A Stunner from Honda

Honda CBF Stunner (pre-release review)

The Honda CBF stunner was introduced in the 9th auto expo in January 08. Its primarily a premium 125cc bike. Also in the Honda stands was another 125cc bike based on the stunner - a track version. Honda introduced these bikes as a concept but due to the overwhelming response, its now a reality. The bike is expected to be launched around July-august ‘08. The bike is expected to be called the CBF125.

Design:
For a 125cc bike this is bike is “simply fabulous” any day. It’s got sharp look of bigger bikes of higher capacity. The big bike feel owes its credit to the cool Karizmaish front faring. The Honda CBF 125 abroad sports a full faring, but to keep the costs reasonable the company has decided to impose a quarter faring. It also sports a cut stepped seat which would be a first in the segment. Foot pegs are placed adequately at the rear for a comfortable but sporty stance.

Engine & Transmission:
The engine is a 125cc single mill giving a power output of 11-12bhp which is up there with the best. Engine is expected to be a typical Honda combining refinement, reliability and smoothness.
The bike sports a 6-speed transmission which some might think is a overkill but a properly tuned 6-speed is a bikers dream and a commuters boon. If properly driven, this bike can give awesome fuel efficiency, power and top speed.

Ride & Handling:
The Handling of this bike is expected to rule over the corners but the bike as it seems might not be as agile as the competition especially in traffic. Honda has again disappointed us by depriving us with mono-shocks.
Price & Competition:
The bike is expected to be priced and positioned a bit higher than the regular 125cc category.

The CBF 125 is expected to go against the new gladiator twins. You can also check out other bikes in the segment such as Discover 135 and Glamour FI.

Info on the Track version of the Stunner(concept):

• The track version sports,
• Lower profile tyres.
• High performance shocks at the rear end.
• Aerodynamic engine crowl.
• Carbon fibre bodywork.
• Under seat exaust.
• ventilated rear disk at the rear and massive brembo twincapilar petal disk at the         front end.
• Cool-looking light-weight alloys.

Our Take:
Go for the CBF 125 if you want a big bike feel with low running costs and loads of fun.

That the CBF has the metal to beat existing bikes which rule the segment or maybe even in higher segment is something we need to wait and watch.