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Honda NSR 125R

Make Model	Honda NSR 125R-R
Year	1999
Engine	Two stroke, single cylinder, Reed valve induction
Capacity	124.8 cc / 7.6 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	54 x 54.5 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	7.0:1
Induction	28mm Dell'Orto
Ignition	Capacitor discharge electronic ignition
Starting	Electric & Kick
Max Power	12 hp / 9 kW @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	15 Nm / 11 kb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Clutch	Multi-disc oil bath
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	35mm Showa Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension	Pro-link rising rate adjustable preload
Front Brakes	Single 316mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 220mm disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	100/80-17
Rear Tyre	130/70-17
Dry Weight	127 kg / 280 lbs
Fuel Capacity	13 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Road Test	Motosprint 1993

The problem with the Honda NSR125R, and all other two-stroke 125cc motorcycles out there, is that the newer, four-stroke, Honda CBR125R has come along and made them look expensive and unreliable. The Honda NSR125R itself isn’t a bad motorcycle, but it’s way too dear and way too hard to de-restrict. Honda NR750 superbike styling looks great.

Unless you’re well under the age of 25 or have the pain threshold of an elephant in labour the Honda NSR125R is supremely uncomfortable after about 30 minutes. The handling is very good and the package gels better the faster you go. The lock is poor and feet-up U-turns on the Honda NSR125R are a no-no on most roads. The brakes work well, though they require regular attention if they’re not to go off quickly.

As stock the Honda NSR125R makes a learner-legal 11.3bhp. But as the UK limit is 14.7bhp, this means the Honda NSR125R makes only 77 per cent of the power it could. If it’s your first motorcycle then it’ll feel fast…for about a month. De-restricting it requires drilling out some welds in the exhaust and chucking away the intake restrictor. Now you can hit over 100mph, do 0-60 in just six seconds and expect a much shorter engine life.

Largely the Honda NSR125R is a survivor. Keep it topped up with quality two-stroke oil and your chances of seizing the motorcycle are greatly reduced. The Honda quality shines through, though a succession of owners learning their craft on a Honda NSR125R means that you should pay careful attention to hidden crash damage (beware stickers!).