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Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder - [1997]
This edition of the Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1997. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1997 Suzuki GW 400 Inazuma and the 1997 Suzuki TS 125 Single Cylinder.This particular Honda XLR 125 has a 124cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V3 Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative V3 engine, Adventure style motorbike includes the Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure - [2010]
The 1997 XLR 125 shares its V3 engine and Adventure style configuration with the likes of the 2010 Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure and the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the XLR 125's Adventure style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1989 Yamaha DT 125 R Tenere | 1989cc.
Weighing in at 126 kgs (277 lbs) this makes the Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F or the 2024 Suzuki GSX-S 125 DOHC, give or take 50kg.
The 1997 Honda XLR 125 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]
In terms of power the 124cc 2 valve V3 1 cylinder engine produces 11.4 bhp (8 kW) @ 8250 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm].
The OHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 7.7 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid [32.0 lb-ft (43.5 Nm) @ 7500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Honda XLR 125 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2020 Yamaha Tricity 300 SOHC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1997 Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder.
The 1997 Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder has a Power to weight ratio of 90.4 bhp per ton and 61.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1997 XLR 125 competing with the 2020 Yamaha Tricity 300 SOHC [115.4 bhp\ton] and the 1982 Yamaha AG 175 [115.1 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Honda XLR 125 generating around 61.4 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1977 Yamaha DT 125 Two Stroke [86.2 lb-ft per ton] and the 1978 Yamaha DT 125 Two Stroke [86.2 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 40.9 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 41.8 secs, this makes the Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder similar in acceleration to the 2000 Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder (40.9 secs) and the 1984 Honda XL 125 R (40.9 secs). This Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1997 Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder and the 1995 Kawasaki BJ 250 Estrella Custom
When talking about the performance of the 1997 Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1995 Kawasaki BJ 250 Estrella Custom (0 secs) and the 2010 Yamaha XP 500 T-Max�Limited Edition (0 secs).
The 1997 version of the Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder has a maximum speed of 0mph.
Top Speed of the 1997 XLR 125 equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1997 Honda XLR 125 Single Cylinder then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).
