Superbyke SBS125

The recent influx of budget machines from the Far East has made it relatively cost effective to start biking and, in fine style too. Using much technology (and thinking from the Japanese sector, in this case, the Honda CGI25 line), these small capacity machines offer much of the reliability and practicality of the original article, just at a far lower price.
In use, the SBS125 is competent and willing to take on the urban opposition, mixing it in heavy traffic, ducking and diving, before speeding off ahead of the congestion and in no way suggesting itself to be a poor relation to more expensive Offerings. It is everythingthe short-range commuter could ever need - light and pokey, agile and sturdy too - holding the road like a true pro while returning impressive fuel consumption figures akin to the frugal, with the official factor figures claiming around 120 miles to the gallon, and the real life use not being far off that. On top of all that it is learner-legal too.

The styling isn't everyone's cup of tea, beings mix of modern and more traditional with a few areas left somewhere between the two. Clearly the Chinese have a way to go in some respects and are most likely catering for a far larger market than the UK when they penned this machine. Still this machine does possess a little of everything and with it a lot of useful features too.
The front fairing has a hint of superbike style about it, with the two large vents either side of the headlight nacelle. Even though these are purely cosmetic on this machine and in no way feed the air box, the moulding does allow for a large extended, twin bulb headlight that should make the SBS that bit easier to see in the urban jungle. That quirk aside and the rest of the machine is functional. A sturdy rear carrier finishes off the rear end while the saddle is spacious enough for two even if the low powered, air-cooled engine might wish otherwise. It will carry two happily, but with some reduction in acceleration from a standstill, not to mention braking ability.



The single disc up front is capable of rapid stopping when ridden solo, but is pushing its luck when fully laden. This may well have been attributable to the overall newness of the bike and possibly a few more miles under its belt could see the brake performance improve. Thankfully its 'old technology' single-leading-shoe mate at the rear chips in with a little help, adding a good dollop of stopping power as and when required, despite its small size. Cast wheels, and a semi wave cut vented disc up front, finishing off the wheel area nicely.
The SBS does possess a fair few mad cons. The dash not only has a tacho.speedo and centrally mounted fuel gauge, but also a handy gear indicator that, if nothing else, does remind you the engine is already in fifth. So there is no need to keep trying for an extra gear, despite feeling like there should be one. The engine is crying out for at least one more gear to play with as, with only five ratios to go at, running along at the top speed of SSmph soon has the revs at the SOOOrpm mark, at this point the engine making its feelings quite clear on any further donkey work. That said, however, the single-cylinder engine does accelerate well and maintains its top speed too, cutting down on the amount of gearshifts needed for everyday commuter riding as the power plant is happy pulling from way low down in the rev range.



A low seat height of just 760mm, should make this machine an attractive one for the learner biker or these lacking confidence in the slow speed-riding department. It is real easy to get on and off, while stopping with both feet firmly down at junctions and traffic lights pose no problems.
Tipping the price scales a good third cheaper than the established commuter machinery, the Superbyke makes for great value motoring. It is well put together with quality cycle parts, neat welding and snug bodywork, finished off with a decent paintjob and finish too. The controls are light to the touch and the bike is real easy to get along with, making it ideal for those not wanting to get too involved in the biking process or those still learning their two-wheeled trade. As a budget run-around it does take some beating, the only major negative being the matt black exhaust front pipe. Unless the Chinese have discovered something very special in that department, it is hardly likely to make it through many UK winters without constant repainting. On the plus side is the stainless steel end can that should prove more hardy and longer lasting, There are a whole load of similar machines on the market place at the present time, making choosing one more a case of what the local dealer has to offer, rather than what offers the best value. The best selling machine in the UK during 200? was the Yamaha YBR125 outstripping all to take the top slot in the final figures.
This shows the 125 class to be a healthy one, making for some good buys, although it does beg the question where the £800 or so price difference, between the Yam and the cheaper alternatives, comes from.
Surprisingly, Honda have dropped the CG125 from their line-up for 2008, leaving the buyer with fewer choices at the upper end of the price scale, but lower down there is a host of similar offerings. In the sub-£1500 category there are machines by Jinlun, AJS, Lifan, Baotian and Pulse to name but a few.