CB125F Gearbox Issues

I've found the gearbox can be a bit sloppy between 1st and 2nd gear.
You'll get this grinding noise if you shift down into 1st too early (going too fast).
If this happens to you, just pull in the clutch and pull over. Turn the engine off, find neutral, start the engine, put it back into gear and off you go.
This only happens to me when I'm being lazy with my gear changes and shifting down from 5th to 1st without letting the clutch out between gears.
Despite rider error, this gearbox is actually really forgiving for new riders - I should know, I AM one!

[odorlessflavorless]

The comment thread came as a welcome surprise for me ! I have this 10 year old CBF125 and it was idle in the garage for 5 years. I took it out last year and have been riding it since. I actually forgot the 1st gear is so short and thought its an issue with bike itself. Glad to know from fellow riders here that starting at 2nd or even 3rd gear is OK for this bike ! 1st gear is smoothest for speeds upto only 10kmph !

[Oppensleimer]

2nd until you're pretty much stopped bro. 1st is so short on this bike.

[kant]

I never use the 1st as it is indeed much too short on this bike but start directly with the 2nd, even with a passenger

[JamesPiccone]

A little tip don't use your gears to slow down, just use your brakes. Only downshift one or two gears at the most unless about to stop. Also only use 1st when taking off.

[channin]

Wow... shifting down to 1st at 44KM/h is crazy.

[Ridewithunicorn]

Unicorn 160 cc bs6 In India honda 1st gear issue

[Bialanix]

Wheres the tachometer 😮 and btw you can purchase a 17 tooth front sprocket and that will make all your gears longer and give you a higher top speed at the cost of some acceleration. Youll literally be able to cruise in traffic in 1st it wont be so jerky anymore

[Labgorilla]

Gearboxes on these bikes are like grinding buckets of bolts. Have owned a cbf125 and cb125f. Just as bad as each other although the older bike is faster.

[garrybatchelor]

No rider would EVER, drop into 1st in that corner, should have been at least in 2nd.

[jackblack-uqks]

This guy is a temporary citizen. Good luck in the next life.

[jackblack-uqks]

Soŕry mate. brother. There isn't any need for you to be tuff. Just live Nd be real