Honda NSR125R JC20

The NSR 125-R type JC20 , was Honda's response to the ever increasingly popular 125 class and increased completion not only from its fellow Japanese rivals but more so from the Italian brands like Aprilia with its AF1 series, Cagiva's Freccia and Mito, and Gilera with its SP models. Customers were no longer interested in small, budget bikes but desired real motorcycles with big bike features that just so happened to be 125cc. It is characterised by its full fairing and was offered alongside the NSR-F with which it shares the chassis and engine.

The R featured a unique warning light bridge that extended from the fuel tank, over the top yoke where it met the bodywork under the clocks. The ignition was relocated to a special panel inside the right side of the clocks.

Warning lights with the ignition obscured by the front brake cylinder

The R was an immediate success in sales and on the track where it took over from the F which, despite the absence of the fairing, achieved good success in the '88 edition of the Sport Production championship.

Followed on the track directly by the Honda Italia Racing service , the new R conquered the top positions in the rankings on many occasions and in 1989 it won the title in the over 21 category .

The NSR125R follows the same multi-spoke wheel and fender updates as the F model and in 1991 and 1992 two special versions dedicated to the Sport Production championship were also put on sale and could be purchased freely with or without a driver's license.

The NSR125R remained in production until the very early months of 1993 , when it was replaced by the new NSR-R JC22 .

Motor Single cylinder, 2 stroke, liquid cooled
Displacement 124.8cc
Bore x Stroke 54 x 54.5 mm
Maximum Power 21.3 kW
Clutch Multi-disc in oil bath
Start-up Electric
Chassis Die-cast aluminum alloy
Front suspension Telescopic hydraulic fork
Rear suspension Swingarm with hydraulic monoshock
Front brake Hydraulic disc
Rear brake Swingarm with hydraulic monoshock
Weight (dry) 132 kg.

Pre-production drawings of paintwork studies

NSR125 RK 1989

Red/ White/ Blue

Red/ White

White/Blue/ Aqua/ Pink

NSR125 RL 1990

New Grimeca six spoke wheels and a front mudguard with a thinner profile

Red/ White/ Blue, 'HRC' style

White/ Blue/ Red/ Aqua

NSR125 RM 1991

Black, Purple, Aqua, Pink

NSR125 RN 1992

Red/ White/ Blue, 

Black/ Bronze

NSR125 R3M SP91

Produced in 1991, the NSR 125 R3M, or SP91, is a special version designed to race in the Sport Production '91 championship, where Honda had achieved great success in previous editions. Featuring updated suspension, centre stand delete. New cylinder, piston, compression ratio, ignition, gearbox, Arrow exhaust kick start only

SP91

NSR125 R3N SP92

SP92

Honda NSR125 F JC20

Making its debut in 87 (on sale 88) the first generation of the NSR125F was a step forward over the proceeding NS model and series and again like the NS it assembled in Rome, Italy, by Honda Italia Industriale.

The all new NSR125 JC20 featured a unique 'Allcast' aluminium frame by Grimeca made in two halves and then bolted together, a new single cylinder two-stroke engine with the RC-valve power valve system and electric start, producing an extremely healthy 31hp. Suspension was by Marzocchi and new cast alloy wheels again by Grimeca.  

The NSR125 JC20 remained largely unchanged during its production run, with only minor updates coming in 1990 with multi spoke wheels and colour changes. In 1992, it was replaced by the NSR 125 F Raiden  model, which featured a new frame design derived from the Japan only CBR400 NC29.   

Technical Specs

Motor: Single cylinder, 2 stroke, liquid cooled with RC valve 
Bore x stroke: 54 x 54.5 mm
Displacement: 124.8cc
Maximum Power: 31hp / 21.3 kW @10500rpm
Clutch: Multi-disc in oil bath
Start-up: Electric
Chassis: Die-cast alloy by Grimeca
Front suspension: 35mm Marzocchi hydraulic fork
Rear suspension: Prolink with Marzocchi shock
Front brake: 316mm Hydraulic disc, twin piston calliper
Rear brake: 220mm Hydraulic disc, single piston calliper 
Front Tyre: 100/80 -17
Rear Tyre: 130/70-18
Seat Height: 800mm
Weight (dry): 132 Kg.

NSR125FJ 88

Blue/ Black

Green/ Black

Red/ White/ Green

NSR125FK 1989

White/ Blue/ Pink

Red/ White

NSR125FL - known as the F11 - 1990

The FL is a lightly updated version of the F and features:

New air intakes called AIS (Air Intake System) which improve engine breathing by channelling fresh air directly to the airbox.
NEW instrumentation graphics with black background.
Slimmer profile front fender.
New alloy wheels

Black/ Aqua

Red

NSR125FM 1991

This version is the first NSR F officially imported in to the UK and available in two colours.

Black/ Red

White/ Pink

Black/ Red/ Silver

Silver/ Black

NSR125FN 1992

Blue/ Red