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Archive for January, 2011

The 2011 Honda Civic lineup spans a wide range with technologically advanced Civic Sedan and Coupe models, a Civic Hybrid, a high-performance Civic Si and a Civic GX model that runs exclusively on natural gas.

A sweeping roofline and a sleek windshield angle convey an advanced, one-motion profile with a low and wide stance. The interior focuses on sophisticated styling with a two-tier instrument panel, comfortable seating and accommodating storage areas with room for mobile phones, MP3 players and more. Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise, sharp and fun-to-drive handling performance with its fully independent suspension.

Four engine and four transmission choices range from a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic DX, DX-VP, LX, EX and EX-L), with either a 5-speed manual or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, to a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic Si) with a 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance, and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The entire line-up maintains a standard array of safety technologies including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment. The Civic EX-L, Civic Si and Civic Hybrid include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control, as standard safety content.

Price: $15,605 – 27,150.
Invoice: $14,385 – 24,977.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player. The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. The system includes Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, a wireless telephone interface that works with compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via §teering wheel-mounted controls.

Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on Civic DX-VP and above trim levels, allowing for portable music device playback through the audio system. The Civic LX Coupe has a six-speaker 160-watt audio system with a CD player (four speakers for the DX-VP and LX sedan). All audio systems are capable of playing MP3- and WMA-formatted CDs. A ÚSB Audio Interface is standard on the Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models, providing integration for a compatible MP3 player or a ÚSB flash drive loaded with compatible music files.

Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. The audio display provides CD/MP3 text readout, and all coupes (except for the DX) plus the Civic Si Sedan provide a customizable welcome screen (exclusively on models without the available navigation system).

Engine

The Civic lineup for both the Sedan and Coupe start with the value-rich Civic DX model equipped with a standard 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter, SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), power windows, 15-inch steel wheels with covers and P195/65R15 tires, and a folding rear seat. The Civic DX-VP Sedan adds air conditioning, a four-speaker 160-watt AM/FM Audio System with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled), and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The Civic LX adds or upgrades: cruise control, power door locks, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, P205/55R16 tires, keyless entry, center console with sliding armrest, progressive blue illumination instrument panel meters, auto up/down driver’s power window, and a folding rear seat. The Civic LX-S Sedan adds or upgrades: alloy wheels, LX-S-exclusive sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters and silver stitching, LX-S-exclusive leather-wrapped §teering wheel, LX-S-exclusive rear-deck spoiler, and a chrome exhaust finisher.

The Civic EX Sedan and Coupe add or upgrade to the Civic LX: a one-touch power moonroof, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, ambient console lighting, §teering wheel-mounted audio controls and the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation, which also includes XM Satellite Radio2. The Civic EX-L adds or upgrades: leather-trimmed seating surfaces, console, §teering wheel and shift knob; heated seats; and heated door mirrors. The Civic EX Coupe and EX-L Coupe exclusively feature a 7-speaker with subwoofer AM/FM audio system with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled).

The YZF-R125 is the most advanced 125 production supersport machine that Yamaha has ever built. This radical, high-revving, fuel-injected 125 is the work of the same engineers who created our legendary YZF-R1 and YZF-R6 supersport bikes. And, as you’d expect, the YZF-R125 is packed with advanced MotoGP technology as well as a whole range of R-series type engine and chassis features. Its liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve, single cylinder, SOHC engine is tuned to deliver free-revving performance right through to maximum power at 9,000rpm – and for instant response and efficient operation this remarkable 6-speed 125 is equipped with a compact fuel injection system. The race-inspired chassis features a Deltabox frame and aluminium swinging arm for outstanding handling performance, and lightweight 5-spoke wheels help to minimize unsprung weight to give impressive roadholding. A large diameter 292mm front disc with a 230mm diameter rear disc make for effective stopping power, and the aggressive R-series bodywork.

Design And Styling

If you were to compare the YZF-R125 with anything, it’d have to be an early model YZF-R1, the bike that has won many accolades in the litre bike class over the years. Where many learner-legal rides have somewhat of a ‘cheap’ look and feel to them, this little beauty has quality throughout from the fairing finish all the way to the component strength.

