Suzuki has launched its smallest fully-faired motorcycle, the GSX-R125, in Japan. The move comes in response to the growing demand for entry-level performance motorcycles, which is a booming segment even in Japan now. In terms of body style and displacement, the GSX-R125 goes head on against the KTM RC 125 available in India. In that case, we bring all the details about the smallest Suzuki for our curious readers.
Design and features:
The GSX-R125 takes design cues from its larger sportsbike siblings. The pointed front end integrates a sleek headlamp which blends nicely with the angular fairing and sculpted fuel tank. The sharp tail section looks nearly identical to the litre-class GSX-R1000. Suzuki also has bright paint schemes with bold graphics on offer, which make it look further sporty.
The motorcycle is profoundly modern in terms of features with elements such as full-LED headlamp and tail lamp and a fully-digital LCD instrument cluster. The Japanese-spec bike also gets keyless ignition system and dual-channel ABS.
Engine
Propelling this beginner’s sportsbike is a 124cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled motor which churns out 14.8bhp at 10,000rpm and 11.5Nm at 8,000rpm. Interestingly, this engine comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. Although the performance numbers are similar to that of the KTM RC 125, the Suzuki weighs around 20kgs lesser at 134kg (kerb). That should make it a profoundly agile and fun-to-ride motorcycle.
Cycle Parts
Based on a tubular steel frame, the GSX-R125 rides on 17-inch alloy wheels which are suspended by telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by a single, petal-type disc at both ends – 290mm with dual-piston caliper at the front and 187mm with a single piston caliper at the rear. It gets a 15 litre fuel tank.
Pricing
In Japan, the Suzuki GSX-R125 has been priced at 393,800 yen (approximately Rs 2.77 lakh) on-road. The company is not expected to bring it to our shores anytime soon. However, looking at the growing demand for low-displacement fully-faired motorcycles in India, we believe the GSX-R125 can give a tough competition to the KTM RC 125, but only if it’s priced aggressively.
