For most of us bikers, when we think of sportsbikes, the sort of thing that comes to mind is Ducati’s V4S, the BMW S1000RR, Honda’s Fireblade, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 or something of that ilk.
They are amazing combinations of machinery and technology, with incredible engines usually around 1000cc in capacity.
But, the truth is, the best-selling sportsbike in the UK in recent months has been the Lexmoto LXR 125, according to official figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association.
Bikes in the 51-125cc category are also by far the biggest sellers.
In January, for example, they accounted for 2,121 sales – more than double the 1,030 models of 651-1000cc capacity that left the showrooms.
So, the 125 category is a very busy marketplace and who can blame youngsters and new riders for wanting a bike which at least looks like the full-size sportsbikes they may one day move on to?
Looking to challenge the Lexmoto is this GPX from Sinnis, launched this year.
First impressions are very good indeed – it looks superb.
The race-inspired lines are sculpted and sleek – like a mini MotoGP contender.
The front end is particularly striking with LED headlights set into the side pods below the running lights.
Rear lights are tucked neatly under the seat and the red-painted brake calipers are a nice touch, as are the bronze coloured footage hangers.
I was testing the on-trend all black model and there’s also a matt grey variant.
The fuel-injected 125cc engine is pretty lively and high-revving.
Acceleration is impressive and you whizz quickly and smoothly through the lower gears and its quite happy sitting in fourth around town.
Out on the open road, fifth is by far the biggest gear, with sixth reserved for dual carriageway or motorway cruising.
The GPX will easily hold 70mph, although it seems slightly happier at a tad below.
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I did notice a slight vibe through the bars, but nothing to really trouble me.
The ride position is certainly on the sporty side – with legs quite tucked up and weight pushed forward.
It does put a bit of strain on the wrists, but then again I’m no longer the young rider this bike is clearly aimed at.
The suspension set-up seems spot on and performs very well, with USD forks and a rear mono-shock, adjustable for preload.
Handling, with the rider’s weight pushed over the front wheel, is crisp, pinpoint and predictable.
Braking, despite the lack of ABS, is surprisingly powerful and progressive.
The brakes are combined so that the front lever activates two of the three front calipers and depressing the rear brings in the third as well as the back caliper.
There’s not much in the way of electronic gadgetry, but I really liked the easy-to-read digital colour dash.
Sinnis is based in Brighton and reassuringly, the Chinese-manufactured bikes come with a two-year parts warranty and a year on labour and breakdown.
The firm has been operating for 15 years and now has just under 70 dealers in the UK.
Overall, a really great sporty looking and performing 125 that is sure to appeal to many younger riders.
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