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Honda CG 125 vs Yamaha YBR 125 — 2026 Comparison for Pakistani Riders

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Carr.pk
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Honda CG 125 vs Yamaha YBR 125 — 2026 Comparison for Pakistani Riders - Carr.pk

In 2026, the decision between the Honda CG 125 and Yamaha YBR 125 has become more complex than ever. Both bikes once competed closely in Pakistan’s 125 cc segment, but with Yamaha’s motorcycle manufacturing officially discontinued in Pakistan and Honda’s CG 125 continuing strong, the landscape has shifted significantly. 

The Honda CG 125 remains one of the most common commuter motorcycles in the country, manufactured locally by Atlas Honda with pricing and design updated for 2026. According to PakWheels’ latest 125 cc roundup, the CG 125 continues to appeal due to its economical price, simplicity, and ease of maintenance, making it a perennial choice for daily riders.

Meanwhile, the Yamaha YBR 125 is no longer assembled in Pakistan after Yamaha Motor Pakistan Ltd ended local production in late 2025, though spare parts are still being supplied by dealers for existing owners through existing dealerships. 

Read full details: Yamaha Ends Motorcycle Production in Pakistan

Understanding these developments is crucial for anyone planning to buy, compare, or recommend commuter bikes in today’s market.

2026 Specs and Price Breakdown

Feature Honda CG 125 (2026) Yamaha YBR 125 (Last Model)
Assembly Status Locally assembled by Atlas Honda Discontinued (2025), no local assembly
Price Range (PKR) Rs 238,500 – Rs 296,900 Rs 466,000+ (used market only)
Engine 124 cc, OHV, air-cooled 124 cc, SOHC, air-cooled
Gearbox 4-speed or 5-speed (variant dependent) 5-speed
Fuel Economy 45 km/l 45–50 km/l
Seat Height Approx. 765 mm Approx. 775 mm
Suspension Telescopic front, swingarm rear Telescopic front, adjustable rear
Fuel Tank Capacity 9.2 liters ( 2 litres reserve) 13 liters
Spare Parts Widely available, low cost Limited availability, higher cost
Service Network Extensive nationwide Limited, shrinking after discontinuation
Resale Value Very strong moderate; due to discontinuation

Performance and Practicality

The Honda CG 125 uses a 125 cc air-cooled OHV engine and a lightweight chassis, a combination that gives it strong low-end torque and quick acceleration in everyday riding. Designed in the 1970s, the engine prioritises torque over refinement, which is why the CG often feels more responsive off the line than many newer 125 cc motorcycles in Pakistan, including the Yamaha YBR 125. In urban traffic, this torque-focused tuning makes the CG feel quicker and more direct, even if outright performance differences on paper remain modest.

Explore: Honda CG 125cc at Pakwheels Listing

From a mechanical perspective, OHV engines are widely regarded for durability, long service life, and simple maintenance. The CG 125 benefits from this simplicity, keeping repair costs low and making it tolerant of hard use. The YBR 125’s OHC engine delivers smoother operation and better balance at cruising speeds, but its design is more complex, and major faults tend to be costlier to address.

With Yamaha no longer assembling the YBR locally and availability declining, the CG 125 continues to stand out as a straightforward, practical option rather than a refined one.

Explore: Yamaha YBR 125cc at Pakwheels Listing

Design and Comfort: Old School vs. Commuter Style

CG 125: The CG still carries its classic frame, slim tank, upright posture, chrome accents. You sit tall, and the suspension handles potholes well. For many, this design is nostalgic and practical. Every mechanic knows how it works.

YBR 125: It looks like a modern commuter bike. Wider tank, sportier stance, more body panels. The riding posture is slightly leaned-in, with better seat cushioning. You feel less fatigued on longer rides.

Verdict: If you’re riding short urban distances with rough patches: CG is solid. If you ride longer routes and want less vibration and more comfort: YBR wins.

2026 Pricing and Market Position

One of the biggest realities of the current market is the pricing differential between these two bikes. The Honda CG 125 for 2026 is priced very competitively: with ex-factory prices around Rs 238,500 for the base model and up to Rs 296,900 for higher trims like the Gold Edition.   Honda’s production scale and local parts ecosystem allow it to stay affordable without sacrificing availability.

The Yamaha YBR 125, by contrast, was priced significantly higher in its last model years before discontinuation, often in the Rs 466,000+ range due to a combination of import-heavy parts and a premium market positioning. This elevated cost was one factor in dwindling sales that contributed to Yamaha’s decision to withdraw from local manufacturing. 

Spare Parts Availability and Costs

For many riders, spare parts availability and cost are as important as purchase price and this is where the two bikes diverge even more in 2026.

Atlas Honda’s parts network for the CG 125 is extensive across Pakistan, from official 3S outlets to independent workshops. A range of essential spares is reasonably priced: spark plugs around Rs 390, front brake pads roughly Rs 1,140, and chain sprocket kit priced at Rs 3,550 on Atlas Honda’s website. Even compared to older published lists such as headlight assemblies around Rs 1,450, these figures underscore the part-friendly economics of owning a CG125. 

By contrast, during its sales life the YBR 125’s parts tended to be pricier, reflecting fewer local sources and less volume stocking. For example, a headlight unit could cost around Rs 6,000, speedometer units were about Rs 6,500, and tail lights were roughly Rs 1,450, clearly higher than comparable CG parts. 

Now that Yamaha no longer assembles bikes locally, parts continue to be supplied through authorised dealers but in limited quantities. Buyers of used YBRs need to be mindful that while parts do still come through the official network, the inventory is diminishing over time and may command a premium in smaller cities compared to CG parts.

Which One Makes More Sense in 2026?

For most buyers in Pakistan today particularly those seeking a bike for daily commuting, low operating cost, and easy servicing, the Honda CG 125 remains the sensible choice. Its continued assembly, widespread parts availability, and low maintenance costs mean fewer headaches and better long-term ownership economics.

The Yamaha YBR 125 remains a solid machine with a comfortable ride and refined gearing, but its utility as a new purchase is limited now that production has stopped. It still makes sense on the used market for riders who value its specific ride feel, but prospective buyers should factor in potential delays and added cost in securing original parts over the next few years.

Visit PakWheels Listings for New and Used Bikes and Buy your Next Ride Hassle Free: Explore now!