I just sold my S1000RR and bought one of these a week later. Seriously dirt cheap and an absolute blast, I've taken it offroad, up some hills, done heaps of things already that I never would've dreamed of on the BMW. Very comfortable and wont burn your leg every 5 seconds from running at 100 degrees. There's thousands of bikes to choose from, if you have higher expectations than a glorified postie bike then it's not for you. If you have an open mind and accept it for what it is then you'll probably have a blast!
I have a 2010 Kymco CK125. Pretty much an identical bike, They are not THAT slow. No, they will never beat cars in a drag race (or motorcycles for that matter) but are brisk enough to stay ahead of the traffic at lights and get up to their preferred 70-80km/h quick enough. It is NOT like riding a 50cc scooter that runs out of puff at 50km/h. I have seen 110km/h on mine going down the M1 big dipper at Mount Colah in Northern Sydney and it will maintain 90-100km/h on the freeways, as long as the hills aren't too steep. The Kymco also has a tacho and gear indicator (which is nice). These are bikes you buy to do up, and then are reluctant to sell. There is an inherent honesty about these bikes; they are single cylinder, air cooled carby jobbies. They are what they are, and are good things. Absolutely reliable, have 50 years of engine development behind them, are easy to work on and service yourself, and you'll get 400km out of 10-12 litres of rubbish 91 fuel. What's not to love?
I never knew Kymco produced a similar bike. I was only meant to keep mine for a few months. Ended up keeping it for over two years. Loved being able to carry out repairs myself.
I bought one mate and it's not too bad I can use it on my learner's. It took me from the blue mountains to the snowy mountains and even in Queensland. She's not the fastest but considering it took snow, Qld heat and the hills of the mountains for a $1000 used bike. Rego (Third party theft and against other cars) was about $150 for the year. Fuel is cheap too so I dunno man. Could be worse.
I've just done my first Stay Upright course, and did it on this bike. There's lots of reasons this bike is so popular, and for what it does, and for the reasons people buy them, this bike is a great little bike. It's not meant to be a highway bike as you say, but a suburban bike to get you to work etc. It's never going to get up to the high speeds bigger bikes would do on the open roads, but it's all horses for courses. For what it was designed to do, and for beginner riders, you have a great bike in the CBR125. Great little bike to learn the riding skills on. As for a tacho, I've never looked at them in any car I've had to help me change gears, and I've never had them on other dirk bikes I've had either. The gear range and speeds for changing gears is also on the speedo for those that need it. I let the bike talk to me and use my ears to know what noises are and where they are coming from, and not just from the engine either.
I tell everyone about the advantages of this bike. It does the CBD commuting much easier than the bigger bikes in the shed. I installed a tacho and as you said, found no real need for it. But it was an interesting video anyway. Hoping to do some more videos with this bike soon.
Hey mate, I know im replying to you one year later 😅 but I have my stay upright pre learners course next week and just wondering if the bike is light weight and easy to balance when moving/sharp turning left and right and U turns? Thanks!
I use this to go to and from work about 4ks both ways (8k total), fill the tank with 95 roughly every month for $15. Amazing fuel economy to get around the city and the rego/insurance is extremely cheap.
@@camerondurbin insurance is cheap and differs due to age . To fully insure mine (I am 45) was quoted as $125. Yet third party was $10 more. Could not understand that one. Rego is cheap as it is under 225cc ( I am based in NSW Australia).
For any L platers who have to abide by the “LAMS” laws I would suggest this bike, affordable, fuel efficient and if you’re very new to riding motor cycles this will definitely help you getting from home to school or home to work and back! Just make sure not to take any highways 😂
Dunno what ya talking about mate I used mine to take me from the Qld border to the blue mountains and then to the snowy mountains near Vic. Not bad for a bike I bought for $1,000 aud. Sure a bit slow but she's all right for me.
I just got one to pass my p’s on. I quite like it so far. But yes its very sluggish. I don’t mind though as a lot of the streets around me are 50 Kph 😆
I agree 100% with your video. I'm a learner and I have had this bike for about a month now. I am already bored with it, though I did learn how to change the oil and some other basic things, so its good in that aspect to learn some basic things. Looking at getting a Royal enfield Interceptor pretty soon I think.
The Enfield interceptor is a good bike. Check out the video I made test riding a standard interceptor and a modified one. The modifications improved the bike dramatically in performance and sound.
@@RoadsOfOz Yeah, I'm turning 64 next month so I'm cognizant of the shortcomings of age. I can at least enjoy the fresh air and reminisce over my powerful bikes from my past. I'll set it up perfectly for myself. The freedom of being on a bike is unbelievable.
