Review by Allen Drysdale from scootersales. For additional images and video footage, please go to http://www.scootersales.com.au/News-2836-tgb-bullet-125.aspx
 
The fresh faced TGB has landed in Australia. An honest, sporty 125 cc scooter ready for action for only $3490 + ORC.
 
The budget 125 market has really spawned some terrific scooters over the last year or so. Shaping up to be the real growth area in the Australian industry, a 125 cc scooter will do most things easily, and with the manufacturers working hard to cater for the massive European 125cc market, we are really becoming spoilt for quality choice. Need a daily commuter or a weekend toy? Then a good 125cc scooter won't break the budget and certainly won't leave you wanting. Enter the Bullet 125, the latest offering from Taiwanese manufacturer TGB.

I've always been a fan of the Bullet 50, or as we know it here in Aus- the TGB R50X. The build quality is a cut above the rest of the TGB range and it feels extremely solid for a 50 cc scooter. Other touches like dual disc brakes and a combined digital/analogue dash finish off the package nicely. And not forgetting the 13 inch wheel package, which gives it a ride quality superior to most.

And now to introduce its bigger brother- the Bullet 125. Same twin disc brakes, same solid robust build quality and the same sporty appearance that is fairly unique in this segment. In fact, when I sat on the Bullet 125 for the first time, I thought I was actually taking a seat on the 50 cc version. A familiar environment brought about a sense of deja vu- sporty, compact and no loss of quality, with panels and paint that could well be on machines significantly more expensive. This really is first class manufacturing from the little Taiwanese Golden Bee.

And first impressions count. As I roll the Bullet 125 off its centre stand for the first time, I can't help but notice the scooter drops to the ground with a resounding thud. Being one of the first to ride the Bullet I can't help but be impressed with the feel of the package. The bars are close giving you the sensation you're sitting over the front wheel. This combined with the Bullets compact seating position will make you feel like a GP star. The compact and dynamic riding position is not at the expense of space, however, the leg shield protrudes forward making it just as comfortable for those a little taller then myself. In other words- everyone...

The engine is typical TGB; a sturdy, solid, reliable, 125cc interpretation of the GY6 engine, which will still be going long after you will. TGB has always had a reputation for bullet-proof (excuse the pun) reliability and the new Bullet 125 should be no different. Our test mule had only 6km on the odometer so it was a long way from being properly run in, making it hard to compare to other 125's I've ridden. But despite the engine's tightness, the motor powers the scooter along smoothly and once up to speed, will easily hold a steady pace. So solid and impressive is this chassis, I have no doubt it could safely handle an engine capacity twice the size of this cheerful little runabout. The Bullet 125 really does bring a new standard to this class in terms of frame rigidity which translates to safe, confident and dynamic handling.

Braking is no problem either, with discs front and rear. And while that's not unique in the 125 class, it's certainly a rarity at this price point. The braided brake lines also bring a firm feel to the levers unlike that squishy sensation offered up by normal rubber brake hoses.

One of the biggest surprises was the rear shock absorber. A common complaint with single shock scooters is they tend to be a little under damped, but not the case on the Bullet. I found the rear end control to be ideal for my mass and riding style, with the added benefit of some pre-load adjustability to accommodate extra weight like a passenger or heavily laden top box.

Just like on the 50 cc version, the dash layout presents all the info you need; with a large analogue tachometer in the centre splitting a digital speed and fuel reading. Clear and concise and a very fuss-free and clean dash, just how I like it, although I did find I had to adjust to 'looking' for the speed reading, because the tacho really takes centre stage. This is only because I'm used to riding bikes and scoots where the speedo is the same size (or even bigger) than the tacho, so your eyes fall straight to the speed reading. But this is only a little gripe, which wouldn't be an issue over the longer term.

With storage you will find the obligatory large bucket under the key operated seat, along with a 12 volt power outlet to keep your phone or iPod in tip top shape. Twin helmet hooks will safely secure your helmet/s on the outside of the scoot if they don't fit under the seat and the shopping bag hook is one of those foldaway 'carabiner' types that looks neat and doesn't catch your knees when not in use.

Unfortunately the rear wing doesn't allow for a top box to be bolted straight on but for styling purposes I think the rear end just looks too good to be bolting something on the back. I don't think the rear wing keeps the backend down at speed either, but it is a styling cue popular with the Europeans and the custom set throughout Asia. Sadly, to fit a top box (let's be honest, nearly every scooter has one) it is necessary to purchase a separate rack from TGB that looks as appropriate and refined as a cheap set of roof racks on a sports car.

But if the rear rack is not what you look for in a scooter, you'll be more than impressed with the other finishing touches, including the aluminium footboards, aggressive side vents, pin striping around the rims, clear tail/rear indicator lenses and a great looking, angular headlight set up at the front. The trick graphics (written in English) and contrasting paint on the rear wing emulate the fastest boy-bikes around, and is refreshing in a market full of single solid-colour 125's. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I understand why you wouldn't want a top box on this racy looking scoot. If you need to fit roof racks, don't buy a sports car.

So that was our first experience with the TGB Bullet 125. I look forward to having another go on their demo when it has freed up significantly, maybe even an extended test is in order. Looking at recent offerings like the X Motion 250, and you will see TGB's quality levels have lifted significantly; and the Bullet 125 is a fine example. Spare parts and warranty are all factory backed and you will find ownership exciting and hassle free.

For a compact, sporty and dynamic scoot that is unique in this segment the Bullet 125 really does stand head and shoulders above some of its bigger-selling competitors. Be sure to put it on your shortlist