When a Pakistani rider is ready to move up from a 70cc bike, the 125cc class is the natural next step, and two names have always stood out: the Honda CG 125 and the Yamaha YBR 125. One is the no-nonsense workhorse that's ruled our roads for decades. The other is the smooth, refined ride that always felt a class above. But in 2026, choosing between them is a very different decision than it used to be, and there's one major development you need to know before you spend a single rupee.
The Big 2026 News: Yamaha Has Left Pakistan
Let's address the elephant in the room first, because it changes everything. Yamaha officially ended local motorcycle production in Pakistan in late 2025. The YBR 125 is no longer being assembled here. Spare parts are still being supplied to existing owners through dealers for now, but the bike is effectively winding down in our market.
Meanwhile, the Honda CG 125 continues to be manufactured locally by Atlas Honda, with updated pricing and fresh graphics for 2026. This single fact shapes much of the comparison below, especially when it comes to price, parts, and long-term peace of mind. Keep it in mind as we go.
The Price Difference
This is where the gap has become dramatic. As of 2026:
- Honda CG 125: starts around PKR 238,500 for the base model, with self-start variants going up to roughly PKR 296,900.
- Yamaha YBR 125: priced in its final model years around PKR 466,000 or higher.
That's a difference of well over PKR 200,000, almost double the price for the Yamaha. A few years ago this gap was small, but after the economic turbulence since 2022, Yamaha's import-heavy pricing pushed it into a completely different bracket. For most Pakistani buyers, that alone is a deciding factor. The Honda wins decisively on affordability.
Engine and Performance
On paper and on the road, these bikes have different personalities.
Honda CG 125:
- Engine: 124cc, 4-stroke OHV air-cooled
- Around 11 HP, known for strong low-end pulling power
- 4-speed (base) or 5-speed (self-start variants) transmission
- Character: punchy, eager, loves to be ridden hard
Yamaha YBR 125:
- Engine: 124cc, 4-stroke SOHC air-cooled
- Smooth, refined power delivery with a 5-speed gearbox
- Character: relaxed, stable, built for comfortable cruising
The Honda feels livelier and more energetic, which is why young riders love it. The Yamaha feels smoother and more planted, especially at higher speeds and on longer runs. If you want raw commuter energy, it's the Honda. If you want refined comfort, the Yamaha still has the edge here.
Fuel Average
This one surprises people. Despite being the cheaper bike, the Honda CG 125 is not the fuel-economy champion in this pair.
- Honda CG 125: realistically around 35 to 40 km/litre when well maintained, dropping lower if neglected.
- Yamaha YBR 125: often returns around 42 to 45 km/litre thanks to its more efficient engine design.
So the Yamaha actually sips less fuel. With petrol prices where they are, that matters, though the YBR's much higher purchase price means you'd ride a very long time before fuel savings ever made up the difference. You can estimate your own running costs with the Byke Lelo price calculator.
Comfort and Ride Quality
Here the Yamaha YBR 125 has always been the favourite. Its softer suspension, more comfortable seat, and rider-friendly ergonomics make it noticeably better for long rides and rough roads. Many riders specifically chose the YBR for trips up north because of how composed it feels.
The Honda CG 125, by contrast, is firmer and more basic. It's perfectly comfortable for daily city commuting, but on long journeys the YBR's refinement shows. If comfort on long rides is your priority, the Yamaha wins this round.
Parts, Maintenance and Service
This is where the 2026 reality hits hardest, and where the Honda pulls decisively ahead.
Atlas Honda's parts and service network for the CG 125 is enormous, reaching every city, town, and roadside workshop in Pakistan. Spares are cheap and everywhere: spark plugs for a few hundred rupees, brake pads and chain sets at very reasonable prices. Any mechanic can service a CG 125 with ease.
The Yamaha YBR 125 was always more expensive to maintain, with pricier parts. And now, with Yamaha having stopped local production, there's a real long-term question mark over parts availability and convenience, even though dealers are still supplying spares to existing owners for now. For a bike you plan to keep for years, that uncertainty is a serious consideration. The Honda wins clearly on parts and peace of mind.
Resale Value
Historically, the YBR 125 held its value well and was easy to resell, second only to Honda. The CG 125, like all Hondas in Pakistan, has legendary resale strength because demand is endless and parts are everywhere.
In 2026, the picture is mixed for the Yamaha. On one hand, a discontinued bike can become sought-after by enthusiasts. On the other, buyers may worry about future parts, which can soften resale demand. The Honda CG 125's resale remains rock-solid and predictable, which most buyers prefer. You can see real asking prices any time by browsing used bikes on Byke Lelo.
Who Should Buy Which Bike?
Buy the Honda CG 125 if:
- You want the most affordable, practical 125cc by a huge margin
- You value cheap, everywhere-available parts and easy servicing
- You want strong, predictable resale value
- You ride mostly in the city and want a punchy, reliable commuter
- Long-term peace of mind matters to you
Consider the Yamaha YBR 125 if:
- You can find a good used one at a fair price
- Comfort and smoothness on long rides are your top priority
- You love its refined ride and don't mind higher running costs
- You're comfortable with the parts situation now that Yamaha has left
Note that since the YBR is winding down locally, for most buyers in 2026 the realistic YBR option is a used one rather than a new purchase.
The Verdict
The Yamaha YBR 125 is, in many ways, the nicer bike to ride. It's smoother, more comfortable, and slightly more fuel-efficient. If this were purely about ride quality, it would be a close fight.
But in 2026, buying decisions aren't made in a vacuum. With the YBR costing nearly double, no longer being produced locally, and carrying long-term parts uncertainty, the Honda CG 125 is simply the smarter, safer buy for the vast majority of Pakistani riders. It's cheaper to buy, cheaper to run, easier to fix anywhere, and holds its value with total confidence.
If you find a clean, well-priced used YBR and you love how it rides, it can still be a wonderful bike. But for a brand-new purchase with years of worry-free ownership ahead, the CG 125 takes it.
Final Score: Honda CG 125 8.5/10 | Yamaha YBR 125 7/10
Ready to Buy?
Whether you want a dependable new CG 125 or you're hunting for a clean used YBR 125, Byke Lelo makes it easy. Browse verified used bikes and new bikes, estimate running costs with the price calculator, and when you're ready to upgrade, sell your current bike to serious buyers. Browse all bikes on Byke Lelo and ride away happy.