Mate, i really enjoyed your review, better than most out there. Im currently riding a beemer R100rt but these simple little bikes are really starting to appeal to me and anyway i dont do the beemer justice, riding only odd weekends. I love the simplicity of the cb125. Other small bikes and scooters out there are overly sophisticated (and expensive) for the performance you get. If only it could comfortably keep a 100ks, i would leap at it. A better bike would be the Suzuki gsx-s125 but that is another $1500 or so. Anyway, thanks again
martin arnold if you still enjoy riding the beemer, I would say keep it. Get a smaller capacity bike for running errands and maybe short commuting. Going on a decent ride would not be as enjoyable on a small capacity bike compared to the beemer.
The CBR125E just lacks any real punch for there to be any real fun factor. It is more of a necessity to maintain speed into corners, roundabouts, etc...
Agree. They are so slow. I really enjoyed mine for practising clutchless shifts and trail braking. I also rode it on dirt trails etc. I originally bought it for my girlfriend, but it was still too tall for her. She now has a suzuki 110 scooter which eats this bike in speed etc. 18" wheels are good for rough road etc. It really makes you focus on keeping speed up though 😃 I had awesome fun on it though - you just have to look for roads where 60km/h is a challenge. I thought 70km/h was a good cruising speed for the standard gearing. I tried an exhaust and bigger main jet; minimal difference. th-cam.com/video/2JuOq7sGNpE/w-d-xo.html
I was a bit harsh about the acceleration, but that lack of acceleration helps develop skills in other areas. I still think it is a great commuter bike. But stand by what I said about its not a bike you buy for fun. More as an economical commuting tool, which is what it is designed to be. I had mine for a couple of years before selling it and i still reccomend them as a cheap daily urban commuter.
I have one of these bikes. I just bought a top box for it, which weighs 2.2 kg, and the back rack says that it can only hold 3kg. Do you think that this is okay? Theoretically then I should only put 0.8kg in the box? How crucial is that?
I just checked the owners manual. You are correct. My laptop & work gear would be approx 1 kg. I will do not overload the top box. Anything heavy would be secured to the back seat. What capacity is your top box?
@@RoadsOfOz top box is 30 litres. Generally i won't put too much weight in it, but i feel that that rack is actually pretty strong, so maybe slightly overweight wouldn't be a big problem.
@@Joel-sr9qh I don't think the issue is the strength of the rack / fixings, it's more a question of the bikes dynamics on the road. Ever had a pillion passenger who doesn't lean with the rider or the bike?
The luggage rack is aft of the rear axle. Any heavy object on the rack will tend to lower the weight carried by the front wheel which can cause steering and instability problems.
That all depends on the individual. Also what you are using the bike for. Each person develops at their own rate. But this bike will improve your riding awarenes due to its lack of power. I have a video coming out in the next few weeks explaining this a little bit better.
It would depend on where you are riding. If you are in a metro area and not doing above 80klm/h constantly. Then yes. If you will be travelling any distance on a highway regularly, then I would suggest a larger capacity bike. These bikes are perfect if you are on a tight budget. If you do get one. Fit a top box to it big enough to fit your helmet in. It will make the bike even more convenient to use.
Will have a new video out in the next few weeks. Clearing that up. It is as fun as you want to make it. Still have it and it is a very good bike and will improve you as a rider.
Next time I wanna see and hear the motorcycle more than you. Didn’t click on the video for you to sit in front of the bike and hear you talking while the bike is running, here here to see the bike not hear you yapping and being in front of it
I just sold my S1000RR and bought one of these a week later. Seriously dirt cheap and an absolute blast, I've taken it offroad, up some hills, done heaps of things already that I never would've dreamed of on the BMW. Very comfortable and wont burn your leg every 5 seconds from running at 100 degrees. There's thousands of bikes to choose from, if you have higher expectations than a glorified postie bike then it's not for you. If you have an open mind and accept it for what it is then you'll probably have a blast!
They are surprisingly fun if you have the right attitude. It is becoming my primary transport. Thank you for watching.
Who needs a tachometer when you have ears?
A lot of these bikes were designed for the Asian market, what you’re saying is 100% correct they were never designed for our long high speed highways
I have a 2010 Kymco CK125. Pretty much an identical bike,
They are not THAT slow. No, they will never beat cars in a drag race (or motorcycles for that matter) but are brisk enough to stay ahead of the traffic at lights and get up to their preferred 70-80km/h quick enough.
It is NOT like riding a 50cc scooter that runs out of puff at 50km/h. I have seen 110km/h on mine going down the M1 big dipper at Mount Colah in Northern Sydney and it will maintain 90-100km/h on the freeways, as long as the hills aren't too steep. The Kymco also has a tacho and gear indicator (which is nice).
These are bikes you buy to do up, and then are reluctant to sell. There is an inherent honesty about these bikes; they are single cylinder, air cooled carby jobbies. They are what they are, and are good things.
Absolutely reliable, have 50 years of engine development behind them, are easy to work on and service yourself, and you'll get 400km out of 10-12 litres of rubbish 91 fuel.
