Suzuki’s smart new 125s
CONSISTING OF A fully faired model, the GSX-R125, and a naked version, the GSX-S125, both of Suzuki’s new 125s slot neatly into the firm’s established model families. But other than their branding, everything else on the bikes is new. They share a steel frame and the same liquid-cooled 124cc single, which has a four-valve head, twin cams and a more oversquare design (bigger bore, shorter stroke) than any rival. Power is capped to a learner-legal 15bhp, but with a claimed 122mpg, it is frugal.
With power a level playing field for all 125s, Suzuki has focused on making its bikes as light as possible – the GSX-S is 133kg, the R 134kg — giving them the best claimed power-to-weight ratio in the class. This dedication to weight reduction is displayed in how they ride too, both GSX models delivering the high level of agility you’d expect of light machines.
But Suzuki hasn’t gone too far in shrinking its bikes. Even 6ft-tall riders won’t feel cramped though the S, with its flat bars (which are 100mm higher than the R’s), is more comfortable. The R costs £4072 while the S is £3772.