What do you want out of a small-displacement commuter bike? Now, they aren't for everyone, but there's no denying that they aren't daily rides for a whole lot of people. Honda, quite naturally, knows and cultivates this fact.
And it should, because it continues to sell an astonishing amount of motorbikes on a global scale each year. Many of which are exactly this type of bike. Outside of the US, little workhorse bikes and scooters seemingly make the world go round, so Honda naturally wants to keep its finger on the pulse of how best to sell them to as many riders as possible.
All this makes the 2026 updates to the unassuming little CB125F more intriguing. Gone, seemingly, are the days when a bike like this would seem almost apologetic about not being one of its bigger brethren. This is a small bike with styling that seems to be proud of exactly what it is, and who it's for.
LED lighting, restyled bodywork, and a proper, modern TFT display are just some of what the 2026 CB125F has to offer. Euro5+ emission compliance is onboard, of course, but Honda also claims that fuel efficiency could reach "over 700km from the 11L fuel tank." Even if you assume that most OEMs may possibly have rose-colored glasses on when giving range estimates, if that range is anywhere close to real-world figures, it's definitely the kind of thing an everyday commuter would like to hear.
Another cool party trick that the new CB125F has is Honda's Idle Stop functionality, previously seen on its scooters (which have automatic transmissions), or the DCT-equipped Gold Wing. As the name implies, Idle Stop pauses the engine when you're at a full stop, but will automatically restart as soon as you pull in the clutch on the CB125F. This should also help to conserve fuel, especially if you get stuck at a long stoplight (or a freight train trundles its way across your path in all its infinite slowness).
The TFT display on the 2026 CB125F is a 4.2-inch unit, and Honda RoadSync connectivity with your smartphone gives you access to phone functionality and music streaming on the go. There's also a USB-C port to keep your device charged on the move, as well.
For 2026, the CB125F comes in your choice of three colors in Europe and the UK: Imperial Red Metallic, Matte Marvel Blue Metallic, or Matt Axis Gray Metallic. Pricing will vary by market, but in the UK, the 2026 CB125F carries a base price of £3,299 (about US $4,378 at the time of writing).
Gallery: 2026 Honda CB125F