What's not to love?
I never knew Kymco produced a similar bike.
I was only meant to keep mine for a few months. Ended up keeping it for over two years. Loved being able to carry out repairs myself.
I bought one mate and it's not too bad I can use it on my learner's.
It took me from the blue mountains to the snowy mountains and even in Queensland. She's not the fastest but considering it took snow, Qld heat and the hills of the mountains for a $1000 used bike.
Rego (Third party theft and against other cars) was about $150 for the year. Fuel is cheap too so I dunno man. Could be worse.
Touring on a CB125E. You have my full respect.
foxtailedcritter sorry to hear about your job loss. I hope you are OK. Having any bike is better than no bike at all.
It does it's job and for 3.5k you can't really complain. Perfect learners bike and that's about it.
They are a great little bike. If it had ABS, it would be perfect for new riders.
I've just done my first Stay Upright course, and did it on this bike. There's lots of reasons this bike is so popular, and for what it does, and for the reasons people buy them, this bike is a great little bike. It's not meant to be a highway bike as you say, but a suburban bike to get you to work etc.
It's never going to get up to the high speeds bigger bikes would do on the open roads, but it's all horses for courses. For what it was designed to do, and for beginner riders, you have a great bike in the CBR125. Great little bike to learn the riding skills on.
As for a tacho, I've never looked at them in any car I've had to help me change gears, and I've never had them on other dirk bikes I've had either. The gear range and speeds for changing gears is also on the speedo for those that need it. I let the bike talk to me and use my ears to know what noises are and where they are coming from, and not just from the engine either.
I tell everyone about the advantages of this bike. It does the CBD commuting much easier than the bigger bikes in the shed.
I installed a tacho and as you said, found no real need for it. But it was an interesting video anyway. Hoping to do some more videos with this bike soon.
Hey mate, I know im replying to you one year later 😅 but I have my stay upright pre learners course next week and just wondering if the bike is light weight and easy to balance when moving/sharp turning left and right and U turns? Thanks!
Best review , unbiased , professional and expert
Thank you. I have some more vids of the CB125E coming soon.
@@RoadsOfOz thank you , would you please discuss porn and cons of buying a used Honda vs brand new Honda ? Much appreciated
Best Lams approved bike I've had.
I use this to go to and from work about 4ks both ways (8k total), fill the tank with 95 roughly every month for $15. Amazing fuel economy to get around the city and the rego/insurance is extremely cheap.
How much is rego and insurance?
camerondurbin insurance is $27 a month with full fire/theft with swann insurance and rego is $240 a year
@@camerondurbin insurance is cheap and differs due to age . To fully insure mine (I am 45) was quoted as $125. Yet third party was $10 more. Could not understand that one. Rego is cheap as it is under 225cc ( I am based in NSW Australia).
If it beats walking, it’s a plus in my book
It definitely beats walking. Also much more convenient than public transport.
For any L platers who have to abide by the “LAMS” laws I would suggest this bike, affordable, fuel efficient and if you’re very new to riding motor cycles this will definitely help you getting from home to school or home to work and back! Just make sure not to take any highways 😂
Y not highways?
Dunno what ya talking about mate I used mine to take me from the Qld border to the blue mountains and then to the snowy mountains near Vic. Not bad for a bike I bought for $1,000 aud. Sure a bit slow but she's all right for me.
I just got one to pass my p’s on.
I quite like it so far. But yes its very sluggish. I don’t mind though as a lot of the streets around me are 50 Kph 😆
I agree 100% with your video. I'm a learner and I have had this bike for about a month now. I am already bored with it, though I did learn how to change the oil and some other basic things, so its good in that aspect to learn some basic things. Looking at getting a Royal enfield Interceptor pretty soon I think.
The Enfield interceptor is a good bike. Check out the video I made test riding a standard interceptor and a modified one. The modifications improved the bike dramatically in performance and sound.
It's definitely basic transportation. Cheap to get you around.
Absolutely. That is what they do best.
@@RoadsOfOz Yeah, I'm turning 64 next month so I'm cognizant of the shortcomings of age. I can at least enjoy the fresh air and reminisce over my powerful bikes from my past. I'll set it up perfectly for myself. The freedom of being on a bike is unbelievable.
Mate, i really enjoyed your review, better than most out there. Im currently riding a beemer R100rt but these simple little bikes are really starting to appeal to me and anyway i dont do the beemer justice, riding only odd weekends. I love the simplicity of the cb125. Other small bikes and scooters out there are overly sophisticated (and expensive) for the performance you get. If only it could comfortably keep a 100ks, i would leap at it. A better bike would be the Suzuki gsx-s125 but that is another $1500 or so.
Anyway, thanks again
martin arnold if you still enjoy riding the beemer, I would say keep it. Get a smaller capacity bike for running errands and maybe short commuting. Going on a decent ride would not be as enjoyable on a small capacity bike compared to the beemer.
