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-9410446. The seller acquired it one year ago from a local private party.
During his ownership, the seller has covered less than a mile. There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
“I bought it to race ARHMA, but I had to have major shoulder surgery (3) a few months after I purchased the bike. It sat for a bit and once my shoulder was strong enough, I serviced the bike and decided my body can’t handle any kind of moto race related crashes any more. I am truly sad about selling this little bike. I have always wanted a true HRC race bike, but my body and surgeon say please don’t. I would really like it to go back out on the track where it belongs. I know the next owner will enjoy this bike once up to speed and creating memories.”
Maintenance:
“Sonic bathed the radiator.
Coolant flush.
Crank oil refresh.
Fuel lines replaced.
Rebuilt rear caliper.
Frame repolish.
Detailed cleaning.
Re-rivet exhaust tip.
New fuel tank vent line.
Reset grips w/safety wire.
Safety wired most of the bike.
Added support foam to tach.”
Mechanical Issues:
“No mechanical issues that I can tell. I have only ridden the bike to start it and run a few hundred feet. Brakes work well, bike really needs some flat out riding.”
Modifications:
Shark Skinz race bodywork freshly painted.
Tyga front master reservoir.
Tyga removable seat.
New SS braided rear brake line.
Hjelm rearsets.
Japanese kitty sticker (NAPS).
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Moto3 slicks with date codes of 0522 and 0722.
The sale includes several spare parts – here’s a list from the seller:
– clutch/throttle cables
– carburetor
– ECU + wiring
– head
– tach
– HRC reed valve system
– gaskets- cases, exhaust
– spark plugs
– coil pack
– clutch springs
– flywheel
– assortment of bearings
– bodywork supports
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Tipped over in the garage, light damage to the lower right panel.
Previous owner fell on the right so both the throttle bar and front brake lever are rashed.
Rear swing arm is scratched from rear stand.
Light scratches on each wheel.
Some frame etching from use.”
Currently located in Morro Bay, 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!
