Honda CG125
70/100 Overall
70 On the road70 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CG125 vs Kawasaki AR125
Honda CG125 scores 70/100 overall against Kawasaki AR125 on 77/100. On the road: 70–65. As classics: 70–88. Overall result: Kawasaki AR125.
Photo: japan.webike.net · Public domain
Kawasaki AR125
77/100 Overall
65 On the road88 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CG125 | Kawasaki AR125 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 4 | 6 | Kawasaki AR125 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 8 | Kawasaki AR125 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 7 | Kawasaki AR125 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 10 | 7 | Honda CG125 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 10 | 6 | Honda CG125 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 5 | Honda CG125 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 6 | 9 | Kawasaki AR125 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 8 | Honda CG125 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 6 | 9 | Kawasaki AR125 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 7 | 9 | Kawasaki AR125 |
Choose the Honda CG125 if…
you value indestructible simplicity, economy and one of Britain's most familiar training and commuter motorcycles.
Choose the Kawasaki AR125 if…
you want a sporty liquid-cooled 1980s learner bike with lively performance and unmistakable Kawasaki styling.
Background
History
Honda CG125
The Honda CG125 was produced from 1976–1989 and used a 124cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Kawasaki AR125
The Kawasaki AR125 was produced from 1982–1989 and used a 123cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, collector appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CG125
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 124cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance.
Kawasaki AR125
- Its production span in this library runs from 1982 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 123cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, collector appeal, character.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CG125
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CG125. Its library score for reliability is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Kawasaki AR125
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki AR125. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CG125
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Kawasaki AR125
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CG125
Rivals to the Kawasaki AR125
Final result
The verdict
Honda CG125 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Kawasaki AR125 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Kawasaki AR125 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.