Honda NSR125

HONDA NSR 125

The Honda NSR125 is a 2 stroke, 125 cc (lightweight) sport bike produced between 1988-2005. The high revving (red zone of the tachometer begins at 11,000 rpm), 2 stroke, RC-Valve equipped, single cylinder engine produced around 30 bhp (22 kW) at the crank. The name is taken from the NSR 500 GP bike which proved great success on the track.

There were 2 models of the NSR125; the earlier model, the JC20 consisted of the naked NSR125F with a square headlight and its the fully faired sister NSR125R, was produced between 1988-1994. The later "fox eye" model, the JC22, (named due to its front lights resembling that of a fox's eyes) was produced between 1993-2003.

Following the success of the NS125, the NSR125-JC20 was designed and assembled by Honda Italia Industriale S.P.A. in Rome, Italy. Grimeca was contracted to produce the Alcast frame (2-piece, die-cast, bolt together construction), wheels and brake assemblies. The engine was manufactured by Girardoni with Dellorto equipping the carberator. Marzocchi supplied forks and suspension while Pagani provided instrumentation and lighting. The Grimeca rear wheel was 18", front 17" and shod in Pirelli MT-45 tires. The NSR125-JC22 is mostly of Japanese manufacture, with the engine parts and other key elements of the running of the motorbike produced in Japan, it was then assembled in Italy and supplied to its mainly European market. Design changes saw the JC22 receive a steel fuel tank and visual trim resembling the NR750.

Although it is a common mistake to believe the NSR continued production until 2003. This is not the case as they ceased production in 2001 but had leftover stock until 2003/4.