sinnis trackstar 125

Produced by Brighton-based Sinnis, but manufactured in China, the Trackstar is a cheap, trendy 125cc alternative to the CG 125 or the Virago. It’s very easy to control and manoeuvre, making it an attractive option for learners or novice bikers. It’s also got the looks and charm to interest scooter riders, commuters or city-dwellers who are won over by its unassuming, low-power appeal. Price is the biggest selling point, at £1,549 new it’s unparalleled, and if sales take off Sinnis may just redefine our perception of Chinese-made bikes.

Engine

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The single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke 124cc heart is based on Suzuki’s GS 125 engine. Sinnis use more or less the same design across their range and it seems to do the job perfectly well. Vibration becomes quite off-putting and uncomfortable at the top end of the rev-range, but cruising at 55mph is perfectly smooth in fifth gear. This is still an 11bhp bike, so power and torque are not things you’ll even consider while riding it. That said, once you’ve fought your way up to cruising speed it’ll hold it well and makes for a relaxing, un-threatening experience.

Ride and Handling

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The brakes are gentle but effective, after all at 107kg there’s really not much weight to stop. The riding position doesn’t put any stress on your back or legs and the bars are half-way between street bike and cruiser. It’s easy to lean around corners, has a fantastically small turning circle and the springy suspension is aimed more at comfort than performance. It’s very, very light and manageable, making it good for the commuter, the rookie and the petite alike.

Equipment

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The retro styling is cute and appealing, with a pleasing little speedo, digital gear indicator and comfy stitched seat. The mirrors are large and well placed and the electric start is welcome. The best word to describe the bike is ‘dinky’. It can’t carry much weight, but it’s frugal, good looking and has the same kind of dainty charm as a miniature railway. That said, what you see is what you get and there are few features beyond what’s legally required.

Quality and Reliability

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Quality is good for a budget bike, though it is obviously built for affordability, not luxury. Sinnis offer a two-year warranty with all new models, which offers peace of mind and shows that they’re confident in their product. To keep the warranty valid they ask that you have one service at 635 miles and another at 2000 miles. There haven’t been any reported problems with the other models in their range and they claim they’ve never had a case of engine failure.

Value

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At £1,549 the Trackstar is superb value. That’s £450 cheaper than a CG 125 for a very similar product. By trying to prove to the world that Chinese built bikes can be as reliable and attractive as their Japanese or European rivals, Sinnis have given themselves a difficult job. However, with such aggressive pricing, and a bargain little product, they might just be on the verge of doing it single-handed.

Insurance

Insurance group: 3

Model History

Model introduced in 2010.

Other Versions

Sinnis’ Stealth, Apache, Blade and Vista all use the same engine as the Trackstar, it’s the frames and stylings that are different. Worth investigating if all of the above sounds tempting.

Specifications

Top speed	65mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	11bhp
Torque	7ftlb
Weight	107kg
Seat height	760mm
Fuel capacity	10.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	100mpg
Tank range	231 miles
Insurance group	3

Engine size	124cc
Engine specification	Air cooled, single cylinder, four-stroke. Five gears, chain drive
Frame	steel
Front suspension adjustment	none
Rear suspension adjustment	none
Front brakes	disc
Rear brake	drum
Front tyre size	90/90 - 18”
Rear tyre size	120/80 -16”