A good impression after riding it! The new Address 125 is packed with Suzuki’s conscience and attention to detail.

Suzuki Address 125…280,500 yen

The price difference with the previous model is only 6,600 yen.

When I saw pictures of the new model, the Access 125 for India and the next-generation Address 125 in Japan and Europe, on the Internet about six months ago, I thought it was a minor change.

However, I was surprised when I saw the article about the domestic launch event posted on this website a while ago. The changes to the new Address 125, which was introduced to the Japanese market in September, are almost a complete model change.

Differences from the previous model that can be seen from the exterior include horizontally oriented headlights, a front inner rack added to both the left and right sides, a rear carrier/grab bar that comes as standard equipment on the Japanese model, taillights/rear blinkers that have been changed from integrated to separate units, and a lid-type fuel filler cap that eliminates the need to insert and remove the key.

However, in addition to that, the new Address 125 has many newly developed parts.

What surprised me most was that most of the power unit, including the intake and exhaust systems and drivetrain, has been improved, and the underbone frame structure is different from the previous model.

Additionally, the fact that the gasoline tank capacity has been increased from 5 to 5.3 liters and the trunk space capacity has been increased from 21.8 to 24.4 liters is also an essential element when talking about the new Address 125.

However, perhaps the most surprising thing about this model is its price of 280,500 yen. In the world of motorcycles these days, it’s common for prices to increase by around 10-15% when a model change occurs, but the price difference between the new Address 125 and its predecessor is only 6,600 yen (a 2.4% increase).

The reason behind this is that around 800,000 units are sold annually in India, the main market for the bike. However, in these days when the prices of everything are rising, the price of the new Address 125 is sure to impress everyone.

The first impression is high-end and elegant

When I first came face to face with the new Address 125 during this test ride, my first impression was that it was “luxurious and elegant.”

That said, the somewhat retro style is a continuation of the previous model, but the changes to the lighting have tightened the look when viewed from the front and rear, and perhaps because the seat cowl and muffler cover have a sharper design, a different image came to mind from the previous model.

Moreover, when I pressed the starter button, the start felt luxurious and elegant. The main reason for this seems to be that the starter motor pinion gear has been changed from a jump-in type to a constant mesh type, but I also feel that the easy start system inherited from the previous model, which starts the engine with one push, also contributes to the luxurious and elegant feel.

Furthermore, I was equally impressed by how comfortable the center stand was. Unlike the previous model, which required a certain amount of strength, the new model, with its optimized mounting position and redesigned grab bar, lifts the rear wheel smoothly and easily with just a little force from your right foot and right hand.

So, even before I drove it, I noticed some surprising qualities that were different from the previous model. And in terms of ride quality, the new model also had some surprising qualities that were different from the previous model.

Lively and brisk running

Before I give my impressions, let me state the basic premise: I didn’t have a particularly good impression of the previous Address 125.

That said, it’s not that I had a bad impression of it, and I felt that its performance was sufficient and necessary, but like the old Address series, I just didn’t feel like I had to have it.

However, the new model offered a level of enjoyment in driving that set it apart from its predecessor and rivals.

First of all, regarding the power unit, to put it simply, it is powerful.

Although the maximum output is slightly lower than the previous model (8.7ps/6750rpm to 8.4ps/6500rpm), the torque in the low and mid-range is substantial (the maximum torque remains at 1kgf-m, but the generated speed has been reduced from 5500 to 5000rpm), and its characteristics and drivetrain settings are perfectly matched, allowing it to run smoothly through crowded city streets and rough residential areas.

However, as a result of the improved performance in the low and mid-range, the power output in the high-speed range will not be as good as that of the previous model (although when we tried it on a closed course, we reached 80 km/h in no time).

However, I think the power unit of the new Address 125 has ideal qualities for riders who want good response to throttle operation and lively performance in the normal range.

Next, let’s talk about the body. Compared to the previous model, the new model has been thoroughly refined in both maneuverability and stability.

The wheelbase has been shortened by 5mm (from 1265 to 1260mm), resulting in crisper movement, while the improved frame rigidity and revamped suspension system mean that the shock absorber when going over bumps in the road is significantly quicker, and the bike behaves more calmly when the rider takes action.

On the other hand, when driving the new model, one gets the feeling that with the previous model, it may have been necessary to be more conscious of waiting and going easy depending on the situation.

Well, I don’t want to just praise it, so I’ll just mention a few things that bothered me. I think there is room for improvement in the feel of the combined brake operation (the front brake is surprisingly effective when you grip the left lever), the ease of use of the brake lock lever used when stopping, and the shape of the backrest-like rubber on the rear carrier.

But those are the three points I’d like to mention, and during this test drive I was very impressed with Suzuki’s conscientiousness and attention to detail.

Riding position (height 182cm, weight 74kg)

Detail explanation

Main specifications