LEARNER LEGAL LOON
R125 With the GSX-R125 being so strong on track, has Suzuki done enough with its naked GSX-S125 variant to claim the crown for the streets?
As if it wasn’t enough that Suzuki launched an absolute blinder of a mini sportsbike, they’ve also dropped the fairings, stuck some higher bars on and applied the same class leading specifications to create the ultimate baby naked, which we got to thrash around the sedate roads of sunny Hampshire.
Following in the footsteps of its racier brother, the GSX-S125 really does look a treat at first glance with its aggressive styling and super naked-style stance. It has the same attention to detail as the Gixer, and shares most of the same components, yet having raised the handlebars by 100mm the riding position feels completely different; even though the seating and footrest positions have remained in the exact same locations.
The result of this is an even comfier and roomier cockpit. One feature which is unique to the naked is its shutter-key lock system, which offers additional security and peace of mind. The GSX-S is intended to be a commuter even more so than a pleasure bike, and with the rate of bike robberies in the UK on the increase, protection for your pride and joy is an essential these days. The system works by covering the ignition barrel, so nothing can be forced in it, by the simple click of a button that can be mastered even with your mits on.
Security aside, I was gagging to get out for a joy ride to find out how the GSX-S cut it on the streets. The exhaust note might have sounded identical to its sibling GSX-R, but within metres of setting off I was noting how much more road orientated the GSX-S felt. With the bars that much higher the scope for turning at slow speeds was unbelievable, and even though I thought a bike couldn’t get any simpler to ride than the GSX-R125, the GSX-S125 went and topped it. Coming out of the Silverstone complex, dodging traffic and weaving in and out of obstacles, the GSX-S quickly showed its trump card: agility. The bike felt a doddle to hustle along, made all the easier by its delicate clutch and smooth throttle response. I could tell straight away that this would be a right tool on the streets of a big city, and its narrow physique would well suit the lark of filtering through heavy traffic.
As soon as I hit the open road, the GSX-S felt like a proper laugh. It was awesome at carving up bends, with admirable levels of stability and effortless direction changes. Being so lightweight, there was never a question of feeling tired, no matter how carried away I got by racing into every bend as if it was more important than the last one.
The only thing I’d say is that at higher speeds and on bumpy roads, the bike could get a bit of a wallow on, but hey, that was all part of the fun. The motor’s identical to the one in the GSX-R, so it felt familiar and that was a bit of a problem on the roads. In a place where you were forced to slow down for speed limits and the like, the time it took to get back up to speed felt like a right drag, but that’s just the nature of a Euro 4-spec 125cc.
It doesn’t matter what brand you go for, as they all feel the same. I guess the GSX-S felt slightly lacklustre, where a naked should be absolutely savage in my opinion. It’s just not quite got that little bit of spice: think of it like a plate of fajitas without the seasoning.
But then again, I’m a bit of a pain in the ass to impress, and if you’re looking for an easy commuter bike that you can enjoy a pleasant potter on then the GSX-S will be right down your street. But if you’re looking to pull some skids, wheelies and burnouts, you might want to look elsewhere – because this bike makes that kind of nonsense bloody hard work. Then again, the GSX-S125 does what it says on the tin – it’s an easy bike to ride and well suited to leaner riders. Okay, I’d pick the GSX-R125 over it every day of the week, but I’m young and stupid; think of the GSX-S125 as the grown up older brother and it starts to make more sense…