Derbi DRD 125 SM (2009-current)

The four-valve single punts out a claimed 15bhp, and the key to feeling all of those horsies is wringing the DRD’s neck. The motor, though a sprightly affair that requires you to really hold on to the revs in each of its six gears, has an adequate hit of torque at the mid-top of the rev range. Runs out of puff in the higher revs, though, making it all too easy to hit the rev limiter and lose vital seconds on the run into town.    

The quality of the ride is good enough for any budding Christian Iddon to practice his foot-out cornering on their housing estate, though feel from the front end is not the best in the world. Sizeable 120-section rubber on the rear grips well enough, and seems durable (it takes a fair few skids to show evident wear). Front suspension is forgiving, with more than enough travel to soak up jumps from kerbs and unplanned-for potholes.

This is where the DRD excels when compared with its rivals. It’s not often you see pukka upside-down Paioli forks and a whopping great 260mm front wavy disc on a learner bike. Those brakes are powerful enough for stoppies – just don’t crash it in front of the girls, you’ll never live it down. Compare and buy parts for the Derbi DRD in the MCN Shop.