Essay – MacBor Rockster 125 / Rockster Flat 125 – to begin

High-displacement custom motorcycles no longer carry the same weight in the market as they did before, but when we talk about 125 cc, the situation changes. This is the case in Portugal and Spain, where Macbor has been showing good numbers, so it’s time to renew the small Rockster, available in two versions and at a very competitive price.

High-displacement custom motorcycles no longer carry the same weight in the market as they did before, but when we talk about 125 cc, the situation changes. This is the case in Portugal and Spain, where Macbor has been showing good numbers, so it’s time to renew the small Rockster, available in two versions and at a very competitive price.

It was in Sitges, near Barcelona, that we went to meet two new Macbor 125, the Rockster 125 and the Rockster Flat 125. These are two important proposals for the custom 125 segment, a segment that continues to sell many motorcycles in the Iberian Peninsula, with Macbor being a Catalan motorcycle brand that has been growing steadily. And if it is among the medium-displacement models that have been attracting attention, among the 125 it stands out for offering products at a very interesting price, and that are quite stylish! Speaking of these Rocksters, they were already very popular in Portugal and Spain, and have now undergone an evolution after a development carried out in the city of Barcelona itself. Simplicity is the key word, with air-cooled engines, but there are good details that show care, because in this segment every detail matters! Highlighted are the full LED lighting, the 100% digital LCD panel, and the dual rear shock absorber with separate reservoir. The braking with a disc on each wheel is combined between the two axles (CBS) and another interesting detail is the fact that these motorcycles are equipped with spoked rims – the front one being 18 inches and the rear one 15” – and also have a center stand.

MODELS – THE DIFFERENCES

These two models are practically the same but there are several differences between them. The base version is clearly more old school, more “easy rider”, with wide and high handlebars and a backrest for the passenger, while the Flat shows more current lines, as can be seen by the flat handlebars, passenger handle, and also by the Macbor logo on the fuel tank. The seats are also slightly different, more in terms of aesthetics than comfort, and in terms of footrests in the Flat version we have traditional elements, while in the base we find comfortable platforms to support our feet. Basically, these are the differences, plus the obvious ones in terms of decoration, with the Rockster 125 sharing the air-cooled engine that delivers 10.5 hp of power at 8,500 rpm, for a maximum torque of 9 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Quite simple numbers, even for the segment, with the brand’s executives stating that they aimed to maintain simplicity and reliability, along with a very appealing final price. An interesting detail is the fact that these models are very light, with 127 and 130 kg dry weight for the Flat and base respectively, which will not scare anyone, even those who are starting out on two wheels with an engine. [Image of the Macbor logo] Source: Macbor DRIVING

Regarding what matters most, it is important to say that the handling is easy and pleasant from the first kilometers, which is important for less experienced riders. The seat is low, the riding position comfortable and the throttle response is good, which does not always happen in low-displacement models, as well as the feel of the brakes, even without adjustment in the lever-to-grip distance. However, despite the beautiful front disc brake, it offers little power, so we have to get used to using the brake pedal more, which distributes the braking power to both wheels, and everything works well there, with a good distribution of deceleration power on both axles. In terms of performance, with 10.5 hp, it is to be expected that these are not the most powerful motorcycles in the 125 cc segment, but in the city and on short rides the single-cylinder engine responds well, the 5-speed gearbox is well geared, and we can exceed 100 km/h.

If your routes include a lot of highways and freeways, then these Rockster will suffer a little more. Only in some aspects do we feel that these Macbor deserved something noticeably better. One of them is the suspensions, as we noticed that the front fork is quite soft and the rear shocks too hard – although possible to adjust in the spring preload – generating a slight imbalance and discomfort in bump areas. The other less good detail is the quality of the tires, which do not offer the best feeling, even in dry driving. And by the way, we would also like the instrumentation to be a bit more complete and easy to read; but otherwise, these Macbor showed good components and pleasant driving. The Flat version pleased us more in terms of aesthetics, but the base ended up convincing us more due to the different handlebar shape and the presence of foot platforms, which ensure additional comfort. These are comfortable, accessible, and easy-to-drive motorcycles for those taking their first steps in motorcycling, and that’s exactly what Macbor aims for with these models. These Rockster already have good construction quality and finishes, are also quite beautiful, and above all are easy and very economical, in purchase and maintenance.  Source: Macbor **MACBOR ROCKSTER 125 / ROCKSTER FLAT 125**

SINGLE-CYLINDER 4T engine, air-cooled

DISPLACEMENT 124.7 cc

POWER 9.5 hp (7 Kw) @8,500 rpm

TORQUE 9 Nm @6,500 rpm

GEARBOX 5 speeds

FRAME steel tubular

TANK 13.5 liters

FRONT SUSPENSION conventional telescopic fork 37 mm, travel n.d.

REAR SUSPENSION double shock absorber with separate reservoir

FRONT BRAKE 267 mm disc, 3-piston caliper, CBS

REAR BRAKE 240 mm disc, 1-piston caliper, CBS

FRONT TIRE 100/90-18

REAR TIRE 130/90-15

WHEELBASE 1,435 mm

SEAT HEIGHT 730 mm

DRY WEIGHT 130 kg / 127 kg (Flat)

MSRP (from) €2,899