Honda MSX 125

The MSX125 carries on Honda’s long tradition of creating fun, appealing small-wheeled leisure motorcycles, which started with the original Monkey bike of 1963, and continued with the Dax and the Ape.

Since its release in 2013, the MSX125 has earned worldwide popularity, with over 300,000 units sold to date. Its exceptionally fuel efficient air-cooled 125cc engine, quirky looks and nimble handling have attracted A1 licence-holders, economy-conscious city commuters, camping vehicle owners and other recreational riders alike. It has also gained popularity as the perfect paddock bike for race teams.

Now for 2016, a redesign gives the MSX125 a sharper new attitude with more of a ‘mini-streetfighter’ feel. The new fuel tank and side panels integrate cleanly to give an edgier outlook; up front a unique, new stacked LED headlight gives the MSX a distinctive, ultra-modern face. The compact, upswept tail unit (with LED taillight), higher pillion seat and short, under-slung exhaust complete the bolder new look.

Easy to use, fun and functional, the original leisure motorcycle was defined by Honda in 1963 with the iconic, small-wheeled Monkey bike and carried on – redefined for each respective generation – with the Dax and Ape. And it’s a formula that still has resonance for a completely new breed of young riders; known as ‘Generation Y’ in the USA, ‘Dek Neaw’ in Thailand and ‘Street-Kei’ in Japan, many of today’s teenagers, having grown up in the borderless, internet age share a culture, fashion and spirit that defies convention.

Instinctively drawn to motorcycling, they need their first two-wheeled transport to be exciting but not unduly challenging, and want it to pack a design that makes them smile. They also have a desire to turn heads and be more than just a little bit different. Plus, given the usual financial pressures of starting out in life, all of this needs to be achieved as economically as possible.

For Honda the early acquisition and introduction to the quality and values of the brand is important – the youthful buyer of a small capacity leisure bike today could very likely be back for something much bigger tomorrow, and lifelong brand loyalty can often result.

New look for 2016: Compact, easy to ride and practical thanks to full-sized motorcycle parts, the MSX125 was an instant worldwide success in 2013. It is designed for young riders, featuring an economical low-friction engine, four-speed gearbox plus an attitude and style like no other. For 2016, new, more angular design lines, unique stacked LED headlight and a compact, under-slung exhaust combine to give the MSX125 a sharper, new ‘mini streetfighter’ look that fully retains the charm of the original, but with added attitude!

Manufactured in Thailand the MSX125 is small enough to be supremely manageable yet also has a fully-fledged feel thanks to some standard sized motorcycle parts. It is part mini-bike, part motorcycle with involving performance matched to confident handling and styling that combines a sense of fun with a tough, urban edge. For 2016, a thorough-going redesign gives the MSX125 an even sharper new attitude with more of a ‘mini-streetfighter’ feel from its new design lines, compact underslung exhaust and new stacked LED headlight.

The MSX125’s well-proven and efficient 125cc fuel-injected engine provides smooth torque and power delivery, and also features a motorcycle-style four-speed gearbox and clutch. Complementing the powerplant is a compact chassis that features a sturdy steel frame, inverted front fork, monoshock rear suspension, hydraulic disc brakes front and rear and lightweight 12-inch wheels sporting wide, low profile tires.

Four patents were applied for through the original development of the MSX125, focused around the split structure tank cover and frame, proof of just how seriously this bike is taken by Honda. Small it may be, but it in terms of worldwide sales, brand awareness and owner satisfaction, its impact has been large.

Priorities for the MSX125’s chassis were threefold: it needed to provide the base for a practical bike that new riders could use – and park – with ease in an urban environment. But it also needed to be just as useable and enjoyable out of town, and also readily accept a pillion.

The comprehensive redesign for 2016 gives the MSX125 a sharper new attitude with more of a ‘mini-streetfighter’ feel. The new fuel tank and side panels integrate cleanly to give an edgier outlook; up front a unique, new stacked LED headlight gives the MSX125 a distinctive, ultra-modern face. The compact, upswept tail unit (with LED taillight), higher pillion seat and short, under-slung exhaust complete the bolder new look.

A steel mono-backbone frame has been employed. Its rigid, square-section tube joins the headstock directly to the swingarm pivot plates and every other part in effect hangs visibly from the frame, greatly contributing to the MSX125’s minimalist look. Specifically tuned vertical/horizontal rigidity and flex in the swingarm pivot and engine hanger plates provides the perfect balance of comfort and confidence.

The new frame structure has also enabled efficient storage of PGM-FI-related components and electrical parts inside the tank cover without reducing fuel capacity (5.5 litres). Wheelbase is a snug 1200mm, with rake and trail of 25⁰ and 81mm and curb weight of 101.7 kg / 224 lbs. The MSX125 has a low 765 mm / 30.1 inch seat height making it very manageable; its size also ensures that motor home owners are sure to find it easy to load/unload, transport and use.

Another aim for the MSX125 was to provide ‘beyond class’ suspension quality. The 31mm USD fork – a first for Honda on a 125cc motorcycle – reduces unsprung weight and thanks to the pistons’ greater pressure-bearing area (compared to a standard telescopic fork) offers improved damping feel throughout the stroke. The top and bottom yokes are full-sized, further enhancing handling and rider feel while a lightweight and robust single rear shock operates a simple and tough H-shape, 50mm x 25mm steel box section swingarm.

Fundamental to the MSX125’s form and function are its 12-inch cast aluminium wheels, which feature wide 2.5-inch rims. New ‘Y’ shaped spokes not only look great they also save weight and the front 120/70-12 and 130/70-12 rear tires also inject a different dynamic, both in terms of looks and performance. Hydraulic dual piston front and single piston rear brake calipers work front 220mm and rear 190mm discs.

Easy to read for its compact size the LCD digital dash delivers all the information the rider needs – speedometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge and clock. Resetting the trip meters and clock, or alternation between odometer and trip meter is via switches either side of the display.

Suiting its individuality (and that of its owners) the MSX125 is available in four paint options:

The MSX125’s 125cc two-valve air-cooled engine is based on one of Honda’s most well-proven power units; known for its fuel efficiency, ease of use and longevity. Further development of the engine for the MSX125 has resulted in improved fuel economy; the engine uses low-friction technology such as an offset cylinder and a roller-rocker arm for the valve gear. Reducing crank inertia has also resulted in improved throttle feel and a smooth power delivery.

Imparting a motorcycle feel to the MSX125, the four-speed gearbox is managed via manual clutch and offers smooth and consistent gear changes. The 15T gearbox sprocket, 34T final drive sprocket and 12-inch wheels deliver lively around-town response plus the ability to travel slowly in a high gear – perfect for threading easily through tight traffic.

Sophisticated PGM-FI guarantees highly efficient combustion, and works in conjunction with both air intake and exhaust to deliver an involving experience at the throttle. The air intake connecting tube and funnel is divided in two, allowing its length to be optimized for consistent torque delivery at low and mid rpm. A large, 3-litre airbox and panel-type, wet paper filter provide reliable and quiet airflow; the filter itself has a life of 16,000km. A new, short, under-slung exhaust pipe is fitted for the 2016 model.

All in all the MSX125’s engine packs a perfect blend of punchy roll-on performance with useful, accessible and fun all-round ability. The effort put into reducing internal friction and increasing intake and exhaust efficiency has also produced a highly economical unit.