Suzuki GSX-R125 Review (2017)
What Is It?
The Suzuki GSX-R125 is a premium single cylinder sports bike which is perfect for learning on and is powered by a Euro 4 compliant liquid cooled 124.4 cc single cylinder engine, producing 14.8 bhp at 10,000 rpm and maximum torque at 8,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Low (785 mm / 30.9 inches)
- Weight: Light (134 kg / 295 lbs)
- Economy: Very good (90 mpg / 3.1 l/100km / 31.9 km/l)
- Range: High (220 miles / 354 km)
- Power to Weight: Low (0.112 bhp/kg / 0.083 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Average (85 mph / 137 km/h)
Pros
- Big bike looks
- Turning circle
- Lights
Cons
- Non-adjustable rear shock
- Parts availability
- Quiet exhaust
- Hard seat
What Is It Like?
Why The GSXR?
I have had my GSXR since march and it is my second 125 after a Mutt Mongrel. Both bikes were bought from 5-WAYS in Hull and John did a good job looking after me but the GSXR simply fits my riding style more than the cafe racer like the Mongrel.
What's Good
I use my bike to commute and the GSXR is just the job. Economy is up in the 89-100 mpg range and it handles like a dream on the twisty corners. It even does well in the wet as the supplied tyres are really quite good. Not often you find that on a 125.
It cruises well at 70mph with minimum vibes through the bike or bars, is the lightest bike in its class and the ABS system is a handy addition.
Any Downsides?
My only downside to the bike is the fuel tank is a little small at 11 litres, when you have been used to a 13 litre tank and custom parts are hard to find at the moment.
Mods
- Full Lextek exhaust system (sounds great)
- Tail tidy
- Wheel tape
- Papa P, 2018
Price Guide
Related Bikes
GSX-S125 - Naked version with higher bars, more relaxed riding position and no keyless start system.
The Second Opinion
What's It Like?
The bike really feels nice and so much better than the CBR125R, especially the excellent brakes with ABS. The Keyless start is a nice feature for me and the seating position is comfy.
The engine seems really good, there's power in all the gears, handling is really good and the suspension is good. You can really feel the tyres are brilliant in the corners.
Also the dashboard looks really cool, includes the gear indicator and you can limited your rev counter to whatever level you want.
Any Downsides?
I do think the exhaust could be a bit louder though and that's one thing I’m going to change. Also the tail tidy could be shorter but it's not a problem.
To Sum Up
Overall you have to give the bike five stars. I don’t think there any other 125cc bikes out there that look and feel this good; it’s second to none.
- Rob G, 2019
A Few More Thoughts
How Is The Riding Position?
Well the bike is well designed featuring an under yoke handlebar set up usually seen on bigger sports bikes and the preferred set up of the Moto GP bikes. The handlebars mean that you are more leaned forward allowing for a much more controlled and aggressive riding position.
The seat is hard but I personally don't get uncomfortable until I've been riding more than 4 -5 hours.
Mods
I've got the sports package for my GSX-R125 which gives it a little more show. I've also got multiple electronics running off the battery such as USB points, cigarette lighter, volt meter, neon lights, a speaker set and not struggled once to power all of them.
Any Downsides?
A lot of new GSX-R125s have a fault that causes them to cut out at idle which Suzuki are currently trying to fix.
- Gary B, 2018
More Info
Check out this video review from TheMissendenFlyer.