Honda NSR 125

* Honda NSR 125 Price £3,625 :
* 124.8cc L-cooled single cylinder two stroke :
* Dry weight 132kg Insurance group 7 :
* Claimed power 26.5bhp :
* Issue tested: July 2001
* Honda UK on01753 590500:

If anyone is familiar with the NSR, it's me. A thousand miles to Scotland and back in February saw to that. We shared time together so it is difficult to admit she is completely outclassed by the sassier, sexier Aprilia. Suspension is soft and underdamped and the brakes need to be gently stroked to avoid excessive fork dive. More progressive springs would make a world of difference to the NSR. Back to back with the Aprilia it feels as though Honda have skimped on suspension components and hoped nobody would notice. Increase the pace and the front suspension is simply unable to cope. This was noticeable on the track, particularly braking into turns but more obvious through bumpy corners on the road. The soft spring rate cushions the blow but the damping fails to absorb it quickly enough before the next bump hits. The engine feels slightly rougher than it once did but then this bike has hardly led a sheltered life. Ditto the gearbox which needed a firm touch for successful selection at high revs. Finish is good but not quite good enough to bother the Aprilia.