Quick spin: Kymco Quannon 125

If commuting is about keeping things as simple as possible, then the fully faired Kymco Quannon 125 doesn't leave many questions unanswered.

The compact Taiwanese machine is as down-to-earth as they come, melding an air and oil-cooled single-cylinder 125cc four-stroke engine with a steel twin-spar frame, and tracking on 'big bike' 17-inch rubber with disc brakes at both ends. Dry weight is 139kg.

That's not an intimidating cocktail in anyone's language, but like most bikes in this small-bore single-cylinder class the narrative is more about what the bike offers for learners, rather than what it lacks.

The Quannon 125, which was actually first released way back in 1997 as a derivative of another pushrod engine in the Kymco stable (the Quannon has an overhead camshaft), has a few direct competitors in the small-bore 'sportsbike' segment, primarily in the form of the Honda CBR125RW ($4990) and the higher-spec Yamaha YZF-R125 ($6999), which are both fuel injected.

But that could be about to change, as there is a strong possibility Kymco Australia & New Zealand could be bringing in an updated 150cc fuel injected version of the Quannon, either late this year or early in 2011. We'll certainly keep you updated on that one.

But back to more market-related chatter for one minute. The 250cc roadbike class, which was starting to become a stale wasteland about five or six years ago, is now a vibrant segment once again, thanks to the likes of Hyosung, Kymco, Kawasaki, Megelli and Sachs.

Let's not forget the Kawasaki Ninja 250R was the biggest selling roadbike - across the board - in Australia last year, confirming that novice riders certainly haven't abandoned quarter-litre machines under the wide-ranging LAMS system.

The Quannon 125 may not have the power of a Ninja but it still tracks along at a respectable pace - certainly enough to meld into highway traffic once it's up to speed.

With just 13hp and 9.8Nm to work with, taking off is not really a time to be complacent on the Quannon. In fact, exacting standards in clutch and throttle control have to be followed to get off the line with some purpose - otherwise it can leave some nerves jangling.

Perhaps a shorter first gear is the answer, which has apparently been addressed on a naked version of the Quannon, which will go sale in Australia later this year.

The nakedbike also has an aluminium frame, a beefier fork and a bigger fuel capacity.

Once blast off has occurred on the "Quantock" (our nickname for the Quannon, in deference to Australian comedian Rod Quantock), it's all about going along for the ride.

Fourth gear is probably the upper limit for city work, which leaves just a little bit of top-up acceleration if it's called for.

I only used fifth gear for a bit of highway work, where the Quannon sits on about 95km/h without a worry in the world.

While the horsepower certainly isn't overwhelming, beginners should enjoy phenomenal fuel efficiency from the four-valve engine. With the ample 13.5lt tank - which makes Honda's 18lt in its new VFR1200F sportstourer sound positively woeful - the Quannon should be good for at around 400km between fuel stops.

The bike's steel frame is mated to a non-adjustable 33mm telescopic fork and monoshock, which handle all but the biggest bumps with composure.

And the 17-inch wheels make sure it doesn't lose out to machines like the Ninja in the comparison stakes.

Elsewhere, the story is one of getting the job done: the cable-actuated clutch is light 'n' easy to use, the mirrors are functional, and the 800mm seat height doesn't discriminate against too many people. And the seat is fine for short-hauls, which is the Quannon's raison d'être.

The instrument cluster is a mix of analogue (tacho) and digital (speedo), which is functional and not rendered redundant by sun glare or an awkward pitch.

At $3590, the Quannon 125 is not going to wreak havoc with finances, and for that a well-made and honest commuter will be at your disposal. For beginners, the template shouldn't be much more complex than that.

SPECS: KYMCO QUANNON 125