Honda CG-125 > Reviews > SIMPLY the best?!?!?

Author's product rating:   

Comfort	Poor
Handling	Very poor
Looks	Satisfactory
Features	Very poor
Fuel consumption	Excellent

Advantages:	Cheap to run, Simplicity, Popularity
Disadvantages:	Flimsy, Over - rated

Recommend to potential buyers:

no

Full review

The Honda CG125 is probably the first bike that comes to mind when you think of a learner legal, CBT ready cheap bike to get yourself started... The question is, is it the best bike for your pocket money?
In 2002 I found myself in the ownership of a 'X' reg Year 2000 Honda CG 125.

When I realised that 125cc's is what i desired, and the thought of rebuilds turned me away from two strokes, the CG came in to mind and I picked it up in good condition for £895.00 and with a mere 8000miles on the clock.

My first impressions of the bike weren't good, not because of the significant drop in power but it just felt like it was going to disapear off in differant directions at any given moment, the gearbox didn't have any response, it was like stiring custard trying to find a gear, the front drum brake was apalling and the fact that a two year old bike had a kick-start was pathetic for the money. Still I stuck with it, hoping to find a saving grace.
2 months later and still disapointed I rode a slighty newer version, and it was the same.

This bad review is not down to the bike itself, for the money it was okay, and it got me from A to B, the only trouble I had was a battery needing replacing. But the bike just isn't the best out there.

Whilst owning the CG I rode a Suzuki GS125e, it was on an 'S' reg (1998) and had done 35,000 miles!!! Which is good for a four stroke single, the owner assured me that it was still running as it was out of the factory, no major engine work, just looked after and serviced regularly. It was a pleasure to ride, the gearbox was possitive, the front disk brought the bike and my 12 stone of excess luggage to a simple stop, it had electric start, returned 85mpg on a good day, had a smart bikini fairing, gear indicator, simple and possitive switchgear all for £495.00, which seems an average price for them.

In summary, the Honda CG125 of the age that I rode, will do the job, return 75mpg, and won't break the bank, but you won't enjoy it. Do yourself a favour, save yourself a few hard earned quid, and get a better bike.