It started as a joke by Suzuki Australia’s marketing manager Lewis Croft, but it didn’t take long to become reality. At 192cm, Ed Dobie racing Suzuki’s new 134kg GSX-R125 in the PCRA Commuterlite category, as well as using it as a daily commuter, would be the best way to highlight the little 124.4cc sportsbike’s versatility. And it also gave him another excuse to go racing. Dobie’s winning ways on the blue flash have already been well documented in this mag, I’m the one who has been replacing the lights and number plate to use it as a daily commuter.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like a giant riding the littlest Gixxer, but I would also be lying if I said I was uncomfortable on it. I have been using AMCN’s GSX-R 125 as a daily commuter for a couple of months now, and I’m still enjoying every minute on it. Due to the GSX-R moniker’s rich racing heritage with its 600cc, 750cc and 1000cc models, the 125 isn’t lacking racebike feel. Zipping through the morning peak-hour traffic to university is a cinch on the super-light bike, as is replacing the pop-off indicators, side stand and number-plate hanger to transfer it from a front-running PCRA race bike to an everyday roady.
While it might look every bit the racebike, it tops out at around 135km/h, but with a larger rear sprocket you could probably eke out a few more km/h. With my larger frame on the bike, it runs out of puff well before the sixth-gear rev limiter so maybe going two teeth bigger on the rear sprocket would provide a little extra poke.
As you’d expect from a road commuter, the suspension on the GSX-R125 is relatively soft, but it’s good enough to run totally stock on the track. In fact, the chassis is much better than required for the 11kW being generated by the engine. Dobie has proven this in the Commuterlites series where the GSX-R125 is more than a match for the often dominant Honda CBR125R which runs in stripped-down race form giving it a speed advantage.
Even with its tiny engine, the mini Gixxer is a head turner. I’ve been riding bikes on the road for two years, and I’ve never ridden anything that attracts as much interest. In addition to the bike’s great looks and handling, it also has keyless ignition and a digital dash, all for just $3990 ride away. It’s a fantastic first bike for learning your way around the roads, or a fun little track bike. And by the time you outgrow the GSX-R125, the rumoured all-new GSX-R300 might be on the market.
Retail price
$3490 (+ORC)
Fuel Economy
3.2L/100km
Servicing
1000km/3000km intervals
By Zane Pavelic