16 Tooth front sprocket help much for top speed? Ordered one today
I find i have more fun in the twisties on the 390 ktm as apposed to the cbr1000 😁👍🏼
The CBR125E just lacks any real punch for there to be any real fun factor. It is more of a necessity to maintain speed into corners, roundabouts, etc...
Agree. They are so slow. I really enjoyed mine for practising clutchless shifts and trail braking. I also rode it on dirt trails etc. I originally bought it for my girlfriend, but it was still too tall for her. She now has a suzuki 110 scooter which eats this bike in speed etc. 18" wheels are good for rough road etc. It really makes you focus on keeping speed up though 😃 I had awesome fun on it though - you just have to look for roads where 60km/h is a challenge. I thought 70km/h was a good cruising speed for the standard gearing. I tried an exhaust and bigger main jet; minimal difference. th-cam.com/video/2JuOq7sGNpE/w-d-xo.html
Just watched the video. You tore up the road nicely.
My scooter goes like a Ferrari compared to my cb 125e. But I’m loving it all the same.
I think the reviewer is too critical. The bike has great advantages. I have a one of these and think it's fabulous.
I was a bit harsh about the acceleration, but that lack of acceleration helps develop skills in other areas. I still think it is a great commuter bike. But stand by what I said about its not a bike you buy for fun. More as an economical commuting tool, which is what it is designed to be. I had mine for a couple of years before selling it and i still reccomend them as a cheap daily urban commuter.
what upgrade do you suggest as a commuter bike around the same price range?
That is a tough one. I think it would vary depending on the person.
"Is it fun? Nah, not really." LOL
XVS650 what can I say, it is an honest opinion.
I have one of these bikes. I just bought a top box for it, which weighs 2.2 kg, and the back rack says that it can only hold 3kg. Do you think that this is okay? Theoretically then I should only put 0.8kg in the box? How crucial is that?
I just checked the owners manual. You are correct. My laptop & work gear would be approx 1 kg. I will do not overload the top box. Anything heavy would be secured to the back seat. What capacity is your top box?
@@RoadsOfOz top box is 30 litres. Generally i won't put too much weight in it, but i feel that that rack is actually pretty strong, so maybe slightly overweight wouldn't be a big problem.
@@Joel-sr9qh I don't think the issue is the strength of the rack / fixings, it's more a question of the bikes dynamics on the road. Ever had a pillion passenger who doesn't lean with the rider or the bike?
I think it's more an issue of centre of gravity being too far back.
The luggage rack is aft of the rear axle. Any heavy object on the rack will tend to lower the weight carried by the front wheel which can cause steering and instability problems.
No way bro thats Cairns hill I ride my dirt bike there and go to the skate park right near the intersection (2:50)
How long will I need to upgrade from this to something bigger if I am a complete beginner?
That all depends on the individual. Also what you are using the bike for. Each person develops at their own rate. But this bike will improve your riding awarenes due to its lack of power. I have a video coming out in the next few weeks explaining this a little bit better.
@@RoadsOfOz I am almost ready to get my first bike. Looking forward to your video
@@RoadsOfOz I just put downpayment on one and looking Forward to learning
Slow like a posty bike?
Would. It be good for. L PLATER JUST STARTING OUT
It would depend on where you are riding. If you are in a metro area and not doing above 80klm/h constantly. Then yes. If you will be travelling any distance on a highway regularly, then I would suggest a larger capacity bike.
These bikes are perfect if you are on a tight budget. If you do get one. Fit a top box to it big enough to fit your helmet in. It will make the bike even more convenient to use.
It is the bike of choice for many riding schools.
not a bike that we should use in M5 or hilly area then?
No. Unless there is a traffic jam.
@@RoadsOfOz ah damn, im moving to the west and thinking to buy one to drive to mascot
@@RoadsOfOz 😂
What tyre is that with the red stripe on the steer?
The red tape is on the rim. Will look up the brand when I get home.
@@RoadsOfOz Cheers bro, the red stripe is a nice touch. I'm guess ing a vinyl or something...
@@skipper1350 tyre is Anna’s NF-Z8. Nothing fancy, but does the job.
is this western sydney?
Yes. Some call it south western Sydney. Lived here all my life.
What is the name of your top box?
Givi
Add a 200cc big bore kit from ebay
I was tempted. There is a good kit sold locally. Might do it down the track.
it's not fun? that is no good.
Will have a new video out in the next few weeks. Clearing that up.
It is as fun as you want to make it. Still have it and it is a very good bike and will improve you as a rider.
Next time I wanna see and hear the motorcycle more than you. Didn’t click on the video for you to sit in front of the bike and hear you talking while the bike is running, here here to see the bike not hear you yapping and being in front of it
😂 it's a review