Honda CBF Stunner 125cc

The 125cc is the new 100cc in the Indian motorcycle market. In this cutthroat segment, manufacturers are fighting their major fight for market share.
Honda is giving the market leaders a run for their money with its 125cc Shine, which is constantly selling respectable numbers. Now Honda has added a second 125cc to its family.

It’s an intelligent move. The 125cc segment is basically all about value and economy. Yet there is a section of people within this segment who are willing to pay little extra for that X-factor without giving up on value and economy, so Honda now gives us the 125cc CBF Stunner.
 
The CBF is big for a 125, with a gorgeous shape and racy lines. The six-spoke alloy rims and front mudguard design give it a feisty appearance. Its good-looking integrated tank cowl and big fuel tank lend it a beefy posture. This bike’s textured instrument cluster looks elegant. The huge, attractive speedometer is flanked by a trip-counter and fuel gauge apart from the normal warning icons. A manual choke puller sits underneath the instruments, as does a stylish handlebar mount. The handlebar, clutch and brake levers are black powder-coated to complete the look.

The latest Honda comes with ample switchgear including a passlight flasher and push-to-cancel indicators. While the switches work with wonderful affirmative clicks, the grips feel good, and so does the sporty-looking stepped seat. There’s a tiny lockable storage bay under its rear seat. The Stunner’s crankcase detailing, alloy footrest mount area and loud yellow rear shock absorber springs.  So, in the looks department this Honda is without doubt a stunner. The Stunner’s geometry also adds to its appeal. It uses a usual diamond-type frame, with telescopic front suspension and three-way adjustable twin hydraulic units at the rear. Honda has unfortunately decided not to provide the CBF with a monoshock. Its rectangular section swingarm is however a welcome touch.

  The engine of the new Honda is a considerably changed version of the air-cooled and four-stroke, 124.7cc engine it shares with the Shine. The single-cylinder motor has usual tweaks to offer a better experience and performance. A lengthy intake and CV-type carburetor give a nice blend to the combustion chamber. The Honda engineers have also provided aggressively shaped cam lobes within its head. The CBF engine provides 11bhp at 8000rpm at the crankshaft and twists out maximum torque of 1.1kgm at 6500rpm.

 The CBF Stunner’s five-speed gearbox shifts with just the ideal feel and weight, and its light clutch feels just right too. Throttle answer is instant and contentedly light. It’s as vibration-free and sophisticated as any contemporary Honda and pulls keenly from low down in its power band. The CBF brings a smile to the face with a rev-hungry nature that was evidently not on the Shine. The Stunner is a enjoyable bike to drive thanks to closer packed ratios.

 The Stunner’s ergonomics have been changed for a more exciting ride. The footrests on the CBF are situated further in the rear, while its handlebar now is a bit lower. The tank knee recesses are rightly shaped. Its somewhat sporty weight- forward stance doesn’t feel too belligerent but still makes for a exhilarating ride. The CBF uses tubeless tyres made by TVS for both front and rear. It also gets an improvement to a wider 100/90 section rear tyre. And smaller 17-inch rims make this light, accurate steering bike fun through corners. Steadiness is great as is an ability to stick planted to the straight line when you press that able and strong 240mm front disc brake hard.

Honda has added a few mileage enhancing features such as extra bearings on the valve train and a multi-mode CDI. The company claims a mileage of 60kpl which we have yet to test and confirm for you.

The new Honda CBF Stunner is a truly a stunner. This invigorating Honda is the ideal bike for young enthusiasts. It comes with a adequate quality and enough feel-good bits to have kept us smiling all the way through. The five-speed gearbox helps make the CBF a really entertaining bike to ride, with spot-on ergonomics and neat handling all coming together to do a sparkling job.