaller rear sprocket (Motosport).

Electrical begin vs kick begin

In comparison with an older grime bike with simply a kick-start, the CRF125’s electrical begin vastly reduces frustration – particularly in case you’re a more recent rider. Many freshmen battle with clutch management and stall it typically, so it’s lots simpler to push a button than always kick it.

2022 Honda CRF125F Honda CRF 125 Review: Specs You MUST Know Before Buying
The CRF125 nonetheless comes with a kick starter

Is the CRF125 gas injected?

When this 125cc Honda first got here out in 2014, it got here with a carburetor, however Honda modified to a gas injection system in 2019.

I personally like gas injection since you don’t must cope with a messy carb that will get soiled simply and the EFI compensates for temp and elevation adjustments. This implies no jetting adjustments.
A gas tuner is just wanted in case you modify the consumption/engine/exhaust.

EFI vs carb – which is finest for you?

A carburetor is pretty easy as a result of there are not any electronics, however they could be a ache in case you let it sit for too lengthy and the gasoline gums up the small jet circuits.

A stock Honda CRF 125 is a great beginner bike for kids and teens to start riding on
1st gen CRF125F with a carburetor

Not solely is gas injection simpler to start out when tuned correctly, but it surely additionally robotically adjusts the gas combination in case you experience in several temps or elevation. This implies you don’t must fiddle with altering jets.

These are components to bear in mind in case you’re wanting on the totally different CRF 125 mannequin years:

  • 2014-2018: Carburetor
  • 2019-current: Gas injection

Suspension – execs & cons

You get fairly primary suspension parts with the CRF 125, which is simply tremendous in case you’re a newbie or novice rider. Easy suspension makes it extra dependable, with much less tuning to fret about, and extra inexpensive.

The issue is while you begin driving sooner and extra aggressively otherwise you weigh over 150 lbs. The inventory suspension is about up nicely in case you’re 80-120 kilos, so it will likely be very tender if you’re heavier.

2020 Honda CRF125F Honda CRF 125 Review: Specs You MUST Know Before Buying

You’ll begin bottoming out the forks and shock, inflicting an uncomfortable and unsafe rider, which might trigger you to crash and break the bike or your self – not good!

Small wheel vs huge wheel suspension journey

The primary distinction between the 2 mannequin sizes is that the CRF125 small wheel has 5.9”/5.5” of suspension journey (entrance/rear), and the CRF125 huge wheel has 6.7”/6.6” of journey.

The longer journey offers you slightly extra consolation on the paths as a result of it will possibly absorb bumps and impacts extra, which can cut back fatigue and assist you to experience longer.

Entrance forks

The entrance forks are good and tender, which is ideal in case you’re a teen or quick grownup that’s studying to experience. They take in the bumps nicely at low speeds however will begin feeling harsh in case you experience at an intermediate to expert-level tempo.

Sadly, there are not any exterior changes you can also make aside from elevating or decreasing the forks within the triple clamps, however I don’t advocate it until you’ve already adjusted the shock experience peak and are snug with motorbike geometry tuning.

Low-cost fork improve?

If you wish to make the entrance forks stiffer, you’ll must go to a heavy-duty fork spring, together with heavier weight fork oil (Amazon). You’ll be able to take a look at utilizing one or two stiffer springs to see which is extra snug on your weight and driving model.

Rear shock

Shifting to the rear shock, there’s just one exterior adjustment for the CRF 125, whether or not it’s a small wheel or an enormous wheel mannequin.

The shock sag adjustment is essential on any bike as a result of it instantly impacts how your bike handles – you will get extra traction and simpler turning in case you set it up on your weight, which offers you extra confidence!

Low-cost shock improve?

The inventory shock can also be tender to match the forks, so in case you’re bottoming out, you then’ll need to improve to a stiffer spring fee (Amazon). It’s not made to be rebuildable, so in order for you extra efficiency you then’ll must improve to a greater shock, which doesn’t exist within the U.S. that I’m conscious of.

CRF250F BBR Shock Spring Honda CRF 125 Review: Specs You MUST Know Before Buying

Dealing with – what to anticipate

The CRF 125 is roughly the identical dimension because the CRF80 and the CRF100 relating to the wheels, tires, and seat peak of the large and small wheel fashions. In different phrases, they’re midsize path bikes that deal with nicely at gradual speeds and tight areas for a couple of causes. 

With a low seat peak and a brief wheelbase, you get a decrease middle of gravity and a small turning radius. This makes it simpler to lean, nook and management the bike, which is essential in case you’re a child, teen or feminine that’s new to grime biking. 

CRF125F Weight comparability 

The small wheel CRF 125 weighs 194 kilos and the large wheel mannequin weighs 196 kilos, however what does that imply for you? In comparison with a full-size grime bike, it’s about 40-60 lbs. lighter, making it simpler to deal with and choose up in case you fall over. 

