HONDA NSR125R (1988-2001) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1988, Honda released the NSR125, a sports bike manufactured from 1988 to 2001 and powered by a two-stroke single-cylinder engine with an RC-valve system, offering a redline at 11,000 rpm. The NSR125 designation was taken from the NSR500 GP motorcycle.

The NSR125 was designed and assembled by Honda Italia Industriale in Rome, Italy. The aluminum cast frame, wheels, and brake assemblies were delivered by Grimeca, the engine was supplied by Girardoni, Dell'Orto offered the carburetor, Marzocchi manufactured the suspension system, and Pagani provided the instrument cluster and lighting.

The NSR125 was available in two versions: the F naked model and the fully faired machine R. Although the bikes didn't share any parts or design similarities, there were identified by their headlight design. The JC20 had dual-round headlights, and the JC22 had a fox eye headlight design.

The bikes manufactured between 1988 and 1994 came equipped with a full fairing, a two-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, dual round headlights, a small windscreen, a center stand, and three-spoke cast aluminum wheels.

The NSR125R, manufactured between 1994 and 2001, came with a full fairing, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, a small windscreen, a double fox eye headlight design, and cast aluminum wheels with a six-spoke design.

The NSR125R JC22 was mostly a Japanese-manufactured machine with engine parts and key elements produced in Japan, assembled in Italy, and delivered to the European market. The NSR125R received some design changes, including a steel fuel tank and a visual trim that resembled the NR750.