Suzuki introduce new GSX-R125 for 2017
By Michael Mann
BikeSocial Managing Editor. Content man - reviewer, road tester, video presenter, interviewer, commissioner, organiser. First ride was a 1979 Honda ST70 in the back garden aged 6. Not too shabby on track, loves a sportsbike, worries about helmet hair, occasionally plays golf and squash but enjoys being a father to a 7-year old the most.
03.10.2016
Taking the fight to the entry level sportsbike market, finally, is Suzuki who have today at the Cologne-based ‘Intermot’ motorcycle show officially introduced the new GSX-R125 ABS ready for 2017.
Over 30 years since the GSX-R series first hit us, Suzuki claim this lightweight sportsbike has the best power-to-weight ratio, torque-to-weight ratio and acceleration in its class.
While its big brother, the GSX-R1000 has been hitting the headlines ever since the prototype was unveiled this time last year, and we are fully expecting to see the production version anytime now, it’ll be this much smaller capacity version that will be the more popular in terms of sale and therefore the more important commercially to the Japanese firm.
Distinctive in its design which are taken directly from its family line, from the GSX-RR competing in MotoGP in the very capable hands of Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espagaro, right through the existing sportsbike range. The highly competitive market that is the entry level 125cc sportsbike already feature some tough competitors, as we found out back in August when we tested the Yamaha YZF-R125, Honda CBR125R, KTM RC125, Aprilia RS4 125 and Rieju RS3 back-to-back.
This Euro4 friendly, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke appears to have the components and styling to guarantee a place on any 17-year olds post-CBT shortlist. Available in three colours (Solid Black, Brilliant White and Metallic Triton Blue), the little Suzuki has the lowest seat height in its class at 785mm as well as the shortest wheelbase which is sure to make it handle well. Other highlights include key-less ignition and a multi-function LCD instrument panel plus vertically stacked LED headlights.
We are expecting the Suzuki to compete on price alongside its Japanese rivals from Yamaha and Honda which would put the GSX-R125 ABS around the £4k mark.
Price, power and further details are expected to be announced imminently.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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