The Honda CRF 125 4 stroke weighs about the identical as different 125cc 4-stroke path bikes. Although they aren’t “light-weight” for his or her dimension, the low middle of gravity makes them really feel even lighter, making them very enjoyable to experience, in case you’re too tall to suit on one correctly.

2022 Honda CRF125F 2 Honda CRF 125 Review: Specs You MUST Know Before Buying

Is there a weight restrict?

There’s no technical weight capability, however the inventory suspension will probably be too tender in case you weigh over 140 lbs – particularly in case you’re driving aggressively. You undoubtedly don’t need to do motocross jumps until you stiffen the suspension at a minimal.

The extra you weigh and the more durable you experience, the extra possible you’ll backside out the suspension, which can finally result in cracking the body, which may trigger a horrible crash and get you harm, which I don’t need to occur!

2022 Honda CRF125FB with the new generation frame and fuel injection with a Yoshimura exhaust
2022 2nd gen CRF125FB

Honda CRF 125 Specs & Dimensions

These specs are taken from Honda’s web site:

CRF125F / CRF125FB
Producer Honda
Engine 124cc air-cooled 4 stroke
Beginning System Electrical begin w/ backup kick-start
Transmission 4-speed guide clutch
Seat Top 29.1″(74cm) / 30.9″(78.5cm)
Weight 194/196 lbs
Horsepower 6HP
Prime Pace 45 MPH
Worth (MSRP) $3,399/3,799

TTR 125 vs CRF 125

They’re a fairly shut comparability, but it surely comes down to some preferences. The 2019+ CRF 125 has gas injection over the outdated TTR 125 carb. The Yamaha has a 5-speed transmission, whereas the Honda solely has 4 gears.

2016 Yamaha TTR125LE Honda CRF 125 Review: Specs You MUST Know Before Buying

These 125cc 4 strokes are each nice bikes, so go together with your favourite coloration or the one which yow will discover in higher situation in case you’re shopping for used.

CRF 125 vs CRF 100

The CRF125F is the brand new model of the CRF100F that Honda stopped making in in 2013. The most important distinction is that the CRF 125 has barely extra energy, electrical begin, solely 4 gears, two mannequin sizes to select from, and the 2019+ fashions have gas injection.

Taking up the CRF80

Honda used to make a CRF80/XR80, which was changed with the small wheel CRF125F, and the larger wheel CRF100/XR100 was up to date to the CRF125FB to additionally compete with the Yamaha TTR125.

What age vary is the CRF 125 for?

Whereas it primarily depends upon how tall you might be, the CRF125F is sweet if you’re or have a child that’s 10-13 years outdated. With that stated, there’s a small wheel and large wheel model, and the larger wheel works nicely in case you’re a feminine or a man with quick legs.

Is The CRF125F grime bike for you?

Sure, it’s a fantastic path bike in case you’re new to grime biking or in case you simply desire a smaller grime bike with a clutch to follow your abilities. With the 2nd gen CRF125F (2019+) having gas injection, it’s as near a worry-free entry-level bike for coaching your loved ones and buddies as attainable.

Why you can purchase a CRF 125

Want extra assist deciding if that is the appropriate grime bike for you?
It’s best to get a CRF 125 in case you:

  • Are model new to grime biking
  • Desire a grime bike that’s simple to experience and study to make use of the clutch
  • Are 4’8″-5’4″ tall
  • Favor the simplicity and reliability of a Honda path bike

Why you must NOT purchase a CRF 125

This isn’t the appropriate grime bike for everybody.
It’s best to NOT get a CRF 125 in case you:

  • Are an skilled and aggressive rider
  • Are taller than 5’6″
  • Don’t like the colour crimson
  • Don’t desire a grime bike with a clutch

Finest CRF125 mods

There are plenty of mods you are able to do to make this pit bike sooner, however the highest mods to make it extra snug are:

  • Stiffer suspension
  • Uncorking
  • Rejet/EFI tune

Tips on how to decrease a CRF 125 seat peak

Possibly you need the CRF 125 as a result of it’s the smallest youngsters grime bike with a guide clutch, but it surely’s nonetheless slightly bit tall. You’ll be able to shave the seat foam, however that may be messy with eradicating the seat cowl, and it’s additionally uncomfortable on your bottom to take a seat on.

CRF 125F Lowering Link Honda CRF 125 Review: Specs You MUST Know Before Buying

The simplest mod to decrease your CRF 125 seat peak is a decreasing hyperlink (Amazon). It’s a easy substitute half for the rear shock linkage that immediately lowers the seat about 1.5 inches.

Study to experience with confidence

What in case you might study to experience with confidence this 12 months, even in case you don’t have plenty of time to follow? I need to present you the right driving methods to rapidly construct your confidence and management. Faucet right here to obtain my free coaching information.

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