Suzuki GSX-S125
124.4cc | 133kg | 14.75bhp | 785mm seat height Cash price £3674 Deposit £722.35 Mileage 4000pa Rate 7.9% APR Optional final payment £1593
While the GSX-S125 is essentially just a naked version of the faired GSX-R125, the upright bars actually make the GSX-S that much better as an everyday ride – especially if you’re an urban dweller. You still get similar performance and handling to the R, only with more comfort and flickabilty at low speed, perfect for nipping round town or having fun in the twisties.
The suspension is well-damped and firm enough to be competent both in town and on open roads and there’s also plenty of ground clearance to inspire a good degree of lean, which is helped by the aggressively-placed foot pegs, which give the riding position a little added flair. Dressed in grippy Dunlop D102 rubber, it is more than capable of taking the punishment both in the dry and in rainy conditions at faster road-going speeds. Coming to a stop, the Bosch ABS system will kick in if you give it a big handful of front brake at low speed, but it is otherwise unobtrusive and ample for a bike of the size. The motor also offers reasonable engine braking as you shift down gears, too.
It boasts the same 124.4cc single-cylinder lump as its sportier brother and offers a similarly linear power delivery all the way to its 11,500rpm redline.
As well as being punchy, the DOHC motor is also incredibly free-revving. Accelerating through the gears, the bike will happily do a speedo-indicated 40mph in second gear, with revs to go and, flat out, the clocks will show an indicated 80mph. It will do all of this while £117.99 returning an indicated 80+mpg too. It also comes with a unique secure shutter-key lock system, which hides the PER MONTH (x36) ignition barrel until the separate receiver next to it has been triggered, using a unique magnetic fob found at the top of the key. The clutch is ultra-light, and the GSX-S feels well-balanced, making it trouble-free for slow speed control, which is ideal for new riders.