1967 Honda CB125SS

1967 Honda CB125SS
Registration no. GEY 421E
Frame no. CB125-2011294
Engine no. CB125E-2011409
Having started motorcycle production with a simple single-cylinder two-stroke, Honda soon switched to the four-stroke engine and in 1957 introduced its first twin-cylinder model of that type: the 247cc C70. With its slightly inclined cylinders, single overhead camshaft, gear primary drive and integral gearbox, it set the pattern for generations of twin-cylinder Hondas to come. This state-of-the-art engine went into a pressed-steel chassis, the frame, front fork and swinging arm being fabricated of this material, while there were full-width aluminium alloy hubs at both ends. There were soon twins in all sizes from 125cc upwards. In 1966, three new 125s replaced the existing models: CB125 sports, CD125 tourer, and CL125 street scrambler while the following year the 125 range expanded to no fewer than eight models. At the top of the range sat the CB125SS, which replaced the CB92 while retaining a broadly similar engine with left-side cam drive.

This CB125SS was restored for previous owner James Morgan by Steve and Phil Denton, and in 2009 won the 'Best in Show' trophy at the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club's annual rally at Uttoxeter. The winner's rosette is on file and the machine also comes with a copy of the VJMC's December 2009 magazine depicting the Dentons and this Honda on the inside front cover. The current vendor acquired the machine in February 2010. Additional documentation consists of an expired MoT (September 2010) and old/current V5C Registration Certificates.