It’s got a superb looking instrument panel, Brembo front brakes seal the deal in the brand name stakes, the low-slung exhaust looks prime, and the race-inspired front ‘number plate’ is a nice touch. If there’s one thing that does let it down however, you’d have to say it’s the ‘plastic’ feel of the grips – I’d be replacing them on pick-up from the dealer if I was buying one.

As you’ll soon see, the engine performance may not be at the level of the class-leading, top-selling Kawasaki Ninja 250R as you’d expect at half the capacity, but if looking cool is your thing, the Yamaha is top of the LAMS chain, only matched by Aprilia’s RS125 two-stroke.

Handling

Handling is where these LAMS-approved models are just so enjoyable, the YZF-R125’s race-inspired Deltabox frame being the heart of a sensational chassis. At 138 kilograms full of fuel, you can flick the Yamaha around from the outset, something which even the most inexperienced of riders will get the hang of in no time. The only real problem I can see as far as the chassis goes for young riders is the fact that it’s quite tall for a small capacity machine, but once you’re rolling the relation between the seat, footpegs and handlebars is very forgiving.

Take it through a swift set of bends or ride it through the city on tight 90-degree corners and it’ll react well, the balance of the chassis assisting you in flowing from turn to turn. The 33mm forks with 130mm of travel will cop most of what the powerful Brembo 292mm disc front brakes can give them when pulling up, but I would have liked to see a little bit of adjustability included. Meanwhile, the rear monoshock gives the same stiff feel as the front, not feeling springy at all and doing a good job of carrying my experience and 71 kilograms of weight throughout the test without a worry. Higher quality tyres as standard fitment would only increase this bike’s capabilities, so once you’ve built up some experience then be sure to trade in your cash for some new hoops.

Power

Engine performance may just be the Achilles heel for the Yamaha as it chases in the wake of its main LAMS competitors including the Kawasaki, however that doesn’t mean you should rule this ride out altogether.Put simply, the liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder, SOHC YZF-R125 doesn’t have the power or torque of the Ninja 250R, but it does outshine Honda’s CBR125R at the same capacity.

What the Yamaha does do very well though is deliver the power that it’s got, smoothly applied via the Electronic Fuel Injection system with 28mm throttle bodies. It’s capable of a top speed of 130km/h if you tuck underneath the paint, which is around 30 kays shy of what its higher capacity 250cc rivals can pull, but well over the Learner speed limit that’s widely enforced.

Yeah, the Aprilia two-stroke may have more juice up top as what is arguably the fastest top-end of the small bores, yet the way the Yamaha’s four-stroke power is delivered is much more consistent. It’s not really worth much comparing the different engine capacities that we have in the real world, however in the world of LAMS riding once you pass your bike test, it’s these range of options that are going to be appealing to you if you’re in the market for a new small capacity ride.

Conclusion

I was impressed when I first laid eyes on the Yamaha YZF-R125 on the web, surprised by its size when I picked it up from YMA for testing, and returned the bike as happy as a rider who’s tested Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP racer would be after a couple of weeks in LAMS mode. What I’m saying is that if you’re a Learner rider working your way into the high-paced world of motorcycling, you’ll feel proud pulling up on the R125, with only the L- or P-plate on the rear being an indication that you’re a newbie on the roads.

If sportsbikes are your forte then this is a very solid breading ground, perhaps a good way to earn your stripes before stepping up to a YZF-R6 supersport once you get your full licence. I enjoyed my time, and it’s likely that you will to. Just make sure you get a Rossi-replica lid to complete the package of an aspiring sportsbike stalwart.

Moto Rating
6/10 – Quality is the strong point of this boy racer, matched by its impressive chassis. Power is the only thing you’ll be yearning for.

Suited To
Beginners – Just get your licence and love Yamaha sportsbikes? This is the ride for you.

Bang For Buck
At $6999 plus on-road costs, quality is what you’re paying for in this ride.

Plus Points
+ Styling
+ Brakes
+ EFI

Minus Points
- Grips
- Tyres.