For the longest time I have been tempted to buy a motorcycle. I never got around to it. In recent years bikes always seemed to be just too big and scary. The smaller bikes I lusted after when I was a kid were not being sold. 

My wife and I went to the Toronto car show a few weeks ago. There were 25 bikes on display in one corner of the show floor. Big brutes again. I could only lift one of them– a 750 CC Yamaha.  One caught my eye. A 125cc Honda used by training schools, but not for sell to the general public. How come you can’t buy one? Don’t these guys want customers? Seems my thought had some resonance. 

Motorcycle sales have been flat. Boomers buy most of the big beasts. Kids aren’t. Honda research discovered that each year 30K people get their licenses but only 9K actually purchase bikes. Why? I’m not alone in thinking entry level bikes are too big and scary fast and cost a fortune to buy and insure.  

Honda is getting the message. This spring, Canadian riders who have completed their initial MI license can participate in Honda’s New Rider Program.  Hot CBR125Rs will be offered with a full three year warrantee, driver jacket, boots and gloves for $149 per month in a 36 month financing plan.  The warrantee can also follow the owner to a bigger bike.

The CBR125R is really cool looking and looks like a racing bike. It has fuel injection and a catalytic converter to meet Euro 3 Emission standards. Clutch and throttle are silky smooth. Riding position is comfortable. Mileage is amazing. Bloggers in Europe love theses bikes:

Honda CBR 125cc.........
6 Oct 2006 by chung 
The thrilling CBR125R gives you sleek and sinewy Supersport styling for both the look and feel of swift, light-handling performance that never fails to excite. Your spirits begin to rise the instant you settle into its seat, ...
Bike - http://chung-bike.blogspot.com

A detailed review can be found at: 
http://www.motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/honda_cb125r.html

And maybe, if my wife lets, I just might pick one up!