Known For Its Robustness And Low Cost, The CG 125 Fan Is The Honda For 10 Thousand Reais Most Sought After For Work, But The Engine Of The Newer Models Holds A Secret That Many Do Not Know.
The Honda for 10 thousand reais is the 2015 CG 125. Known as a “war tank”, it is the top choice for those looking for an economical, reliable vehicle that is, above all, “indestructible”. Its fame comes largely from its legendary “varetado” engine.
However, when searching for a Honda for 10 thousand reais, like a 2015 CG 125 Fan, many believe they are buying this technology, but the reality is a bit different. The story of the CG is a fascinating lesson in how the fame of an engine transcended its own existence.
Why The “Varetado” Engine (1976-2008) Became Synonymous With Indestructible?
The story of the “varetado” engine (OHV) begins in the 70s. Honda engineers, while researching markets like Brazil, realized that motorcyclists often neglected oil changes. The engines of the time, with overhead camshaft (OHC), could not withstand this.
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Honda’s solution was brilliant: instead of trying to change the owner’s habits, they changed the engine. They created a simpler and more robust OHV engine, whose main characteristic was its tolerance to lack of maintenance. Launched in Brazil in 1976, the CG 125 with this engine consolidated its reputation as “unbreakable” over more than 30 years, becoming the motorcycle that “never dies”.
The End Of The “Vareta” In Brazil: The Great Change In The CG Engine In 2009

What many do not know is that, in 2009, the era of the “varetado” engine came to an end in Brazil. To comply with the new and stricter emissions laws (PROMOT 3), Honda had to retire the old engine.
In its place, a new 125cc engine was introduced, now with OHC technology (overhead camshaft). Although it had the same power, it was more efficient and less polluting. This means that all models of the Honda CG 125, including the popular Fan, manufactured from 2009 to 2018, are not “varetados”.
How Are The CG 125 From 2015 To 2018?
The 2015 CG 125 Fan, one of the most popular options in the Honda for 10 thousand reais range, already came with the OHC engine. It inherited the philosophy of its predecessor: it was simple, robust, and economical, but with more modern mechanics.
The last major evolution came in 2016, with the introduction of electronic fuel injection PGM-FI, which made the motorcycle even more economical. Production of the CG 125 was halted in 2018, as legislation began to require CBS or ABS brakes, and the investment to adapt the entry model was no longer viable for Honda.
The Cheapest Maintenance In Brazil And The Consumption Of 50 Km/L

The reputation for being economical is completely justified. The claim that the CG achieves 40 km/l is, in fact, conservative. Tests and reports from owners show that models with electronic fuel injection can easily exceed the mark of 50 km/l.
Its reputation for having the cheapest maintenance in Brazil is also real. An analysis of a basket of common wear parts (such as chain kits, brake linings, and filters) shows that the cost to maintain a CG 125 is, on average, 20% to 25% lower than its main competitors.
Is It Worth Buying A Honda For 10 Thousand Reais For Work?
Yes, very much so. The analysis of the FIPE Table from June 2025 confirms that it is possible to find a 2015 CG 125 Fan in excellent condition for a price close to R$ 10,000.
The most interesting thing is that the fame of “indestructible” for the varetado engine was so strong that it transferred to the subsequent generations. Even with an OHC engine, the CG 125 Fan from 2015 to 2018 continues to be one of the most reliable and cheapest motorcycles to maintain in the country. For those looking for a Honda for 10 thousand reais that is a true “warrior” for work, it remains the smartest and safest choice in the used market.

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