2017 Suzuki GSX-S125 review | L-plate riding thrills with added bonus of comfort and practicality
Highlights
- Learner-friendly 125 naked
- Simple and fun to ride
- Extremely cheap to run and insure
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
| Power: | 15 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (30.9 in / 785 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (293 lbs / 133 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesHaving ridden the GSX-R version of Suzuki's 125 motorbike on its launch the day before, I was convinced it would be the better of the two new bikes, however the addition of upright bars makes the Suzuki GSX-S125 that much better. You still get similar performance and handling to the R, only with more comfort and flickabilty at low speed, perfect for nipping round town or having fun in the twisties.
The naked 125 market is hotly contested these days and the little Suzuki doesn't have the exciting branding and image of a KTM 125 Duke or the grown-up looks of a Yamaha MT-125. And while the low new price was a great weapon in the Suzuki's arsenal back in 2017, the market has since been flooded with incredibly cheap Chinese models.
That's a shame, because this is a bike that's fantastic for those looking to pass their full UK motorbike licence - it's geared and fun, yet accessible and cheap to buy and own. In fact, our Online Editor Gareth Evans learnt to ride on one back in 2019.
The Suzuki GSX-S125 will live on through 2022 thanks to a Euro5 update for the engine.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineMuch like the Suzuki GSX-R125, the suspension on the naked GSX-S125 is well-damped and firm enough to be competent both in town and out in the twisties. We spent an afternoon on the bike exploring nadgery B-roads and it was a pleasure to ride – not once feeling too soft for rutted countryside routes.
There is also plenty of ground clearance to inspire a good degree of lean, which is helped by the aggressively placed foot pegs, which give the riding position a little added flair. Dressed in grippy Dunlop D102 rubber, it is more than capable of taking the punishment both in the dry and in rainy conditions at faster road-going speeds.
In town, it’s also brilliantly flickable thanks to its lightweight steering. A 40-degree turning angle either way also means even the tightest of bends can be pulled off with ease, and it also helps for practicing those all-important U-turns for your big bike test.
Coming to a stop, the Bosch ABS system will kick in if you give it a big handful of front brake at low speed, but it is otherwise unobtrusive and ample for a bike of the size.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityLaunched at the same time as the fully faired GSX-R125, the naked GSX-S125 receives the same 124.4cc single-cylinder lump as its sportier brother and offers a similarly linear power delivery all the way to its 11,500rpm redline.
As well as being punchy, the DOHC motor is also incredibly free revving. Accelerating through the gears, the bike will happily do a speedo-indicated 40mph in second gear, with revs to go and, flat out, the clocks will show an indicated Suzuki GSX-S125 top speed of 80mph. It will do all of this while returning an indicated 80+mpg too.
Throttle response is also good. Coupled with an ultra-light clutch, the bike offers well-balanced, trouble-free slow speed control, which is ideal for learners. Like many low capacity Suzukis though, the gearbox can be stubborn when clunking into first and false neutrals can creep in between first and second gear if you’re particularly ham fisted.
The motor also offers a mild degree of engine braking as you shift down gears, which helps bring you to a standstill fractionally quicker.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe GSX-S125 feels like a quality product. Stacked up against its rivals, it looks just as aggressive and just as modern. Much like the faired bike, the conventional forks help drive down cost, but it would be good to see an upside down setup in place for better handling due to added rigidity in the fork.
The front end may not be to everyone’s tastes either - the assembly looks a bit squashed and compact and would really benefit from a larger fly screen to tidy up the area between the lights and clock stay.
Suzuki GSX-S125 owners have rated the bike an average of 4.3/5 overall with a 4/5 for build quality and reliability. One owner has found that corrosion is an issue, though, so make sure you keep it coated with a protectant spray.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Suzuki GSX-S125's list price in 2022 stacks up favourably against its main competition - the KTM 125 Duke, Yamaha MT-125 and the Honda CB125R. It makes a fantastic used buy too, with prices starting under £3000 on MCN Bikes for Sale.
Equipment
As well as a brilliant optional extras catalogue, the GSX-S comes with a unique secure shutter-key lock system, which hides the ignition barrel until the separate receiver next to it has been triggered, using a unique magnetic fob found at the top of the key.
The Suzuki GSX-S125 is available in blue, black with blue wheels or white with red highlights in 2022.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 124cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Single cylinder DOHC |
| Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
| Fuel capacity | 11 litres |
| Seat height | 785mm |
| Bike weight | 133kg |
| Front suspension | Non adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Non adjustable |
| Front brake | Single petal disc, ABS |
| Rear brake | Single petal disc, ABS |
| Front tyre size | 90/80-17 |
| Rear tyre size | 130/70-17M/C |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 122 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £25 |
| Annual service cost | £120 |
| New price | £4,399 |
| Used price | £2,900 - £4,400 |
| Insurance group |
4 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Three years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 15 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 8.49 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 66 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 296 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2017: Model introduced
- 2022: Updated for Euro 5 emissions regulations, price now £4399.
