Review | Honda CRF125F
This year has been packed with big moments for me as a dad. My oldest moved out to start university life, and my youngest told me she wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle. You can probably guess which story I am sharing. At 13, if they want a real bike, the options narrow quickly, and I did not want that burst of interest to pass. Within days she was booked into an MSF certified off road course, and the right gear was already on the way. The Colton Rider Education Center won her over the second she eased the clutch out cleanly for the first time. The bike she trained on was a Honda CRF125F.
Honda was clever to offer the CRF in two sizes, because kids grow at different speeds. The CRF125F my daughter started on is the smaller setup with a 17 inch front wheel and 14 inch rear. The Big Wheel version steps up to a 19 inch front and 16 inch rear, giving it a more full sized feel. Apart from a seat that sits close to two inches higher and the parts needed to suit the larger rims, the riding experience is largely the same.
For me, the two standout features are the beginner friendly clutch and the dependable engine. A semi automatic bike can be perfect for tiny riders, but at 13 I wanted her learning proper clutch control from day one. The air cooled 125cc single uses a simple SOHC two valve design and adds fuel injection with electric start. It is also tuned for low rpm pull, which helps new riders get moving even when their clutch timing is still inconsistent. Short gearing supports that easy take off feeling as well.
Once it is rolling, the power builds smoothly and never feels intimidating. There is a trade off though. That strong low end does not turn into much extra power up top, so revving it harder eventually adds more noise and vibration than speed. My daughter would have happily stayed in first gear longer if it let her go quicker, but the bike naturally encourages the next lesson, shifting. She has not used the full four speed range yet, but it is nice knowing there is room for her to progress.
The chassis keeps things simple and confidence focused. The steel frame and steering numbers lean toward stability rather than sharp motocross style turning. Up front is a 31mm fork with 5.2 inches of travel, and out back a Pro Link shock with 5.5 inches. From what I have seen, the suspension works well for the speeds a new rider usually rides, smoothing out washboard bumps and small whoops without drama.
I still have not seen the tires leave the ground, unless the bike is lying on its side. My guess is that once a rider is regularly jumping with commitment, it may be time to move up to a more capable dirt bike. That is just my take, but it makes sense as skills and speed increase. The upside is a bike like the CRF often becomes the perfect hand me down for the next new rider.
Brakes are a mix of modern and old school. A two piston caliper clamps a 220mm front disc, while the rear uses a drum. In practice, both ends feel strong enough for someone learning to manage throttle, clutch, shifting, and braking all at once.
And yes, dirt bikes spend a lot of time on the ground. The CRF is listed at 194 pounds wet, and my daughter should be able to lift it, but so far she has ended up stuck under it after every fall and I have had to help. The plastics have picked up a few scuffs, and the steel shifter and brake pedal have needed straightening more than once. Everything has held up well except the clutch lever. I still do not understand why a beginner focused bike does not come standard with hand guards to protect the levers.
When I asked my daughter for her review, she kept it simple. It fits her well and it is easy to ride. Then she added that she wants one permanently. I get it. It is going to be a bummer when we have to give this one back. With the demand boost from recent years, new CRF125Fs can be difficult to find, and used prices can push past the original MSRP. Either way, the hook is set for both of us, and we will track one down. First upgrade will be hand guards, no question.
If your kid shows even a small interest in riding, get them into a proper training class. I have ridden plenty of great bikes in great places, but riding this CRF125F alongside my daughter has been some of the most fun I have ever had on two wheels. Even the car ride chats on the way to and from the track ended up being part of what made it special.
Parts & Accessories
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