Vintage style for the city
Matt Motorcycles HILTS125…578,600 yen
It's a cliché, but the vintage style, reminiscent of British cars from the 1950s, perfectly captures the essence of a motorcycle. The combination of a gently curved tank, a tuck-roll seat, front forks with boot covers, and a dual-shock rear suspension makes for a timeless motorcycle design. Some people will certainly find it a bit dated. However, it will likely evoke nostalgia for veteran riders familiar with older bikes, while younger riders will likely find it refreshingly fresh.
There are other distinctive features, too. The HILTS125's styling alone is a traditional road bike. However, the 18-inch wire-spoke wheels are fitted with extra-thick block tires, and it even has a headlight guard. The result is a bike with a scrambler-like feel. In any case, the design is timeless, making it a model you'll ride for years to come.
ADVERTISEMENT
Achieves a comfortable riding position despite being a 125cc
The full-size body, with 18-inch tires front and rear, is hard to believe for a 125cc, but when you actually ride it, it feels not much different from a 250cc class bike. In fact, it's only slightly more compact than its bigger brother, the HILTS250. Though it's a full-size bike, it's a Class 2 moped, with a seat height of 790mm, making it easy to get on and off. The 117kg weight makes it easy to handle. Incidentally, that's even lighter than the CT125 Hunter Cub.
The high-rise braced handlebars allow for an upright upper body position. The hand-stitched vintage brown seat offers ample flexibility, ensuring a comfortable seating position regardless of your build. The seat cushioning is a bit firm, but you can find a comfortable position without feeling cramped. This bike will be a familiar companion not only for city riding, but also for longer touring trips.
Foot reach check (rider height 180cm)
The upright position with a wide degree of freedom allows for comfortable riding regardless of physique.
The seat height is 790mm, so it’s easy to reach the ground. However, the suspension doesn’t sink much, so it feels higher than you’d expect.
Engine performance sufficient for street use
The engine is a simple air-cooled single-cylinder. It's based on the Suzuki GN125 and uses a 5-speed transmission. With a maximum output of around 11 hp, it doesn't feel particularly powerful. However, its smooth response makes it easy for anyone to handle, and it's perfectly capable of accelerating off the road. One advantage is that it has just the right amount of power and torque, allowing you to enjoy the exhilaration of full throttle on a daily basis. I found it to be just right for riding around town and touring in the suburbs. However, on mountain roads with many uphill sections, acceleration may not be as smooth as you'd expect, which can be a bit stressful. Well, it's a 125cc, so you need to understand that and drive with that in mind.
ADVERTISEMENT
The engine at the heart of the bike is an air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder engine equipped with fuel injection. It produces a maximum output of approximately 11ps from a displacement of 124cc. It doesn’t have outstanding torque or power in terms of specs or when actually riding, but it responds smoothly across the entire range and its acceleration from a standstill is not bad at all, so I have no complaints about using it for daily commutes around town or touring in the suburbs. However, when going up a mountain road with a continuous gradient, it may not accelerate well unless you use a lower gear. There are no problems with the touch or engagement of the transmission, and the gear ratio is also appropriate.
The rough ride needs improvement
As mentioned above, the HILTS125's full-size body makes it large for a Class 2 moped. This gave me the impression that the riding position would be comfortable and easy for long-distance touring. However, when I actually started riding, the ride was rough and stiff, and far from comfortable. The brown seat with its tuck roll looks good, but it lacks cushioning and is not very comfortable. Furthermore, the front and rear suspension movements are stiff, resulting in a rough ride. While this will likely improve somewhat as the suspension matures, I feel that modifications or replacements would be a better option.
The bike's light weight provides a generally agile ride. However, the thick tires can sometimes make the handling feel heavy. This is especially noticeable when initially banking into corners, so sufficient deceleration and a comfortable banking technique are necessary.
The brakes are single discs front and rear, and there are no major issues with braking power. However, they lack a sensitive feel. I think the ride would improve somewhat if the suspension's operability were improved.
The vintage scrambler style of the HILTS125 looks fashionable today, and I think it suits both natural and urban landscapes. It's slightly more expensive than Japanese bikes in the same class, but that's not a drawback if you consider it's a bike that you can ride for a long time without being influenced by trends. I also think it's a perfect model for riders who want to express their individuality.
ADVERTISEMENT
Detailed explanation
The high-rise brace handlebars give it a scrambler-like feel.
Round meter with built-in analog tachometer and digital display. Gear position including neutral is displayed on the display.
Left switch with passing, headlight, turn signal, and horn switches
The kill switch and starter switch are located on the right side. The brake and clutch levers are not equipped with adjusters.
The round headlights use halogen lamps. A protective grill is fitted to the front, adding to the scrambler atmosphere.
The round taillights are small, as is typical of custom models.
The beautifully shaped fuel tank. The paint is very beautiful and impressive.
The double seat uses brown tuck roll upholstery. It contributes to the vintage style. It also creates a sense of luxury. However, the cushioning is not good.
The brakes are equipped with single discs at the front and rear, and a combination brake system is used.
The rear suspension is of course a twin shock type with adjustable preload.
The steps are fixed and made of rubber.
Main specifications
Displacement: 124cc (0.124L)
Transmission: 5-speed return
Maximum power: 8.2 kW (10.8 hp)
Maximum torque: 10Nm
Seat height: 790mm
Overall length x width x height: 2020mm x 800mm x 1090mm
Vehicle weight: 117kg
Fuel tank: 13L
Engine: 4-stroke single cylinder
Fuel supply system: Fuel injection
Standard: Euro 5
Tires and wheels (front and rear): 18 inches
Brakes: Combined brake system
Exhaust: Right-hand outlet
