Daelim 125 ROADSPORT R 2008 — Specifications

When a Korean brand still little known in Europe decides to take on the Honda CBR 125 and the Yamaha YZF-R, two options are available to it: play the price-cut card, or try to seduce with technology. Daelim chose the second path with this Roadsport R, and the result deserves serious attention.

From the front, the bodywork envelops with a central air intake and tapered optics that evoke both the CBR 600 RR and the old Derbi GPR Racing. The full fairing completely erases the machine's "roadster" origins, which nevertheless shares its perimeter steel frame with the Roadwin. It is on this frame that a 35 mm telehydraulic fork with 130 mm of travel is mounted, complemented by a 100 mm rear monoshock. The whole holds better than on the roadster from which it is derived, the settings having been revised to match the sporty vocation. Where things are lacking is in the braking section: a single front disc to stop 162 kg dry is a little short for a sportbike that claims this status with so much visual conviction. Nevertheless, the presence of a center stand, which has become an absolute rarity in this category, and a complete digital dashboard displaying speed, engine temperature, fuel gauge in segments, clock and trip meter should be noted.

Under the fairing, there is no resemblance to the engine of the Roadwin. Daelim has developed a modern 124.1 cc single-cylinder engine with injection, liquid cooling, double overhead camshafts, four valves and a balance shaft. The compression ratio of 12:1 and the short stroke of 49.5 mm for a bore of 56.5 mm clearly outline the temperament of the block: it must be pushed high in the rev range, up to 10,500 rpm, to reach 15 horsepower. The torque of 11.80 Nm arrives at 8,400 rpm. Below, the engine responds sluggishly, like many sports engines designed for high revs. This character demands involvement from the rider, which makes this a motorcycle more suited to an already initiated rider than a novice looking for ease.

In the saddle, the Roadsport R reaches the declared 125 km/h, which is honorable given the weight on board. The cycle part follows with sufficient precision to make engaged journeys pleasant, and the aerodynamic protection of the fairing improves comfort on the open road to the point of considering short connections without suffering. It is here that the versatility of the machine distinguishes itself from direct competition. The YZF-R from Yamaha is more expensive and more exclusive in its positioning, the CBR 125 from Honda is lighter and better braked but less generous in equipment. The Daelim is positioned at 3,570 euros, which is a slightly higher price than the Honda, with a richer equipment and a larger size. For a young driver with an A1 license who wants a credible sportbike without sacrificing daily practicality, the proposition makes sense.

Daelim still has a significant obstacle: reputation. Insufficient braking and high weight are concrete defects, not simple details. In a segment as competitive as this, these shortcomings weigh heavily in the purchasing decision compared to Japanese manufacturers who have decades of trust accumulated. The Roadsport R is a good technical base, sincerely more accomplished than its Korean origin would suggest. But winning over a demanding public is earned kilometer by kilometer, not in a single test.