derbi GPR125 racing

Sadly, the two-stroke 125 is all but dead. The recent advent of credible, easy to ride and cheap to run four-strokes is killing sales of fickle, expensive smokers. Derbi’s learner sportsbike gets an all-new design with a four-stroke engine for the first time, going head-to-head with Yamaha’s YZF-R125.

Engine

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What we say here is relative – in general motorcycling terms, the Derbi GPR125 is slow and buzzy. But back-to-back with other four-stroke 125s it’s right up there with the quickest (we saw 83mph on the digital dash), and once you get used to having to rev it hard all the time, it’s loads of fun to thrash everywhere. It even holds speed up hills OK, but it’s still only got 13bhp – don’t expect too much. 

Ride and Handling

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125s have to be built to a price – teenagers usually have a limited budget. So the chassis usually suffers. The Derbi has a chassis that looks tricker than it is (the aluminium beam frame is two parts bolted together at the headstock!), but it works OK. The suspension is firm – sometimes too firm over potholes, but it steers and holds a line better than bouncy rival machinery. The radial caliper looks good, but lacks bite – squeeze it hard.

Equipment

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In terms of bling, the Derbi is the king of the 125s. It has a digital race-look dash that records highest top speed as well as more useful information, upside-down forks, radial calipers and an underslung exhaust. There is a pillion seat – it’s small, high and fitted to a bike not powerful enough for passengers anyway.

Quality and Reliability

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Because it’s so new we’re unable to give a full appraisal of reliability – our test Derbi GPR125 dealt with nearly 300 miles flat out without complaint, but the finish isn’t the nicest. The brake master cylinders and other bracketry is a bit cheap and nasty, and the whole bike feels a bit plasticky. That’s the pay-off for having the trick bits at a reasonable price.

Value

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Cheaper than an R125, but more expensive than a Honda CBR125R with better spec than both, the Derbi is decent value on paper, but you are getting a less durable product that isn’t likely to retain as much value and desirability as the sought-after Japanese machines.

Insurance

Insurance group: 4

Model History

2010: New model

Other Versions

Derbi GPR50: Very similar in design, but with a 50cc two-stroke engine for 16 year-olds. Buy the 125 unless you’re 16 – it’s easier to get on with and holds safer speeds out of town

Specifications

Top speed	78mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	13bhp
Torque	7ftlb
Weight	129kg
Seat height	810mm
Fuel capacity	13 litres
Average fuel consumption	65mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group	4

Engine size	124cc
Engine specification	Liquid-cooled, four-valve four-stroke. Six gears, chain drive
Frame	Twin spar aluminium beam with double-sided swingarm
Front suspension adjustment	none
Rear suspension adjustment	none
Front brakes	300mm disc
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	100/80-17
Rear tyre size	130/70-17