DERBI GPR 125 RACING: From the track to the streets

The Derbi GPR 125 is styled to resemble a very fast sports bike. A 17-year-old, equipped with his compulsory basic training certificate, is supposed to take one look at it and imagine himself as British Superbike champion. A slightly more sophisticated newcomer to motorcycling might recognise the impossibility of a learner-legal 125 emulating the performance of a 200bhp machine, and think instead of Moto GP competitors such as Jorge Lorenzo. The Spaniard recently rode a Derbi to racing success.

Before global warming, when Bob Geldof was a rock musician, it was possible to buy two-stroke 125s with road performance not a million miles behind track standards. My generation adored them and we learned basic skills that stood us in good stead when we graduated to larger capacity bikes.

The modern breed of 11kW 125s includes some impressive bikes. From classic, small-wheeled scooters to scaled down racers like this there are machines on which a determined novice can learn how to lean, corner and brake properly. That is important, because while instruction in such skills forms part of the motorcycle test, it is possible to acquire a full licence without mastering the rudiments of good handling.

The Derbi GPR 125 is one such bike on which to learn them, as it is packed with genuine racing technology. The double-braced aluminium frame, swinging arm and inverted fork have come straight from the track. Its front and rear discs can pull it to a standstill from motorway speeds. It cannot reach them of course, but this sophisticated and sexy looking little bike is not just a wolf in sheep's attire. It has just enough power to be interesting on a winding country lane as well as in town. It turns like a sports bike and gives feedback through the handlebars that lets a rider sense when he is risking too much.

There are competitors that reach this standard, the Aprilia RS125 being the obvious example. It is directly descended from a machine that has dominated 125cc racing for several seasons. The Derbi GPR125 is not quite as fast, but in terms of build quality it is comparable. Beyond that the choice comes down to looks and price.

Aesthetically the GPR sticks to the big-bike theme. Its nosecone houses aggressive-looking twin halogen lights separated by a race- line windscreen that protects the cockpit dials. The front indicators are integrated into the wing mirrors and the stainless steel silencer emerges from beneath the pillion seat in classic superbike style. The pillion seat is raised high above the rider's, while the fairing tank and sports seat all emphasise the GPR's racing heritage.

The liquid-cooled two-stroke engine screams eagerly all the way to the red line, and the six-speed gearbox is as precise as any on a bike in this class. Large wheels complete a package that is as practical as the current law allows, and a lot more fun than the people who made it intended 17-year-olds to have.

There is, inevitably, an element of pure posing about this Derbi. Twist- and -go scooters are permitted to deliver as much power, so to buy one of these you have to really want to look like a proper motorcyclist. The compensation is that, provided you are not large enough to dwarf the machine, you will.

There are few 125s that a middle-aged adult in full racing leathers can mount without feeling foolish. I just about managed it on the Derbi GPR. Thrown into the tightest corners it was exhilarating and an excellent reminder of the agility that make 125cc race bikes such enormous fun.

As a first bike this is an expensive indulgence but not a wasteful one. The Derbi feels well put together, and might even teach an apprentice motorcyclist skills that will keep him alive when racing looks are augmented by racing power.

There are other race-styled 125s " Try Honda's CBR 125R or the Aprilia RS125. If the Derbi still feels tempting, any potential owner should be obliged to save the full cost of the deposit. When I was 17, fear of damaging something I had saved for was a bigger incentive to be careful than self- preservation.

specifications

Engine: Single cylinder, two-stroke, 124.76cc, liquid cooled.

Maximum power: 11kW

Brakes: Front single 300mm disc. Rear single 180mm disc

Transmission: six-speed gearbox.

Fuel capacity: petrol 13 litres, oil 1.5 litres

Price: pounds 3,699

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