Megelli 125 R Sport

The Megelli 125 R Sport embodies a blend of sporty aesthetics and accessible performance, making it a desirable choice for budding motorcyclists. Its modest engine paired with a sleek design provides a delightful riding experience. The bike’s unique frame and nimble handling offer a fun and engaging ride. Despite a few minor drawbacks, its affordability and charismatic appeal make it an attractive entry-point into the sportbike category, showcasing a fine balance between form and function for the novice rider.

Dimensions & Weight

Transmission & Fuel

History and Evolution of the Megelli 125R Sport

Megelli Motorcycles, a British marque, unveiled its motorbike range to the world at the Milan EICMA exhibition in November 2007, marking the inception of a new player in the lightweight motorcycle segment​​. The venture was spearheaded by Barry Hall, the Managing Director of Sports and Leisure Direct UK Ltd, who had earlier honed his expertise with off-road Aeon all-terrain vehicles, mini bikes, and pit bikes.

The spotlight quickly turned to the Megelli 125 R Sport, which was launched in March 2008 at the Canton Fair in China. This step marked the brand’s ambition to carve a niche in the 125cc category, known for being a perfect blend of manageable power and nimble handling for budding riders​​. The production of this sporty little number spanned from 2008 to 2013, showcasing a single cylinder, two-stroke engine with a modest yet peppy output of 10.73 horsepower and 9.0 Nm of torque​​.

As the years rolled on, the Megelli 125 R Sport saw some evolutions in its design and performance. The homologation with SYM engines in May 2008, and the launch of its sibling, the Megelli Naked 125S, in September the same year, exhibited the brand’s growing confidence in the 125cc segment​​. Although it was the smaller sibling to the 250cc models introduced in 2009, the 125 R Sport held its ground as a viable choice for those stepping into the world of motorcycling.

The Megelli 125 R Sport’s journey, albeit brief, reflects a brand’s endeavour to introduce a blend of British engineering and aesthetic appeal to the lightweight sport bike arena. The bike, with its nimble handling and sporty aesthetics, left a mark in the 125cc category, setting the stage for Megelli’s further ventures into higher displacement segments. The subsequent approvals and homologations in different markets, including the USA in 2010, signified Megelli’s growing global footprint, adding a chapter to the brand’s evolving narrative​​.

Performance and Handling

The Megelli 125 R Sport, with its sleek, sport-oriented design, invites riders into a realm of enhanced control and exciting ride dynamics. Its sporty persona is not just a visual treat but translates into real-world performance, offering a riding position that demands a forward lean, facilitating better control especially at higher speeds​.

At the heart of the Megelli 125 R Sport lies a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine that churns out 11.0 horsepower at 8500 RPM and 9.0 Nm of torque at 7500 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox that ensures a smooth transition across the power band, providing a responsive and engaging riding experience​.

When it comes to handling, the Megelli 125 R Sport showcases a blend of comfort and agility. The chassis features a multi twin spar trellis main frame paired with a T6 aluminum trellis swing arm, forming a sturdy foundation for the bike’s handling characteristics. The front suspension employs a telescopic fork, while the rear is managed by a single shock with preload adjustment, striking a balance between ride comfort and sporty handling​.

The Megelli 125 R Sport has a dry weight of 110.0 kg, which plays a significant role in its nimble handling. The lightweight nature of the bike, coupled with a wheelbase of 1349 mm, allows for quick directional changes and a fun, spirited ride​.

The bike comes equipped with a single disc brake at the front, ensuring adequate stopping power. The laced aluminum rims shod with tyres of dimensions 100/70-17 at the front and 130/70-17 at the rear, provide a good grip, adding to the bike’s handling prowess​​.

Owners and enthusiasts have rated the Megelli 125 R Sport with a score of 61.6 out of 100 in terms of engine performance, reliability, and maintenance costs, highlighting the bike’s commendable performance in its class, despite its modest engine displacement​​.

Maintenance and Reliability

The Megelli 125 R Sport, like many motorcycles in its class, necessitates a regular maintenance schedule to keep it running optimally. Common maintenance tasks include the usual: oil changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake inspection, and chain lubrication. It’s important to adhere to the recommended maintenance intervals as specified in the owner’s manual.

The Megelli 125 R Sport has been rated by riders regarding engine performance, reliability, and maintenance costs. For instance, the 2012 model received a rating of 61.4 out of 100 based on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance costs as evaluated by riders​​​. These ratings reflect a moderate level of satisfaction among owners and suggest that the bike, while not without its issues, can be a reliable companion when maintained properly.

One common issue noted among some Megelli 125 R Sport owners is with the choke cable. It’s reported that the cable may break, necessitating a replacement. Moreover, the throttle on these bikes may get sticky over time. It’s recommended to inspect the routing of these cables as heat exposure can cause them to melt, stick, and eventually break. Re-routing them or insulating them may mitigate this problem​.

Moreover, various forums and online platforms offer a treasure trove of troubleshooting advice and maintenance tips for Megelli 125 R Sport owners. Websites like Fixya provide a platform for owners to ask questions and share solutions to common problems, offering a supportive community for troubleshooting and maintenance advice​​.

Megelli 125R Sport Reviews and Testimonials

The Megelli 125 R Sport has garnered a range of feedback from its user community. Below is a summarised list of the pros and cons associated with this bike, as reported by riders:

Pros

• Sporty Aesthetics: Many riders have expressed appreciation for the sleek, sporty design of the Megelli 125 R Sport.
• Affordable Pricing: Compared to other bikes in its class, the Megelli 125 R Sport is often praised for its competitive pricing.
• Decent Top Speed: Riders have mentioned that the top speed of around 121 km/h is satisfactory for a 125cc bike.
• Maintenance Accessibility: The availability of parts and the ease of maintenance have been highlighted as positives.

Cons

• Late Pickup: Some users have reported that the bike takes a bit longer to pick up speed compared to some other bikes in the same category.
• Initial Vibration: Riders have noted an irritating vibration, although it’s mentioned that this can be reduced with some modifications.
• Stiff Seat: The seat is often described as stiff, requiring extra padding for enhanced comfort.
• Underpowered Nature: Some feedback pointed towards the bike being underpowered, which may affect the riding experience, especially in situations demanding more power.

The variety of feedback reflects a diversity of user experiences with the Megelli 125 R Sport. While its sporty aesthetics and affordability are often praised, some performance-related aspects and comfort issues have been pointed out by riders. Through platforms like Bikez, Motorcyclevalley, and various biking forums, potential buyers and existing owners share their experiences, helping to paint a realistic picture of what one can expect from owning a Megelli 125 R Sport.