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1976–1980 Honda CG125 Valuation Report

Date: November 2025

Historical Overview

The 1976–1980 Honda CG125 is one of the most important learner and commuter motorcycles sold in the UK. Developed from the CB125 but using a simpler 124cc, four-stroke, overhead-valve (OHV) pushrod single, the CG was designed to survive hard use with minimal maintenance. It quickly became a favourite with dispatch riders, commuters and new riders thanks to its toughness, economy and easy handling.

Early UK-market CG125s (often referred to as K1/K2-type models) are now old enough to qualify for historic tax and MOT exemption, which has boosted interest in tidy original examples. Many have led hard lives and were used year-round, so there is a wide spread in condition and originality. Values are driven more by condition, mileage and originality than by small year-to-year changes within the 1976–1980 window.

UK Valuation Summary (1976–1980 Honda CG125)

Condition	Estimated Value (GBP)	Data Source / Notes
Project / Non-Running Complete or mostly complete, often stored for years, may not run, will require full recommissioning.	£400 – £800 (Evidence-based lower band from auction projects)	Later CG125 project machines have sold at UK classic auctions around the few-hundred pound mark on a no-reserve basis, with early examples and slightly better projects typically commanding more. Online “project” bikes are frequently advertised in the £500–£800 range depending on completeness and cosmetics.
Roadworthy / Presentable Commuter Running, usable, MOT’d or MOT-exempt but roadworthy; honest paint with age-related wear.	£1,000 – £1,600 (Typical UK private / dealer asking range)	A 1970s CG125 in usable condition, with original features and reasonable cosmetics, commonly appears in UK adverts around the £1,200–£1,500 mark. These figures, together with auction and dealer data, support a general “good rider” band of roughly one to one-and-a-half thousand pounds for 1970s CGs in tidy condition.
Very Tidy / Collector-Friendly Clean, largely original, straight panels, good chrome, solid history; may be low mileage or carefully restored.	£1,700 – £2,200 (Estimated upper band for early UK CG125s)	Later low-mile CG125s from the 1990s and 2000s can be found advertised well above £2,000 in exceptional cases, which sets a realistic ceiling for the model as a whole in the UK. Early 1970s/1980s machines in very tidy, original condition are increasingly sought after, but confirmed auction hammer prices for 1976–1980 bikes rarely exceed the low £2,000s. This top band is therefore an evidence-based estimate rather than a frequently achieved price.

Value Influencing Factors

Originality: Original paint, correct mudguards, side panels, seat and exhaust are all desirable. Heavily modified or “customised” bikes are generally worth less than honest, original examples.
Mileage and use: Many CG125s were ridden daily in all weathers. Lower indicated mileage backed up by MOT history and condition is attractive, but overall presentation often matters more than the exact odometer reading.
Mechanical condition: A sweet-running OHV engine, tidy carburation, strong brakes and suspension, and recent consumables (tyres, chain, sprockets) help a bike sit at the top of its band.
Rust and cosmetics: Frame, tank and mudguard corrosion can be expensive to rectify. Clean, straight, rust-free examples always stand out.
Documentation: V5C in the current keeper’s name, MOT history (where applicable), old tax discs, invoices and period photos all support stronger prices.
Historic status: Being over 40 years old, 1970s CG125s can qualify for historic vehicle status (tax and MOT exemption), which increases their appeal to classic bike buyers in the UK.

Conclusion

As of November 2025, the 1976–1980 Honda CG125 is firmly established as a usable lightweight classic and a nostalgic first-bike icon in the UK. Rough, non-running or long-stored projects typically fall into the £400–£800 range, depending on completeness and how much work is required. Most honest, running, presentable 1970s CG125s with a current or recent MOT (or clearly roadworthy if MOT-exempt) sit in the £1,000–£1,600 band, reflecting their strong following and practical usability.

Very tidy, largely original examples – especially early UK-supplied bikes with good cosmetics and history – can reasonably justify asking prices in the £1,700–£2,200 region, but confirmed sales above the low £2,000s remain relatively uncommon. As always with popular small Hondas, final value is heavily influenced by originality, cosmetic condition and paperwork rather than year alone within the 1976–1980 window.

Sources & Methodology:
This valuation is based on UK classic motorcycle auction results, dealer and private adverts across several major online platforms, plus known sale prices where available. Value bands are evidence-based estimates as of November 2025; upper figures, particularly for very tidy early bikes, may reflect ambitious asking prices and a relatively small pool of top-condition machines rather than frequent hammer results.

All Valuations

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