Kawasaki D-Tracker 125 (2010-current): Wanted: Short-novice rider
Engine: The 2v single cylinder, air-cooled, 125 c.c. engine, delivers 10.3 bhp/8000 rpm and 1 Kgm / 6400 rpm torque, claimed values.
Actually this basic and frugal in terms of consumption engine, provides average performance to the small and lightweight D-Tracker. Changing gears at the limit of engine revs, first gear delivers 34 km / h, second 52 km / h, third 72 km / h, fourth 89 km / h and fifth 100 km / h.
Torque at the lower part of the power band is adequate, top power output is moderate. To attempt a nimble riding pace, engine revs should be kept higher than 7000 rpm.
Riding position: The saddle height is moderate, 805 mm. The width of the saddle is narrow, allowing very short riders to step both feet firm on the road.
The dimensions of the D-Tracker are small. Very small indeed. It¢s a supermotard type of bike, however the size of the bike is as minimal as it can be. The length, width and height of the bike are really small. The only part of the bike that differs somewhat to the minimal rule is the width of the handle bar and mirrors which seem wide compared to the motorcycle as a whole.
The weight of the bike is little, 114 Kg full, center of gravity is relatively low. The rider is placed mainly over the bike, riding position is neutral.
Despite the small size of the motorcycle, sufficient space is provided to rider and pillion. The saddle will be tiring over long rides.
On the road: Suspension adjustment is soft, front and rear. A 35 mm inverted fork is used, the only adjustment that may be performed at the suspension is the spring preload at the shock absorber.
The factory fitted tyres are Dunlop TT900GP, with quite small dimensions, 100/80-14 front and 120/80-14 rear.
The D-Tracker is a remarkably agile bike on town rides. The exceptional agility combined with the small dimensions of the D-Tracker result in a very easy bike to ride, which is almost as easy as playing with a toy. Changing of direction is rapid. The engine performance is modest even for this light bike, continuous gear changes are needed to preserve a nimble pace.
Urban streets imperfections are noticed a bit, which is due to the small wheels. The soft suspension compensates riding comfort.
Conclusively the D-Tracker is a comfortable bike, it would be even more comfortable, if normal, 17 inch size wheels, had been used. If that is permitted, ascending or descending any city street pavements is ridiculously easy. In general, the D-Tracker is a bike providing serious doses of fun when commuting, not because of the engine though.
At the process of filtering, although the handlebar and mirrors are the widest parts of the bike, there will not be any problem for the rider.
Steering lock is very good, it will not be a problem for the rider, either. Theoretically speaking, due to the nature of the bike, steering lock could be marginally better.
On B-roads the D-Tracker is again superbly agile. The 14-inch wheels combined with the short 1255 mm wheelbase result in super nimble bike.
Stability is also provided, the D-Tracker is not edgy when cornering. However, change of direction is uniquely fast.
At the fast pace, feedback to the rider is relatively good, factory fitted tyres do not build any particular confidence to charge. Suspension is soft for such a pace combined with a 70 kg rider.
Very frequent gear changes and throttle wide open are necessary to preserve a close to nimble riding. The use of the rear brake is also needed to drift the rear wheel at the entrance of the bend.
The moderate top speed of 100 km / h is not adequate for a safe highway use.
On dirt roads the D-Tracker is a very comfortable bike. The street tyres which are factory fitted, will set riding limits. The rear brake is a little more powerful than ideal for dirt roads use.
A 240 mm wavy disc brake is used at the front, a 190 mm wavy disc brake at the rear. A two piston calliper is equipped at the front while a single piston calliper at the rear.
The front brake is very powerful, providing good feedback. However due to the soft fork, emergency braking results in excessive fork diving. The rear brake is very usable providing average feedback.
Reliability: The engine reliability has been proven also to the KLX 125. Besides, the moderate top power and engine features, reveal that this engine is not stressed for an excessive top power delivery. The build quality is satisfactory.
Comments: The design of the motorcycle is aggressive, which may conflict with the small bike size. For the bike target group this is definitely an advantage.
The beautiful aggressive lines and edges at the front of the bike and mirrors, remind of the Kawasaki Z series.
The dash is absolutely modern providing all the necessary information to the rider. Lights are adequate. The tail bag reminds of good old on-off bike days. The holes at the plastic parts surrounding the fuel tank, define a racing touch. The wheels are chromed.
The D-Tracker is a small motorcycle, targeted at women, short riders, teenagers, etc., in their first steps into biking. Its like a child whose learning, begins in elementary school. The little Kawasaki will immediately create a sense of safety and intimacy to every rider.
It is possible that after some experience on the saddle of the D-Tracker, rider may feel restricted because of the small bike size and performance. It is a common practice that we often forget though: completing the first step in a field, by stepping on a solid base we will make the following, more difficult steps, easier.
The D-Tracker 125 does exactly that: it builds a rock solid base and confidence to the biking world of every short teenager - rider.
More experienced riders will perceive the D-Tracker as a small, powerless and eventually relatively entertaining petit bike.
Price: 3450 ¤
+ Easy to ride
+ Ideal first step to novice-short riders
- Not really attractive to experienced-normal height riders
More, specifications (U.K.)