DEMAK DJ90: CHEAP BUT FUN
FU N. Three letters that define the Demak DJ90. I could end here and tell you that it costs just a little more than your sofa set at home but you’re not going to stand for that, are you?
Well, the DJ is also a bike and we roadtest our bikes good and proper. So, light the blue touch paper and stand well back.
That’s not to say that the DJ90 has more or less the power of a firecracker, no sirree. The DJ90 is a faraway descendant of our much beloved Honda C90, which has served millions of people around the world well (and probably has circumnavigated the globe, as well).
The DJ is actually an improvement on that indestructible motorcycle, since the engine has been in production for many a year and all the little tricks and tweaks are all on this bike.
The four-stroke, two-valve OHC single displaces 90cc and produces 6.1hp at 8,500rpm with 5.7 Nm at 7,500rpm of torque.
It produces that power briskly and quickly, making first gear (there are four) almost redundant.
Still, if you have seen these bikes carry bushels of padi up north, you will appreciate the fact that that short first gear is absolutely necessary.
The four speeds are all forward and the heel and toe gearshifter is as God intended. No scuffs on your Gucci shoes, after all.
The planetary shift means that neutral is available on the next shift from fourth, as long as you are at a standstill.
The suspension is better than your C90 (leading link forks) as they are telescopic forks with easy adjustability. The fact that you have to disassemble them to adjust preload (50 sen coinsone or two) or switch oil viscosities (heavier oil for better damping) is beside the point.
The rear twin-shocks are adjustable for preload and work as advertised. They go up and down and go boing. Excellent.
Handling is razor-sharp due to the light kerb weight of just 84kg.
The snazzy spoked wheels are narrow and the tyres are barely wider than a racing bicycles’, allowing you the option of steering with the handlebars or with a mere twitch of a buttcheek.
Beware those who tend to “pass wind” a lot as you lot may inadvertently change lanes.
Still, the DJ is not averse to a little highway use. It remains stable as long as you stay still and let it do its’ thing.
I saw 110kph indicated on the chrome speedometer (probably a true 90kph). Finally, a bike that will NEVER get me a speeding ticket.
Comfort is not an issue. At the speeds the DJ attains, no wind pressure is discernible and the seat is fairly plush.
The suspension absorbs small bumps easily but jars on potholes or sharp lips. All the more reason to take it nice and slow and have fun instead.
Treat the manholes and potholes as your personal gymkhana course and the DJ is your comfortable partner.
The tank holds eight litres and at an average of 50km/l will take you to Alor Star from Kuala Lumpur nonstop (just kidding, you will need to stop for a smoke or toilet break).
To say the DJ90 is frugal is not correct. It is absolutely miserly. The DJ does not come with a low-fuel light or a fuel gauge. Instead, it has a reserve position on the fuel tap. Just don’t forget to switch it back to ‘On’ after you fill up.
Which brings us to the styling of the DJ90. Many of us familiar with the Cub’s styling will take some time to warm up to the DJ. But the style has been around for decades on the European continent.
Almost all small bikes looked like the Mobylette, undoubtedly the pioneer of the style. DJ-style bikes are also numerous on the Chinese mainland, most of them being used for daily transport or for transporting goods. But it is a new look here and will take some time to catch on.
I foresee a wave of Raleigh Chopper style revamps. that would be FUN. The looks of the Demak DJ90 actually draws favourable comment wherever I went and many people did doubletakes at traffic lights or while cruising along. Laughter was never far away wherever the DJ90 went (I think it was me more than the bike, I am a bit too tall for the bike haha).
The Demak DJ90 sells for a piffling RM3,190 at your nearest Demak dealer. Get yours today and start customising. Personally, I would leave the powerplant alone and concentrate on the aesthetics.
FUN is just around the corner.