If you’ve been keeping an eye on Honda’s global lineup, you already know they’ve been busy refreshing several models with subtle yet striking visual upgrades. And this time, the spotlight shines on the Honda CB125R—their entry-level neo-sports café machine that often surprises riders with its premium feel. The 2026 update doesn’t touch the engine or hardware, but it definitely spices things up with fresh colors and a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.
Let’s dive into everything new (and familiar) about the MY26 Honda CB125R and why it continues to be one of the most charming lightweight motorcycles in Honda’s global portfolio.
A Quick Look Back: The Identity of the CB125R
Before talking updates, it’s worth remembering where the CB125R stands in Honda’s lineup. Despite being an entry-level model, it carries the same neo-retro styling DNA as its bigger siblings—the CB300R and even the CB650R. Riders often describe it as a “mini CB300R,” and honestly, that’s not far off. From the sculpted fuel tank to the sharp LED headlamp, it has always punched above its weight in design.
Fresh Aesthetic Lift for MY26
New Color Options for 2026
The biggest highlight of the 2026 update is the addition of four completely new shades. Honda has clearly focused on making the baby CB look more premium, more aggressive, and more youthful.
The new color palette includes:
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Matt Rock Gray
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Matt Lucent Silver Metallic
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Zefiro Blue Metallic
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Matt Pearl Diaspro Red
These aren’t just new stickers or slight tone tweaks—they give the bike a noticeably refreshed presence. Think of it as the same stylish character, but now dressed for a more modern audience.
Design Similarities With the CB300R
If you’ve ever seen the CB300R, especially when it was available in India, the resemblance is unmistakable. The CB125R shares:
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The compact neo-sports stance
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Chunky USD forks
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Minimalistic tail section
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Bold tank shrouds
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LED lighting that gives it a distinct premium aura
For a 125cc motorcycle, the CB125R has always looked way more muscular than you’d expect—a big reason young riders in Europe love it.
Hardware: Premium Components Stay Intact
High-Quality Front Suspension
Honda hasn’t made mechanical changes for 2026, which actually isn’t a bad thing considering what the bike already offers. At the front, it continues to use:
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41 mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
These are the same forks found on much more powerful motorcycles, giving the CB125R excellent road feedback and stability. For a beginner-friendly bike, this is superb.
Rear Suspension Setup
At the rear, the CB125R continues with a:
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Non-adjustable monoshock
While it would’ve been nice to see more adjustability, the current setup is well-balanced for city riding and occasional spirited fun.
Braking Setup: Built for Confidence
Braking performance has always been a strong point for this motorcycle. The MY26 version continues with:
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296 mm hubless floating front disc
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Radial-mount Nissin four-piston caliper
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220 mm rear disc with single-piston caliper
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Dual-channel ABS as standard
This combination gives the bike precise stopping power—something especially useful for new riders.
Tech Features: Modern and Rider-Friendly
Just because it’s a 125cc motorcycle doesn’t mean Honda skimps on features. The MY26 CB125R continues to offer:
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Full LED lighting
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Five-inch TFT display
The TFT unit is crisp, minimalistic, and easy to read, adding to the motorcycle’s premium appeal. Many entry-level bikes in this segment use simpler LCD units, so this is a welcome highlight.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
Comfort and practicality remain top-notch. The CB125R’s dimensions include:
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Wheelbase: 1345 mm
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Ground clearance: 140 mm
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Seat height: 816 mm
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Kerb weight: 130 kg
Even though the seat height sounds moderately tall, the bike’s narrow profile makes it accessible for most riders. And at 130 kg, it stays maneuverable and beginner-friendly.
Engine Performance: Smooth and Euro5+ Compliant
Powering the CB125R is a:
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Liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine
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Introduced during a major 2021 upgrade
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Further refined in 2024 to meet Euro5+ norms
The power output remains:
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14.7 bhp @ 10,000 rpm
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11 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
These numbers may not jump off the page, but thanks to smart tuning, the CB125R feels lively in city riding—perfect for learners and daily commuters.
Broader CB Lineup Receives Updates Too
Honda hasn’t limited the MY26 refresh to just the CB125R. In fact, since October, the company has rolled out color and equipment updates for several models in the CB family, including:
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CB650R
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CB500 Hornet
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CB750 Hornet
Plus, Honda’s innovative E-Clutch technology is making its way into many new models, giving riders the option to start and stop without traditional clutch input. Though the CB125R doesn’t get this tech, it shows Honda’s direction for future models.
Availability in India: Will We Ever See It?
Sadly, the Honda CB125R is still not sold in India. However, Indian riders do get a wide range of CB motorcycles, such as:
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CB125 Hornet
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CB300F
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CB350 / CB350 Highness
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CB350RS
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CB350C
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CB650R
Interestingly, the CB300R—which visually resembles the CB125R—was recently dropped from the Indian lineup.
It remains unclear whether Honda plans to introduce this stylish 125cc motorcycle in the Indian market, but considering the rising popularity of premium small-capacity bikes, it could be a smart move someday.
Read More: Yamaha R15 V5: The Ultimate 2026 Sports Bike
Conclusion
The 2026 Honda CB125R may not pack mechanical upgrades, but its stunning new paint schemes and already premium components make it an attractive package in the global 125cc segment. With a refined engine, top-tier suspension, strong brakes, and sharp neo-sports styling, it continues to stand out as a high-quality entry-level motorcycle. While Indian riders may not get to enjoy it just yet, the global updates signal Honda’s ongoing commitment to keeping even their smallest CB models fresh and desirable.
If you’re in a market where the CB125R is available, the MY26 variant is definitely worth checking out. Sometimes, all a great motorcycle needs is a fresh coat of paint to feel brand new again!
