It all started in 2004 when the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Honda CBR125R, a sports motorcycle meant to fill the gap in the 125cc market left by the discontinued NSR125. The bike was a single-cylinder sports bike that featured the smallest displacement in the CBR series and was similar in looks to its CBR600RR and CBR1000RR siblings.
The models built between 2004 and 2006 resembled the CBR600F4i and instead of a fuel injection system, were fed by a carburetor. In 2005, the Repsol color scheme was added but available only for the CBR125RS5/6 models.
In 2007, the bike received a major revision that included different front fairings to match the looks of the CBR600RR and a blacked-out swingarm and front fork. It also received changes in the engine department that included a PGM-FI fuel injection system, an Idle Air Control Valve (IACV), and a HECS3 oxygen sensor for EURO3 emission standards.
In 2008, Honda released the CBR125R motorcycle that featured all the changes brought by the 2007 model in a lightweight, nimble, and rider-friendly package and was best suited for beginner riders as an entry-level sports bike.
In the performance department, the 2008 Honda CBR125R was powered by a 124cc four-stroke single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine fed by a fuel injection system and delivered an output power of 14 hp with maximum strength at 10,000 rpm and 11 Nm (8 lb-ft) of torque available at 8,250 rpm.