2014 Honda CBR 125R | Used Bike for Sale UK

This is a 2014 Honda CBR 125R with 33,000 miles on the clock and a recent MOT. The price is to be confirmed with the seller. The current owner has carried out a range of recent maintenance work and is including a selection of new parts ready to be installed, and is selling only because they are moving on to bigger bikes.

Key Features

Condition and History

This Honda CBR 125R has covered 33,000 miles and comes with a recent MOT, which is a good starting point for any used bike. The seller has been completely upfront that there are some slight damages on the bike, so it is not in perfect cosmetic condition and you should expect a few marks or scuffs here and there. However, the mechanical side of things looks to have been given proper attention. The list of recent work is encouraging: new chain adjusters, fresh brake fluid front and rear, a cleaned air filter, an oil change, and a new front wheel. That lot suggests the owner has been keeping on top of the basics rather than letting the bike run into the ground.

The seller has also gathered a pile of new parts ready to go on, including a new chain and sprocket kit and new front and rear brake pads. This is worth proper consideration, because these are exactly the sort of wear items a 125cc commuter gets through, and having them ready to fit saves you time and money down the line. The seller mentions there are plenty of other parts and accessories included as well, so it is worth asking exactly what comes with the bike.

Receipts are available for the work that has been done, which is always reassuring and lets you verify what has been claimed. The full service history and the number of previous owners have not been stated, so it is best to ask the seller for further details on those points. The reason for sale is straightforward: the current owner is moving on to bigger bikes. That is often a sign the bike has served its purpose well as a first or stepping-stone machine, and is now being passed on rather than scrapped or traded in a panic.

Specifications

Why Consider This Vehicle

The fact this CBR 125R comes with a recent MOT and evidence of recent maintenance like an oil change and new front wheel is a good sign that it has been cared for mechanically. The inclusion of new parts like a chain and sprocket kit and brake pads, ready to be installed, adds genuine value for a new owner who doesn’t mind doing a bit of work. For a 125cc, this bike offers the peace of mind that comes with Honda’s well-known reliability. It is not a showroom-fresh example, but it appears to be an honest, usable bike with the right bits done and the right bits included.

About the Honda CBR 125R

The Honda CBR 125R is one of the most recognisable and popular 125cc sports bikes on UK roads. It has been a fixture in the learner and commuter market for years, and for good reason. The CBR 125R is generally known for offering a proper big-bike look and feel in a package that is light, manageable, and cheap to run. It has been a go-to choice for new riders, students, and city commuters who want something that looks the part without the insurance and fuel costs of a larger machine.

The model line has a strong reputation for reliability. Honda has always been associated with build quality, and the CBR 125R is no exception. The engine is a single-cylinder four-stroke, which is about as simple and robust as a motorcycle engine gets. There is no complex valve gear or high-strung tuning to worry about. It is designed to be thrashed around town, used in all weathers, and still start on the button day after day. Many owners report covering tens of thousands of miles with little more than routine oil changes and chain adjustments. The fact that this particular example has reached 33,000 miles and is still being sold on with a recent MOT is testament to that longevity.

In terms of what the CBR 125R is like to ride, it is generally regarded as one of the sportier-feeling 125s available. The riding position is slightly forward-leaning compared to a naked or commuter-style 125, which gives it that sporty character without being uncomfortable for shorter journeys. The seat height is relatively low, which makes it accessible for shorter riders and gives confidence when filtering through traffic or putting a foot down at lights. The bike is light, usually around 130-140 kg depending on the year, so it is easy to push around, manoeuvre into parking spaces, and handle at low speed.

The CBR 125R is also known for being a good introduction to the world of sports bikes. It has fairings, a proper screen, and a design that echoes Honda’s larger CBR range, so from a distance it can easily pass for something bigger. This is a big part of its appeal for younger riders who want the look without the licence requirements. On a CBT certificate, a 17-year-old can ride a 125cc bike with L-plates, and the CBR 125R is one of the most desirable machines in that category.

On the practical side, the CBR 125R is cheap to insure, returns excellent fuel economy often well over 100 miles per gallon in real-world riding, and parts are widely available. Because it was sold in large numbers in the UK, both new and used spares are easy to find, and most motorcycle workshops are familiar with the model. It is also a bike that holds its value reasonably well compared to some other 125s, because there is always demand from new riders. Even a higher-mileage example like this one can still be worth decent money if it has been looked after, because the underlying bike is so solid.

Common issues with the CBR 125R are few and far between. The main things to keep an eye on are the usual consumables: chain and sprockets, brake pads, tyres, and wheel bearings. The engine is generally very reliable, though as with any bike, neglect of oil changes can lead to problems over time. Some owners report that the cam chain tensioner can become noisy on higher-mileage bikes, but this is not a major concern and is often just a characteristic rather than a fault. The fairings can be prone to scuffs and cracks if the bike is dropped, which is worth bearing in mind given the seller has mentioned slight damages on this one.

Overall, the Honda CBR 125R is a bike that inspires confidence. It is forgiving to ride, easy to maintain, and holds up well to the abuse that learner bikes often endure. It is not the fastest 125 on the market, but it is one of the most sensible and well-rounded choices. For anyone looking for a first bike, a cheap commuter, or a project to tidy up and learn some spannering on, the CBR 125R is a very safe bet.

What to Check Before Buying

When buying any used motorcycle, and particularly a 125cc bike like the Honda CBR 125R, there are a few standard UK checks and inspections that are worth doing before you hand over any cash. These are not specific to this particular bike, but they are good practice for any private sale.

