SEP 2007 - TWIST & GO MAGAZINE - KR SPORT 125 REVIEW
 Words and pics Chris Pearson
We've looked at many scooters from the KYMCO range over the last few years, but this is the first sports styled motorbike to emerge from the line-up and as such is eagerly awaited. Having gained a good reputation in recent years with their auto scoot range, much is expected of this new machine, so we leapt at the opportunity to be the first in the UK to cock a leg over the KR Sport.
At first glance the KR is mega stylish, and sharp looking. As 125cc machines go it is physically large, making it feel (to sit on at least) a good deal more than just a learner-legal machine. The seat unit and overall height is more akin to 600 Supersport dimensions as is the fairing nose, giving the KR a real presence on the road especially amongst traffic.
The chassis feels as if it has been built with a larger engine in mind, so perhaps there is a 250 or even a 500 waiting in the wings. If this is the case, then expect those machines to be real movers and shakers in the middleweight category. The huge single steel beam frame, stylish and in keeping with modern trends as it appears, is actually overkill on a 125 road machine with barely enough grunt to spin a rear wheel, let alone challenge the strength of the chassis. Thankfully, much weight has been saved by using box section alloy for the non-structural components of the main frame. Even so, with the efforts made to get the KR on a diet, it still tips the scales a good deal heavier than the similar specification Honda CBR125R.
Once kitted up and ready to roll the KR proves willing to go, rocky steady at urban speeds and still feeling like a much bigger machine. The air/oil cooled single cylinder four-stroke mill does a good enough job from low down in the rev range, but soon runs out of steam once the tacho needle gets ambitious. The bike is easily able to maintain its position among the rest of the traffic, but (in restricted form at least) with a top speed a tad shy of 65mph, the KR is barely capable of out-running it once the roads open out.
In its defence, the bike isn't over heavy, so it makes the most of any power available and the engine does fully comply with the stringent Euro 3 emissions. So you may not be the fastest, but you are doing all you can for the environment. I would imagine a different end can and a few tweaks here and there would soon have the KR buzzing away like a good 'un, revving out fully and reaching for a top speed a good 10mph or so higher than the standard machine. To be fair, the test bike did feel tight with only a few hundred miles on the clock, so once fully run in, it should open up a good deal more.
Handling-wise, the combined steel and alloy chassis is firm and confident feeling, working well with the chunky Cheng Shin rubber to hold the road like a pro. The same can be said of the brakes too. With Superbike size discs and calipers all round, the KR does hauls itself up in double quick time. In fact, I would highlight the brakes as being the best of the current cop of 125 learner-legal machines - they really are that good.
From the rider's point of view, the digital dash display is both informative and clear to interpret with the usual fuel and temperature gauges sitting alongside the Speedo and mileage readouts. One thing that did stand out while the KR was on test was the fuel consumption with the engine proving to be have a frugal thirst - something that may be of interest to the cash-strapped learner rider or commuter user.
Everywhere you look around, the KYMCO reveals the bodywork and chassis parts to be nicely made, finished and fitted, with many styling cues taken from a host of successful machines from the recent past. This is no blatant copy however (unlike many others in the 125 class), and the KYMCO is every bit its own machine that will no doubt stamp its authority on the division in double quick time.
The KYMCO KR Sport is a real cost effective and supremely stylish alternative to the current crop of learner-legal machines, particularly for the larger rider as the roomy riding position allows the largest of adults to fit on and not look too out of place. You can even add a passenger once your licence permits it (the dual seat is easily large enough) while the grunty engine would tackle this extra load with ease too. Under the seat is also a sizeable sandwich box, making handy storage for a disc lock or a ham sandwich, or both.
Both build and ride quality is as good as it gets in this class of motorcycle, while the manufacturer-backed two year warranty adds a nice dollop of icing on to an already tasty and cost effective cake, surely making the KR appear at the top of most people's pile when it comes to choosing a 125cc sports bike.
For further information on the KYMCO KR Sport 125, please click here
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