It is
said that a large part of the frustrations of the new generations come from the
anxiety of achieving goals in a hurry. This cannot be said of the new
MacborRockster 125, which takes the base of its predecessor and improves it based
on style and technology.
The
MacborRockster 125 is a truly special motorcycle for the Bordoy Motorcycle
Group brand. In 2017, it was the first model to materialize the brand's
offensive; It has also been one of the best-selling models since it was launched
a few years ago; and this second generation has the pleasure of having been
entirely designed in Barcelona.
If you
have paid attention to the opening of this article, what has been said above
cannot be applied to this new MacborRockster 125, where they have been able to
take advantage of the existing platform, have channeled the demands of their
users, and have shaped them in this new second generation. The result is a
motorcycle that, although it maintains a large part of its technical characteristics,
has gone up a notch in terms of design and technology. Of course, maintaining
the custom essence that has always characterized this Macbor.
How is
the MacborRockster 125 2023
Like
the previous generation, the 2023 Rockster 125 comes in two versions, standard
and flat. As we have learned in the presentation, in addition to the common
changes in each version, up to 22 modifications have been made. Elements such
as the LED lighting system, the teardrop-shaped tank cut on its sides, the
shape of the seat, the rear fender, the instrumentation... All this reinforces
the image of the current motorcycle but with a design that does not forget the roots of this segment.
More
specifically, the 2023 MacborRockster 125 opts for a high and closed handlebar
for more custom sensations. In addition, it is completed with platform-type
footrests and a backrest that will undoubtedly be celebrated by the passenger.
On the other hand, the flat variant dispenses with all of the above and adds a
differently shaped seat for more conventional motorcycle sensations.
We have
no changes in the mechanical part. It follows the 125cc air-cooled 4T
single-cylinder block that extracts a power of 9.5 CV at 8,500 rpm and a
maximum torque of 9 Nm from 6,500 rpm. It is associated with a five-speed
gearbox, and its consumption is 2.1 liters. Of course, the exhaust system
changes its shape, with a bullet-type tail that adds a certain appeal to the
whole.
The
cycle part does not change either. The chassis and suspension scheme is maintained,
made up of a telescopic fork with 37 mm legs and a double shock absorber with a piggyback. The brake equipment maintains the combined braking (CBS)
configuration, with a 3-piston floating caliper and a 267mm disc at the front
and a single-piston caliper biting a 240mm disc at the rear.
Equipment, the instrumentation has risen in level leaving behind the analog
sphere with the screen. In its place, a negative LCD digital display has been
introduced with all the necessary information: tachometer, speed, gear engaged,
oil temperature, autonomy...
How is
the MacborRockster 125 2023 going?
This
second generation has changed a lot. At the presentation in the town of Sitges,
in Barcelona, I had the opportunity to put the original model and the second
generation face to face and the change is abysmal. This new Rockster 125 exudes
more quality and a much more accomplished custom aesthetic. Climbing on it,
with only 730 mm of seat height, for a server, which measures 1.70 meters, is a
very simple task. Also moving it, it's 130 kg -127 kg in the flat-empty, to
which should be added the 13.5-liter tank, making maneuvering while stationary as
easy as executing a thought.
The key
is placed laterally, on the right side of the bike, we make contact and the
engine of the MacborRockster 125 receives us with absolute smoothness. You will
not notice pistons or vibrations, only smoothness. The screen allows you to see
all the information correctly, even with the sun shining directly on it. I go
out with the standard version, and after a few meters of acclimatization, the
smoothness of the engine remains the same, but it is somewhat eclipsed by a
clutch whose activation is noticeable in the last part of the lever, causing
the occasional jerk.
The
posture is extremely comfortable. Feet forward and resting on the platform,
arms raised and back straight. Far from what one might think, good control is
exercised over the motorcycle. We leave the streets and enter a twisty road.
Engine response is linear and only bites slightly before reaching the ignition
cutoff of around 8,000rpm. For this reason, we will be able to enjoy both
slow/medium speeds, as well as ask the 125cc single-cylinder to get out of
its comfort zone at fast speeds. Yes, it is true that raising the power to 15
CV would raise the levels of fun but "at the cost of reducing its
reliability," they told us in Macbor.
In the
cycle part, he wins by a landslide for the standard version. The custom position
translates into much more security and decision when entering and exiting the
curves. In addition, the platforms act as a warning by brushing against the
asphalt, but they also generate a feeling of euphoria on this bike. The flat
version, on the other hand, without platforms, and without such a custom stance,
becomes lazier when the curves continue.
As for
the suspensions, both versions have a setting that has generally been designed
for medium rhythms. Its hardness and filtering are fine in those situations,
but they are somewhat soft if we want to go faster. The combined braking is the
only point that weighs down the whole in a certain way. It brakes well in all
kinds of situations, but the feel of the lever is rough, without sensations in
the first bite. We will have to sink the lever a lot to perform effective
braking.
In
highway situations, we were able to do speeds of 108 km/h with a slight crouch.
At these speeds, the turbulence generated by the wind does not spoil the
journey. In addition, the smoothness of its engine does not generate too many
vibrations, offering a good view of what is happening behind it.
THE
BEST
Custom design renewed with successful changes
Technological leap: LED lighting, digital display
Smoothness in engine operation
WOULD
IMPROVE WITH
The feel of the front brake is too hard
With 15 CV the formula would become even more effective
The
changes introduced in the new MacborRockster 125 2023 give it a more attractive
silhouette, while the additions of LED lighting and the digital display
introduce the model to today. The mechanical parts and cycle have been
respected. It is a bike that turns well, has a smooth engine response, and has some
punch at the end of the rev counter. Except for that bittersweet feeling with
the CBS, this second generation of the MacborRockster 125 has managed to
introduce the necessary changes to stay fresh in the disputed segment of an
eighth of a liter. And all this on a motorcycle that costs around... 2,000
euros!
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