Other versions
Faired Suzuki GSX-R125 launched at the same time
Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI GSX-S125 (2017 - on)
3 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX-S125 (2017 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your SUZUKI GSX-S125 (2017 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
Version: Motogp
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £150
Best features are it's comfortable and nippy, worst features are its 300 mile fuel tank doesn't feel like it lasts 300 miles
Breaks work incredibly well, had to use them a few times to avoid an accident, I'd say around after 2 hours is best to take a break
Its a 125, so it's sluggish top end, but acceleration is great for a 125
Its a suzuki, if you do general maintenance it will be brilliant
I've only had 1 service so far, next one is due any time and it's fairly cheap
Comes with the standard stuff you'd expect on a 125, nothing special
Buying experience: Bought from a deal for 4k, but this was at the high end of the market right after covid
Version: GP variant
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £150
I love this bike it’s good fun, a great bike for learning although it can feel flighty at first but I don’t feel like it’s massively lacking for around town even on a bigger licence, just struggles on motorways and steep hills. The mechanical parts are great, the shape of the bike is nice and the lights are very clear, just been the fit and finish of the bike that has been disappointing. My mate has an older Sinnis that is kept outside all the time and it’s less rusted
Seat is firm but reasonably comfy, not a huge amount of padding and you don’t really want a pillion. The suspension is a little firm but generally absorbed bumps very well, hasn’t bottomed out or dived on rough back roads or under hard braking. Brakes are adequate, single disc up front and generally feels pretty good but can feel vague at times. Clutch and gearbox are perfect and smooth
Lovely engine (for a 125) has 15 HP and will get to 80 (just), always starts smoothly and has a reasonable Rev range whilst being quite user friendly, feels more lively then the other 125’s I’ve ridden and sounds nicer then the Z400 I did my test on.
Always starts first time but at less then a year old the entire exhaust coating has rotted despite cleaning every other week and it always being in a garage or a covered bike park at work. Paint is peeling off the swing arm, around the radiator and on some of the hooks holding the cabling. Heavy rust on some parts of the rear pegs, side stand paint is peeling and heavily rusting. Currently fixing that and the exhaust myself. None of it is covered under warranty according to the mediocre at best service from Suzuki customer service. The build quality from a major brand like this has been surprisingly disappointing, I won’t be getting another one
Would probably be cheaper elsewhere, place I bought it from charges £76 an hour... Very fuel efficient I get roughly 180-200 miles from a tenner which is nice
It’s got Abs and a somewhat dated looking display but it always works and is always visible, no other bells and whistles but it is a light bike. The Suzuki easy start is a lovely touch and always works
Buying experience: For it from Laguna Maidstone, bike got recalled for a frame check by Suzuki, generally pretty good and friendly staff just not sure about the servicing costs, they didn’t check my rear break properly so had to take it elsewhere once it warped the disc.
Version: GSX-S125 GP
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £60
Best features must be the ease of handling and throwing the bike into a tight corner or a nice bend with speed. Especially with the manufactured paired Dunlop tyres it feels just right. Going from left lean to right also feels really natural and no force is required for it to come back up. The GP paint and stickers really make it feel like the track is the machine's home. Looks you just cannot beat in the 125cc range. Dropping down gears engine braking works pretty well, also the clutch biting point is pretty far out. Personally, this is good for me but it can always be adjusted. I had one fault with it, after leaving the bike parked with the parking light enabled from the ignition. The battery was completely killed and needed to be charged. If you leave it overnight expect to be purchasing a new battery. Gears - If you like to quick change from first to Second, the odd neutral really likes to pop up. Always a firm kick up is required just to make sure you won't be revving the engine and going nowhere.
The Bosch brakes are running perfectly soft and no jittering or any sign of front wheel lock. The ABS does not need to kick in even with slightly heavy braking. Emergency braking is flawless.
Not much more you can ask of a 125cc 14.4bhp bike can you? From junctions you can pass most cars and these pesky delivery scooters with no problem. High or low revs the bike still performs as it should.
I have had this bike for almost three months now and except from my own fault of leaving the bike with parking lights on for the day there were no reliability issues. I have taken the bike up and over 66mph with no issues.
I have yet to service the bike as it's brand new. But a standard MOT is all that's needed of the running costs. Fuel however, from 1/4 tank I filled up to full. managed to do 160 miles and then again was left with 1/4 tank to fill up. I'd say every 180/200 miles. All you pay is £15.00 max for fuel.
There is pretty much no room for any extra equipment or accessories in terms of luggage. Although if you can count the ignition magnet that should protect you from the bike being stolen.
Buying experience: Buying experience was as standard from a dealer. I have the bike on a 3 year finance. £500.00 Deposit plus around £102.00 per month. Brand new it totals up to £4,172.00. As a couple months passed, you can now probably get it for around £3,699.00.
