Honda’s CB125X Concept Bike One Step Closer to Production?
A patent filing for Honda’s CB125X concept shows it may be on its way soon.
It was just seven months ago when Honda showed off its futuristic-looking CB125X concept bike in its ‘Design Studio’ area at EICMA 2018. The mini-ADV bike featured a tall windscreen, ultra-compact LED headlights, hand guards, wrap-around skid plate, 19”/17” wire-spoke wheels, and a sweet rally-inspired look to match.
When first put on display in Milan, Italy, the CB125X concept seemed like it might only be an exercise in design by Honda’s Rome R&D center. Honda surely took notice though of the resounding positive feedback toward its concept going around the internet. Smaller, lighter ADV Bikes are the trend of late as well.
Now the red marque has gone a step further and recently registered the CB125X design with the European Patent Office, which could indicate this concept may be on its way to becoming a real production bike. Even better, the detailed photos included in the patent filings look almost identical to the concept – a promising sign that the final design may also be a close match.
Moreover, the CB125X is based on an already existing platform, which makes its exit from concept purgatory an easier escape. Specifically, Honda’s concept shares the engine and frame with the ‘overseas only’ CB125R naked bike, featuring a 125cc water-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. Weighing in at 277 pounds wet, the CB125R offers a worthy platform for an entry-level adventure bike.
While most in the online adventure riding community have been happy with the look of the machine, many were not so enthusiastic about its 125cc capacity. Such a small engine would not be ideal for North American highways, yet there may be some potential as fun, affordable, transpo that can get you out on weekend adventures.
Clearly a small powerplant hasn’t stopped Honda’s Grom from being a huge sales success here in the US. A brave few are even willing to take the Honda Grom on serious adventures, so why not a CB125X? Compared to the Grom with its 9 horsepower, 125cc air-cooled engine, 4-speed transmission and 63 mph top speed, the CB125X would offer a better platform. Based on the performance of the CB125R, we can assume something in the range of 13 horsepower and an 80 mph top speed. Larger wheels and ergos would also make it more practical for longer distances than the playbike Grom.
Most likely, the CB125X would be slated for European and Asian markets but you never know when Honda might throw caution to the wind and make it available here in the states. This bike could be Honda’s next planned model in their popular miniMoto lineup, making an appearance at this year’s EICMA in November. As of now, we can’t be sure if the CB125X will ever make it to the production line but at least this patent filing is another step in the right direction. Our wish would be for Honda to turn this into a 300 and deliver it worldwide. But if Honda does not end up building it, we can only hope that they take the look of this concept bike and apply it to another production model. The plane-jane CB500X would be a perfect candidate for a makeover!
Author: Rob Dabney
Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Mexico, Africa, Europe, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.
Related Stories
Related Stories
Honda CB125X: Honda R&D Reveals 125cc Adventure Bike Concept For the fourth successive year, Honda’s booth at EICMA featured futuristic concept machines...
Honda Trail125 Returns For 2023 With Engine Updates And A New Color Honda’s revived Trail125 has been a big success with riders since its launch...
Honda Introduces New CRF300LS Model For Shorter Riders Honda certainly has a proud history of producing small-bore dual sports that are...
Leave a Reply
21 thoughts on “Honda’s CB125X Concept Bike One Step Closer to Production?”
Popular Stories
Honda Trail125 Returns For 2023 With Engine Updates And A New Color
Honda’s revived Trail125 has been a big succe...
Honda’s New XL750 Transalp Is Heading To The US
The new Honda XL750 Transalp first broke cover ba...
Meet Gasoline’s KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Monster Enduro
Powerful and capable, the KTM 1290 Super Adve...
Big Updates Announced For 2024 KTM EXC-F Dual Sport Models
KTM has announced an updated EXC-F range for the ...
Love it! Put the 300 engine in it, it will be an instant hit!
I completely agree. The idea of a small adventure bike is brilliant, but it really needs to be bigger than a 125. 300 would be a great sweet spot.
Yes, it would be fairly easy for Honda to upgrade with the CBR250/300 powerplant.
Come on Honda, you know you want too… 🙂
Um, this is super tempting….I am all about downsizing bikes…. Would it be insane to replace my f800 gs with this?
It would not be insane but better as a second bike. How fun would it be to explore the backcountry on this?!
I’ve recently got my A2 licence here in Europe and bought the 250 cc Suzuki V-Strom. I love it but it is more commuter/tourer than adventure. I am not really interested going over 500cc/35 kw but also fan of downsizing. This concept is optimal as it is: light ,well built for any type of use, futuristic design and can be driven with a B125 licence.
i love the look so much but wish i could have it with more grunt the idea of using the engine from the CB500X (which i own) would be great or hell even the engine from the 450L would also be a nice treat and sexy look.
A larger engine (than 125cc) wouldn’t be needed due to the 6-speed trans and take wheels.
A Grom is already easily modded to go over 70 mph by opening up intake/exhaust and changing the fuel mapping. This thing will probly hit 70 mph by just opening intake and exhaust*if* it doesn’t hit that when stock.
The issue with a 13hp 125cc engine is going to be once you reach higher altitudes (and the power drops) – fortunately the 300cc engine is dimensionally the same bottom end (the CB300R and CB125R share the same frame), so there is no reason why Honda couldn’t make a 125cc for the European learner market, and a 300cc version for rest-of-world.
I see an Africa Twin design iteration. Honda can run this design on a 450 to 800cc engines …21 and 18 inch tires front/back..it would be a winner…
Screw you honda. Make a 450 that looks like it’s ready to do Dakar and doesn’t cost a fortune. This what people want. Not a f#$% mini bike.
if only this were a 450cc bike!
Any idea of the tires on this mock up?
So, Lets drop a 6 speed cr250 2 stroke in it and compete a little with KTM. I’m riding my 2001 cr 250 on the road legally in California!
Looks excellent, but with the new line of flexible motors I think 5 gears is more than enough.
i think about 200 cc engine it will be sweet
Bonita máquina. Enche-me praticamente todas as medidas. Muito elegante
This would be a great 300 or even better 450cc bike at 300lbs and 6k service intervals. I’d buy one.
Pingback: 7 Adventure Bike Concepts We Can't Wait To Get Here | | Canada Electric Bike
awesome bike Honda please bring it to the US. This may be one of the only internal combustion engines we can buy especially if the leftists get into power here. We will all be riding battery powered scooters
That would be great on the back of my Motorhome. Sigh me up!