mi - The Honda NSR125 is a 2 stroke, 125 cc (lightweight) sport bike produced between 1988 and 2001. The high revving (red zone of the tachometer begins at 11,000 rpm), 2 stroke, RC-Valve equipped, single-cylinder engine produced around 30 bhp (22 kW) at the crank. The name is taken from the NSR 500 GP bike which proved great success on the track.
There were 2 models of the NSR125; An alcast version and foxeye produced between 1988 and 1994. The later "fox eye" model, the JC22, (named due to its front lights resembling that of a fox's eyes) was produced between 1993 and 2003.
Following the success of the NS125(an earlier model to the NSR), the NSR125-JC20 was designed and assembled by Honda Italia Industriale S.P.A. in Rome, Italy. Grimeca was contracted to produce the Alcast frame (2-piece, die-cast, bolt together construction), wheels and brake assemblies. The engine was manufactured by Girardoni with Dellorto equipping the carburetor. Marzochi supplied forks and suspension while Pagani provided instrumentation and lighting. The Grimeca rear wheel was 18", front 17" and shod in Pirelli MT-45 tires. The NSR125-JC22 is mostly of Japanese manufacture, with the engine parts and other key elements of the running of the motorbike produced in Japan, it was then assembled in Italy and supplied to its mainly European market. Design changes saw the JC22 receive a steel fuel tank and visual trim resembling the NR750.
Although it is a common mistake to believe the NSR continued production until 2003. This is not the case as they ceased production in 2001 but had leftover stock until 2003/4.
The Honda NS125 which was available as an "F" naked, or "R" fully faired is commonly mistaken as an NSR of earlier production, although shares no real parts or design similarities. This model is most easily identifiable by its singular square headlight, rather than the earlier NSR's dual round headlights or the later NSR's 'foxeye' design.