Bikes We Loved At This Year's Bangkok Motor Show

The 38th Bangkok Auto show recently concluded with major manufacturers like BMW Motorrad, Harley-Davidson, Honda and Kawasaki bringing out their newest and most powerful two-wheelers. What caught our eye, though, were the small capacity offerings and interesting ones at that. Here’s a list of five two-wheelers we liked at the Bangkok Motor Show.

Honda Super Cub 125
What's it?
It is a modern interpretation of the Super Cub C100, in production since 1958. This modern retro scooterette packs in features like LED headlamp, tail light and turn indicators, smartkey, electric seat release, digital analogue instrument console, front disc brake and alloy wheels. The retro bodywork hides a 125cc air-cooled single mated to a 4-speed semi-automatic gearbox. Its 17-inch wheels and motorcycle-esque suspension setup means it offers a unique ride experience.
Why is it interesting?
Remember the Bajaj M80? Well, looking at the Super Cub 125 invokes nostalgia of Bajaj’s venerable step-thru. One of the main reasons the Vespa has done fairly well has been the nostalgia value of retro scooters attached with it and we can see this retro step-thru attracting the same set of audience. It might not be as practical as your conventional scooter, but would offer more in terms of comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.

Honda Forza 300
What's it?
Honda’s 300cc scooter has been updated for 2018. For starters, it uses a new chassis that is lighter by 12kg, bringing the overall weight down to 182kg. It comes with a 279cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor that makes 25PS of power and 27Nm of torque, and is mated to a CVT gearbox. Claimed top speed stands at 129kmph. Features include all-LED lighting, traction control, a semi-digital instrument cluster, an 11.5-litre fuel tank and 15-inch wheels with disc brakes on both. Suspension setup include 33mm telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers.
Why is it interesting?
Honda also makes a Forza 125. The smaller Forza 125 would be a great addition to Honda’s India lineup and could rival the likes of the TVS NTorq and the Suzuki Burgman Street 150. Honda, are you listening?

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GPX Demon 150GR
What's it?
GPX is a Thai motor company which specialises in low capacity but highly stylish motorcycles. The GPX Demon 150GR is a 150cc mini-bike, styled along the lines of what appears to be the Ducati Panigale. The fully faired bike, despite running on 14-inch wheels, is completely specced up with full-LED headlamp and tail lamps, a digital instrument console, upside down front forks, rear monoshock and disc brakes on both wheels. Its 149cc single-cylinder motor comes mated to a six-speed transmission. The mini-bike is capable of reaching a claimed top speed of 125kmph.
Why is it interesting?
It is an example that you do not always need large capacity bikes to have fun. Another prime example is the Yamaha R15 v3.0. If only we had more bikes like the GPX Demon 150, albeit with larger 17-inch wheels, here in India.

Suzuki Boulevard C50
What's it?
It is not a 50cc cruiser. The 50 in the name stands for 50 cubic inches or 805cc to be precise. Its liquid-cooled V-twin motor comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a shaft driving the rear wheel. It carries the traditional cruiser design and is more Harley-Davidson than Suzuki Intruder in terms of aesthetics. It is a heavyweight at 277kgs (kerb) thanks to the excessive use of metal and chrome.
Why is it interesting?
With the Kawasaki Vulcan being launched, the Suzuki Boulevard would serve up with healthy competition as well as go up against the likes of the Iron 883. A Japanese cruiser that looks like a Harley. What could go wrong?

Honda Monkey 125
What's it?
We saved the best for the last. After the worldwide sales success of the Grom, this is Honda’s Monkey 125 concept. The mini-bike marries retro styling with new age features like LED headlamps, digital instrument cluster, upside down forks and disc brakes on both wheels. The small dimensions make it strictly a single-seater but who’s complaining? A 125cc air-cooled motor should provide enough poke to those 12-inch wheels wrapped in balloon tyres.
Why is it interesting?
Look at it! Old timers may feel nostalgic due to the Honda Monkey’s striking resemblance to the Rajdoot GTS 175 aka ‘Bobby’. Bikes do not get any more fun than these.