Paperwork and History Checks

First, ask to see the V5C logbook. This shows the registered keeper and the vehicle details. Make sure the seller’s name and address match the V5C, and that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the document matches the one stamped on the bike’s frame. If the seller is not the registered keeper, walk away unless there is a very good explanation.

Next, check the MOT history online. You can do this for free on the government’s website using the bike’s registration number. This will show you every MOT test the bike has had, including the mileage recorded at each test, any advisories, and any failures. Look for consistent mileage increases that match the bike’s age, and pay attention to any recurring advisories that might indicate a problem the seller has not fixed. The fact this bike has a recent MOT is good, but that does not mean it has never failed one in the past. The history will give you the full picture.

An HPI check is also worth doing. This is a paid check that tells you if the bike has outstanding finance, has been written off by an insurance company, or has been reported stolen. It is a small cost compared to the price of the bike, and it can save you from a very expensive mistake.

Physical Inspection

When you go to view the bike, try to see it cold. A warm engine can hide starting problems. Ask the seller not to start it before you arrive. When you turn up, put your hand on the engine to check it is cold. Then ask them to start it. It should fire up without too much fuss. A little choke may be needed on a cold morning, but it should settle quickly and idle smoothly.

Look at the overall condition of the bike. The seller has already said there are slight damages, so expect some marks. But check that the frame is straight, the forks are not bent, and the wheels are not cracked or badly corroded. Look for signs of crash damage beyond the cosmetic: scrapes on the bar ends, levers, footpegs, and exhaust are tell-tale signs of a drop. If the bike has been dropped, it is not necessarily a deal-breaker, but you want to know how hard and whether anything important was damaged.

Check the chain and sprockets. The seller is including a new chain and sprocket kit ready to be installed, which suggests the current ones may be worn. That is not unusual at 33,000 miles. Look at the chain for tight spots, rust, or excessive slack. Check the sprocket teeth for a hooked or shark-fin shape. If they are badly worn, the bike may have been ridden for a while with a neglected chain, which could put extra strain on the gearbox output shaft bearing. The fact new ones are included is a bonus, but you should factor in the labour to fit them if you are not doing it yourself.

Check the brakes. New brake pads are also included, which again suggests the current ones are getting low. Look at the brake discs for deep grooves or a lip on the edge. Squeeze the front brake lever and push the bike forward to feel for any pulsing or grabbing, which can indicate a warped disc. Check the brake fluid level in the reservoirs and note the colour. The seller has recently changed the brake fluid, so it should look clean and light in colour.

Tyres are another consumable. Check the tread depth across the whole width of the tyre, not just the centre. Look for cracks in the sidewalls or signs of age. 125cc tyres are relatively cheap, but if they are worn or perished, you will need to budget for a new set. Also check the date code on the tyre sidewall. Tyres older than five or six years, even with good tread, should be replaced because the rubber hardens and loses grip.

Check the suspension. Push down on the front forks and rear shock. They should compress and rebound smoothly without any knocking or leaking. Look at the fork stanchions for pitting or rust, which can damage the fork seals. A little oil mist on the forks after a ride is normal, but visible oil running down the stanchion means the seals need replacing.

Look under the bike for any oil leaks. A light misting of oil around the engine is common on older bikes, but a drip or a puddle is a concern. Check the oil level through the sight glass or dipstick if accessible. Ask when the oil was last changed. The seller says an oil change has been done recently, which is good, but it is still worth checking the level and condition.

Check all the electrics. The lights, indicators, brake light, horn, and dash should all work. A bike with a recent MOT should have all these in working order, but it is quick to check and can reveal hidden problems like a faulty switch or wiring issue.

Questions to Ask the Seller

Aside from the standard checks, there are a few questions worth asking directly:

• How many previous owners has the bike had? A long list of owners over a short period can be a red flag, though for a learner bike it is fairly common to have several owners as people pass their test and move up.

• Has the bike ever been crashed or dropped? The seller has mentioned slight damages, so it is worth asking for specifics. A low-speed drop in a car park is very different from a high-speed slide.

• What is the service history like? The seller has receipts for the recent work, but what about before that? Has the bike been serviced regularly, or is this the first time it has seen a spanner in years?

• Why are the new parts not fitted? The chain, sprockets, and brake pads are included but not installed. Is there a reason? Perhaps the seller simply ran out of time, or perhaps the bike needs more work than they are letting on. The answer can tell you a lot.

• Are there any outstanding finance payments or loans on the bike? The seller should be able to answer this honestly, and you should still do an HPI check to be sure.

• Does the bike have both keys? A missing spare key is not a disaster, but it is a bargaining point.

Test Ride

If you have the correct licence and insurance, a test ride is the best way to assess a bike. However, many private sellers are reluctant to allow test rides without cash in hand, and that is fair enough. If you cannot test ride, at least ask the seller to ride the bike up and down the road so you can watch and listen. Listen for any knocking, rattling, or excessive exhaust noise. Watch for smoke from the exhaust, which can indicate oil burning. A little condensation on a cold start is normal, but blue smoke is a warning sign.

Final Thoughts

Buying a used 125cc like the Honda CBR 125R is often a sensible and affordable way to get on two wheels. This particular bike has a lot going for it: a recent MOT, recent maintenance, and a box of new parts ready to go. The seller is being honest about the cosmetic condition, which is a good sign. Do your checks, ask the right questions, and you could end up with a reliable and enjoyable little bike.