First Honda 125 to use the new lightweight side cam-chain drive engine, the replacement for the C92 type unit. Launched in Japan in 1966 as a fairly soft commuter with 12.5PS @ 10,000 rpm, this was to be the for runner of the CB125SS,The SS125 and the 125 K series sports bikes. This was a handsome machine , and quite rare outside of Japan. In 1969 an ‘improved’ single seat model with heavy duty luggage rack was introduced, still with the ‘sloper’ engine and electric start, for Home market models.
In 1971 cam the third incarnation of the commuting 125 twin, this time with the upright engine, still with the same closely spaced cylinders and side driven cam chain.
The wheel diameter now being increased from 16” to 17”, made the bike a little larger, the CD125 finally bowing out with the 1973 model, with the only real change being the dropping of the oh so ‘Sixties’ tank side chrome panels. All of these work a day 125 twins are charming and coveted by collectors, that single carburettor and four speed box being one of the charms of this lower powered but oh so smooth twin cylinder unit.
