Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
There are very few bikes that get riders riled up like Honda’s RS125R. If you’re just looking at displacement, you might struggle to understand why that is. But the many fans of the little racebike tell a story of momentum, agility, and absurd levels of excitement. Want to really learn how to ride on a track? Start with the little GP bike that could.
The RS125R was the last factory Honda to compete in the 125 GP class, and from the beginning it was an excellent privateer race bike straight off the dealership floor. They were offered for over a decade and were the launching point for most of your favorite modern racing heroes.
MSRP was $13,000, though racers at the highest levels would spend another 13 grand in mods by the time they were hitting the track. Wet weight is around 160 pounds and some riders were getting 45 horsepower out of the little two-stroke motor. Here’s a tale from Emma Franklin, Production Editor at MCN, who shares why she loves her ’98 RS125 so much:
“All these factors combine to make a riding experience that’s just simply out of this world. Full throttle, sixth gear, tucked in, shut off slightly then barrel in; the RS’s lack of mass makes for corner entry and mid-corner velocities that are simply unthinkable on bigger bikes…It doesn’t matter where I’m riding it or for what reason, whether it’s testing, racing or just a trackday, it leaves me trembling for hours afterwards. I’ve been lucky enough to ride a lot of bikes, but nothing, nothing, compares to this.”
This example is VIN: RS125RF. The seller purchased this example 6 years ago from a private party in Southern California.
As this is a race bike, the true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller states “The Engine had a full rebuild done ($2300). Since the rebuild the bike was ridded 1 day at a kart track for a break in.”
Modifications:
This example has been engine-swapped with a Honda CR85 engine, which the seller states has been rebuilt by De Costa Racing. Per the seller: “The engine is good for approximately 20 horsepower. This motorcycle is right at home at your local kart track, and is often the gateway training tool for professional racers.”
Inside of the tank:
Please note: There is race foam inside the aluminum tank to prevent gas from sloshing.
It is riding on race slicks with date codes of 1816 and 1817. It is recommended to change the tires before riding this motorcycle.
We’ve included a few photos that the seller submitted of them riding this RS125 at a local kart track here in SoCal!
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Van Nuys, California, this Honda is offered on a bill of sale only.
Have any RS125R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
