Daelim 125 ROADSPORT R 2009 — Specifications

When a Korean manufacturer decides to play in the sports replica arena, it takes an obvious risk: being crushed by the reputation of the Japanese. Daelim chose to go straight for it with the Roadsport R, a 125 dressed in full fairing that clearly claims its ambitions. The face is sharp, with a central air intake framed by almond-shaped lights that, depending on the angle, recall a CBR 600 RR or an old Derbi GPR Racing. The nod is assumed, and the visual effect works better than you might expect from a brand still little known in our latitudes.

Under the bodywork, the perimeter steel frame and 35mm telescopic fork come from the Roadwin, the house roadster. This recycling of parts is a common practice in the segment, but it has its limits. The single front disc brake, for example, struggles to inspire confidence on a machine that weighs 162 kg dry, a figure significantly higher than the Honda CBR 125 and the Yamaha YZF-R125. At these weights, braking hard into corners requires anticipation, and we would have appreciated a more assertive bite. This is the obvious black spot of the Roadsport. On the other hand, the suspensions have been reworked compared to the original roadster, and their calibration proves more suited to sporty riding. The cycle section generally performs well, without disconnecting or surprising negatively, which is essential for young A1 license holders.

The engine, for its part, owes nothing to the Roadwin. Daelim has developed a 124 cc single-cylinder engine with injection, liquid cooling, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a balancing shaft to limit vibrations. The compression ratio of 12:1, the bore of 56.5 mm for a stroke of 49.5 mm give a square profile that likes to rev high. The 15 horsepower arrive at 10,500 rpm, and the torque of 11.8 Nm is mainly felt from 8,400 rpm. Below that, the single-cylinder is unexpressive; you have to exploit the five-speed gearbox and stay in the high revs to feel the bike come alive. This high-revving behavior is classic in the category, but it requires active riding, not suitable for a driver who is too cautious or too lazy on the throttle. The maximum speed exceeds 120 km/h, an honest result considering the size of the machine.

The onboard equipment compensates for several shortcomings. The dashboard displays the speed digitally, has a large tachometer, a fuel gauge by segments, an engine temperature indicator, a clock and a trip computer. It is more complete than what the base CBR 125 offers. The center stand, now very rare on this type of machine, facilitates maintenance and parking. The screen and full fairing ensure real comfort at cruising speed, which opens the Roadsport to daily commutes and short getaways, not just weekend rides on winding roads.

At €3,690, the Daelim is positioned above the Honda CBR 125, but in return it offers a more generous size and a richer equipment. Faced with the Yamaha YZF-R125, the price difference plays in its favor, even if the reputation and finish of the Japanese remain one notch above. The Roadsport R is primarily aimed at young riders holding an A1 license, seduced by the sporty aesthetics and who want a machine that is truly usable on a daily basis without sacrificing fun in curves. The braking deficit remains the point to monitor seriously, but overall, Daelim delivers here a coherent product that deserves to be looked at.