This 125 cruiser from the '90s
loses out a little bit, mainly because it uses the old 1980s Honda CB125cc
twin cylinder motor. If you're short in the leg, or short on cash, then the
Honda CA125 Rebel makes an acceptable used bargain, as the build quality is
a cut above some other 125 cruisers, but Honda's VT125 Shadow is miles
better.
The old four valve, twin
cylinder engine in the Honda CA125 Rebel dates back to the CB125 of the
1980s - the baby Superdream as it was known back then - and just hasn't got
the refinement, or the acceleration of some V-twin powered 125cc cruisers.
The engine gets you there eventually, and is frugal on fuel, but overall the
Honda CA125 Rebel is hard work. Most 125cc cruisers have pretty basic
suspension and frame technology and the Honda CA125 Rebel is no exception.
But apart from a bit of choppiness and a slightly vague feeling at the front
end, it commutes just fine. It just lacks the finesse of more modern
motorcycles.
The Honda CA125 Rebel is a one
person cruiser, the pillion pad is just that - a small pad. There are basic
mirrors, lighting and brakes fitted on the Honda CA125 Rebel. It's got
everything it needs, but extras basically boil down to spoked wheels,
forward foot controls and a grabrail.