Honda has refreshed its popular entry-level motorcycle, the CB125R, for the global market. The 2026 version arrives with four brand-new, attractive colours while keeping its trusted mechanical setup unchanged. This update makes the bike more stylish without affecting its proven performance and premium hardware.
This article covers everything about the 2026 Honda CB125R Unveiled in New Colours — including design, engine, features, riding experience, and India launch expectations.
New Colour Options for 2026 Honda CB125R
Honda has introduced four new shades that give the motorcycle a fresh identity. These offer a balanced mix of modern, bold, and elegant tones.
New Colours Include:
- Matt Rock Gray
- Matt Lucent Silver Metallic
- Zefiro Blue Metallic
- Matt Pearl Diaspro Red
These shades enhance the neo-sports café appeal of the bike and make it more eye-catching for young riders.
Design and Styling
The design of the CB125R remains one of its biggest strengths. Following the look of its bigger sibling, the CB300R, this 125cc model gets a neo-retro theme with premium finishes.
Design Highlights:
- Retro-style circular LED headlamp
- Sharp fuel tank extensions
- Compact and minimalist tail design
- Muscular tank profile
- High-quality paint and textures
The bike maintains the same bodywork as the outgoing model, which already had a premium and modern appeal.
Engine and Mechanical Setup
Even though Honda refreshed the colours, the mechanical package remains untouched. The engine continues to deliver dependable performance suitable for beginners.
Engine Specifications:
- 125cc single-cylinder
- Liquid-cooled
- Four-valve head
- 15 bhp peak power
- 5-speed gearbox
This 125cc engine is known for being smooth, refined, and efficient. With 15bhp, it is one of the more powerful motorcycles in its class globally.
Premium Hardware and Features
The Honda CB125R stands out because of its high-quality components, which are not often seen in 125cc motorcycles.2026 Honda
Premium Hardware Includes:
- 41mm Showa SFF front forks
- 296mm front disc brake
- Four-piston radial caliper
- IMU-based lean-sensitive ABS
- Lightweight frame
- Wide tyres for better grip
The Showa SFF suspension offers excellent handling and comfort. Meanwhile, lean-sensitive ABS is a rare and advanced feature for a 125cc motorcycle, making the bike safer for new riders.2026 Honda
Weight and Riding Experience
The bike weighs just 130 kg, making it extremely easy to handle in traffic and tight city spaces.
Benefits of Low Weight:
- Improved agility
- Faster city acceleration
- Easy for beginners
- Better fuel economy
- Confidence in cornering
The upright riding posture makes it suitable for everyday commuting as well as short weekend rides.
Will the 2026 Honda CB125R Launch in India?
Despite the excitement around the bike, it is unlikely to come to India. Honda already has successful 125cc models like the Shine 125, SP 125, and CB125 Hornet, which sell in high numbers due to their pricing.
2026 Honda
Reasons It Might Not Come to India:
- High production cost
- Premium components increase pricing
- Indian customers expect affordable 125cc pricing
- Importing or manufacturing locally would make it expensive
- If launched, its price would not match the expectations of the price-sensitive Indian 125cc buyer.
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 2026 |
| Update Type | New colour options |
| Available Colours | Gray, Silver, Blue, Red |
| Engine | 125cc, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 15 bhp |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Suspension | 41mm Showa SFF forks |
| Brakes | 296mm front disc, IMU ABS |
| Weight | 130 kg |
| Design | Neo-sports café |
| India Launch | Unlikely |
The 2026 Honda CB125R Unveiled in New Colours is not just a cosmetic refresh. It is Honda’s strategy to keep the model fresh and competitive in global markets where 125cc motorcycles are considered premium and often used as beginner-friendly machines. In countries like the UK and parts of Europe, the CB125R is very popular because it provides a powerful, stylish, and lightweight option for new riders.
The engine remains unchanged because it already meets the needs of this segment perfectly. With 15bhp, the CB125R offers one of the best power outputs in the 125cc class. The liquid-cooled engine ensures smooth performance, while the four-valve head allows better breathing at higher RPMs.
One of the standout features of this bike is its hardware quality. The Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF) is the kind of front suspension you would expect in 250cc motorcycles. It helps the bike handle corners smoothly and absorb bumps better than traditional forks.
The IMU-based ABS also places the CB125R far ahead of the competition. This system monitors the motorcycle’s lean angles and adjusts braking accordingly. It is especially useful for beginners who may panic brake or misjudge corners. With this feature, the CB125R becomes one of the safest 125cc motorcycles available today.2026 Honda
The riding position strikes a good balance between comfort and control. Riders sit upright with slightly rear-set footpegs, giving both comfort for long rides and stability during sporty riding.2026 Honda
However, the biggest concern for Indian enthusiasts is the lack of launch plans. India’s 125cc segment is dominated by mileage-focused commuters priced under ₹1 lakh. The CB125R, on the other hand, would easily cross the ₹2 lakh mark due to its premium parts and international production costs. This pricing would limit its audience heavily, making it unviable for Honda to launch it here.
Even if the bike never reaches Indian shores, it remains an important model in Honda’s global portfolio. It showcases how premium and advanced a 125cc motorcycle can be when designed for markets that value safety features, build quality, and modern styling over low pricing.
Conclusion
The 2026 Honda CB125R Unveiled in New Colours continues to be a stylish, premium, and lightweight motorcycle with top-tier hardware for its class. While the mechanicals remain unchanged, the introduction of four fresh colours makes the motorcycle more attractive than ever.