The learner legal 125 that thinks it’s a super sports!

The first thing that strikes you about this 125 is the looks; they’re stylish, eye catching, sharp and bang up to date. They make the bike look like a far bigger capacity machine. Its true size is only given away by the small power plant. The bike really does have super sports dimensions and looks. I parked the bike up on test in a busy touristy town centre and loads of people asked me what the bike was and most were surprised when I told them its was KYMCO 125. They all thought it was a mid range Japanese super sport, I’m certain this will give the bike massive street appeal and road presence.

The bike doesn’t just look big, it is big, easily accommodating my 6ft 3” frame.

This bike is almost over engineered for its somewhat small power plant.  Its huge single beam frame is far sturdier than the maximum 12.9bhp power out put requires. This over engineering continues to the large ventilated single discs front and rear, with twin pot calliper and the front and single on the rear. These stop the bike effectively and safely, though we’re not talking about slowing it down from super sport speeds. Claimed top speed is 65 mph and it only weighs a mere 141 kg, so the brakes are not being over stretched.

The super sports styling and high quality continues throughout this machine, from the full aerodynamic fairing, the raked screen, the twin headlights, white glass indicators, sculpted tank to the semi-prone riding position, all adding to the super sports illusion.

Particularly eye catching is the instrumentation, the KR Sports has white faced rev counter with red and black figuring, which makes them very clear to read, additionally the bike also has a big clear digital speedo, digital fuel gauge, odometer and clock.

Super sports ride?

The KR Sports has hydraulic forks up front and rear adjustable monoshock (with eye catching red spring) and sits on painted 5 spoke alloy wheels which are shod with Cheng Shin tyres. Within the limits of the power available this 125 has razor sharp handling with a taut and firm ride. The Cheng Shin tyres for the most part provide excellent grip even on gravel strewn country back roads, not a surface recommended to ride on generally. The light weight means the KR Sports can be flicked through corners, like the super sport bike it pretends to be.

This lightness of action is complemented by the light action clutch and sweet 5 speed gearbox, both of which enabled rapid and smooth gear changing; though, out on the open road it was quickly up through the box to fifth to make the most of the available speed.

Disappointingly the KR Sport only produces 12.9bhp at 10,000 RPM from its free revving single air/oil cooled engine. This does somewhat blunt the ultimate performance in that the bike tops out at 65mph, but for many learners this will be more then fast enough. The engine can be come a little buzzy as revs approach the red line but for the most part it’s fairly smooth.

Riding twisty roads is where the KR Sport really excels. Its lightness and good handling enables quick changes of direction and spirited cornering to be easily achieved, which make one easily forget the bike’s modest power output.

Because of the bikes large dimensions it’s surprisingly comfortable, even with the semi prone riding position. It was really only the squab seat which – after a couple of hours riding – lacked a little in the support department. But it’s doubtful this sort of bike will be used for touring.

Top Choice

The KR Sports is very easy to ride, handles well, has good brakes and light controls making it an ideal first learner legal machine. It’s hard to fault the KR Sport and it should give the more firmly established Japanese choices a really serious challenge.

It should be cheap to run as well. Whilst I didn’t have the KR Sport on test long enough to run conclusive mpg checks, it was very frugal on fuel. KMYCO UK say the bike should average 85mpg.  The bike has a 6,000 KM or six month service interval with typical service costs* being £65 for an interim and £100 for an annual service Combined with a competitive suggested retail price** of £2,399 which includes a two year unlimited mileage warranty.  

Specification (source MASCO Ltd – KYMCO UK)

*Note service costs are an indication only and will depend on local dealer labour rates

** Suggested Retail Price - Includes PDI, delivery, number plate, VAT, 1st registration fee and 12 months road fund licence.

Note all performance figures, weights and technical specifications are as claimed by the manufacturer

Article and Photos by Jon Booth – http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/ – The UK Biker Site

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Thanks to Masco Ltd – KYMCO UK for the loan of the KYMCO KR Sport 125