Keeway Superlight 125 (2020)
Keeway is part of the QuianJiang group (which also owns Benelli), one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in China. Keeway makes smaller capacity machines, such as the Superlight SE 125cc cruiser we tested. The cruiser-style Superlight launched in 2017 and has remained largely unchanged.
Give me some spec:
A steel frame houses a singlecylinder 124cc engine putting out 10.46bhp/7.6kW @ 9,000rpm with maximum torque of 6.6lb-ft//8.9Nm @ 7,500rpm and an estimated top speed of around 65mph. Seat height is just 730mm, dry weight 134kg/295lb. Bringing the package to a halt is a single 275mm disc up front, supported by a single 160mm rear.
So what is it like to ride?
The first thing that strikes you are the dimensions. This doesn’t look like a diddy 125. Lose the L plates and the Superlight is big enough to command some respect. It’s quite broad in the saddle and the tall (baby ape?) bars seem strange at standstill.
It has running boards rather than pegs; I was expecting heel-toe with boards, but it’s a conventional up/ down pedal.
Once moving (you start the Superlight OFF the side stand!), the next thing to strike is the stability. A lot of 125s are wibbly-wobbly, but the Superlight is nicely poised. It hums along cheerfully with minimal vibes unless at the top of the rev range. Okay, it’s not going to win any races, but it builds pace nicely (there is fun in opening the throttle to the stops), never losing that poised feel. Those high bars make sense when cornering, aiding the Superlight around the bends. It holds a line nicely and even allowed a mid-corner adjustment with no fuss.
The gearbox is light and each change snicks into place without fuss (the dealer was going to tighten things up). Brakes do their job, no fuss, no excitement, aided by some proper engine braking.
Controls are good quality, with solid soft-touch buttons. Mirrors don’t look big but I could see past my shoulders.
Cons were a slippy saddle, the decision to use Harley-style (but non auto-cancelling) indicator buttons on each side (right turns are a PITA unless your thumb is close to the button). And all those studs on the panniers? Plain options please (though they do have decent capacity). But I enjoyed riding the Superlight. It has real presence; taking it up to 60 it was poised and vibe free. It cornered nicely, and stopped in good time. I can think of worse ways of spending your 125 years.
What nick is it in?
Chinese build quality has massively improved. A bit of rubber is peeling on one running board; a strap came off a pannier; there is a small patch on the side of the saddle; and there is a scratch on the lower end can.
What’s it worth?
The dealer wants £1,799 for a 2020 bike with 360 miles recorded (pretest) and some cosmetic items. Dealer prices range from £1,990 for a 2019 bike with 3,850 miles logged to a 2021 model for £2,599 with 321 miles on the clock.
With thanks to Bacon’s Motorcycles/ East London Kawasaki for the loan of the bike.