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Honda CB125T
74/100 Overall
68 On the road80 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB125T vs Yamaha RD125DX
Honda CB125T scores 74/100 overall against Yamaha RD125DX on 77/100. On the road: 68–63. As classics: 80–90. Overall result: Yamaha RD125DX.
Yamaha RD125DX
77/100 Overall
63 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB125T | Yamaha RD125DX | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB125T |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB125T |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 5 | Honda CB125T |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD125DX |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD125DX |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD125DX |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD125DX |
Choose the Honda CB125T if…
you want a sophisticated small Honda twin with eager revs, useful road manners and strong learner-bike nostalgia.
Choose the Yamaha RD125DX if…
you want a proper twin-cylinder learner motorcycle with disc-brake styling, a crisp exhaust note and strong 1970s nostalgia.
Background
History
Honda CB125T
The Honda CB125T was produced from 1977–1988 and used a 124cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, reliability, ownership appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha RD125DX
The Yamaha RD125DX was produced from 1975–1982 and used a 124cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB125T
- Its production span in this library runs from 1977 to 1988.
- The recorded engine description is: 124cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, ownership appeal.
Yamaha RD125DX
- Its production span in this library runs from 1975 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 124cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB125T
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB125T. Its library score for styling is 8/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Yamaha RD125DX
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD125DX. 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 CB125T
- 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.
Yamaha RD125DX
- 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 CB125T
Rivals to the Yamaha RD125DX
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB125T wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Yamaha RD125DX wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha RD125DX takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.