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GPX Demon GR165RR: A Detailed Review

The GPX Demon GR165RR has emerged as a popular choice in the small-displacement sports bike segment, blending aggressive aesthetics with a decent performance package. Hailing from Thailand, the bike has managed to attract a significant following, thanks to its unique design, affordability, and practical performance. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the GPX Demon GR165RR, breaking down its design, engine performance, ride quality, features, and how it stacks up against its competitors in the small-displacement category.

Overview: A Compact Sportsbike for Daily Use

The GPX Demon GR165RR is designed to cater to both beginner riders and enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet stylish entry into the world of sport bikes. Its small displacement, 164.6cc single-cylinder engine, lightweight chassis, and sharp, modern styling make it a suitable option for city commutes, weekend rides, and even beginner track days. It fits into a niche for riders who want something sporty but practical, without the overwhelming power of larger bikes like the Yamaha R3 or Kawasaki Ninja 400.

Design and Build Quality

Aggressive Styling

One of the most striking aspects of the GPX Demon GR165RR is its eye-catching design. Despite its smaller engine capacity, the bike looks like a scaled-down superbike, featuring sharp lines, a compact frame, and aggressive bodywork that wouldn’t look out of place in a MotoGP paddock.

The GPX Demon GR165RR has a distinctive front fascia with a pair of LED headlights that resemble much larger superbikes. The fairing is sleek and aerodynamically designed, contributing to a sporty appearance. The compact, race-inspired tail section further adds to its aggressive stance, while the integrated LED taillight complements the modern design language. The clip-on handlebars and rear-set foot pegs enforce its sporty ergonomics, giving the bike an unmistakable racing DNA.

Build Quality

For a motorcycle in this price segment, the build quality is solid. The GPX Demon GR165RR has a lightweight trellis frame, which not only adds structural integrity but also enhances handling. The fit and finish are commendable, especially for a brand that’s not as established globally as its Japanese competitors. The use of plastic fairings is common in this class, but GPX has managed to maintain a quality that feels premium for its category. However, riders should not expect the same level of refinement as found in bikes from Honda or Yamaha, particularly when it comes to things like switchgear feel and materials.

Engine Performance

164.6cc Single-Cylinder Engine

At the heart of the GPX Demon GR165RR is a 164.6cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, capable of producing approximately 17.8 hp and 15 Nm of torque. While these figures might not sound particularly impressive compared to larger displacement bikes, the Demon GR165RR is designed with practicality in mind. It’s an ideal machine for city rides, providing adequate power for urban environments while remaining easy to handle and fuel-efficient.

The engine features liquid cooling, which helps maintain performance consistency even during prolonged rides. The Demon’s power delivery is smooth, though not overly aggressive, making it beginner-friendly. However, experienced riders may find the bike lacks punch at higher speeds, especially when riding on highways or attempting overtakes at speed. The engine does provide enough low- and mid-range torque to make the bike nimble in city traffic.

Six-Speed Gearbox

The GPX Demon GR165RR is equipped with a six-speed gearbox, allowing for more flexible gear ratios. Shifting through the gears is smooth, but the gearing is relatively short, making it more suitable for city riding and moderate highway cruising. The bike accelerates decently up to 100 km/h, but beyond that, its performance begins to taper off.

The clutch is light and easy to operate, making the GR165RR an excellent bike for new riders. It’s forgiving during gear changes and doesn’t require aggressive input, adding to the bike’s user-friendly nature.

Performance in Real-World Conditions

The GPX Demon GR165RR shines in urban settings. It is quick off the line, and the lightweight nature of the bike (weighing just around 155 kg) makes it highly maneuverable. Zipping through traffic and weaving around tight corners is where the bike excels. The short gearing ensures it responds well in stop-and-go traffic, providing ample torque at lower revs for city rides.

However, the bike does feel slightly underpowered on highways, especially when trying to maintain speeds above 100 km/h. Riders who plan on doing a lot of highway riding may find the top-end power somewhat lacking, especially when compared to rivals like the Yamaha R15 or the Suzuki GSX-R150, both of which offer a bit more in terms of top-end performance.

Handling and Ride Quality

Lightweight and Agile

Thanks to its trellis frame and relatively lightweight design, the GPX Demon GR165RR is extremely agile and flickable. It handles corners with confidence, and the combination of the frame and suspension setup makes for a composed ride. The bike is well-balanced, allowing both new and experienced riders to feel confident when leaning into corners or navigating through tight traffic situations.

Suspension Setup

The GPX Demon GR165RR features upside-down (USD) forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. This suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. For city rides, the suspension absorbs bumps and uneven surfaces quite well, ensuring a smooth ride even on poorly maintained roads. On twisty roads, the suspension provides enough stiffness to keep the bike planted in corners, making it fun to ride on winding routes.

However, for more aggressive riding or track days, some riders may find the suspension slightly soft. There isn’t much adjustability, so riders may need to look for aftermarket solutions if they’re planning to push the bike to its limits.

Braking

The GPX Demon GR165RR comes equipped with disc brakes on both ends, providing sufficient stopping power for a bike of this size and weight. However, it does lack ABS, which is a significant drawback, particularly for beginner riders who may benefit from the added safety of an anti-lock braking system. The brakes themselves are responsive and have good initial bite, but aggressive riders may find themselves wishing for more progressive braking feel under heavy load or in emergency stops.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Riding Position

The GPX Demon GR165RR’s ergonomics are decidedly sporty. The clip-on handlebars are low, and the rear-set footpegs encourage a forward-leaning posture, typical of race-oriented bikes. For shorter commutes and spirited rides, this position is comfortable and engaging, making the rider feel connected to the bike.

However, for longer journeys, the aggressive stance can lead to discomfort. The forward lean can strain the wrists, and the seat, while not overly firm, doesn’t provide a high level of comfort for extended periods. Riders planning longer trips might need to take breaks frequently to avoid fatigue.

Seat Height

The bike has a seat height of 815 mm, which is slightly higher than some competitors in this class. While shorter riders may find it a bit challenging to flat-foot the bike, it’s still manageable for most, thanks to the bike’s lightweight nature. Taller riders may feel slightly cramped due to the compact dimensions, but overall, the Demon GR165RR offers a comfortable and confident ride for an average-sized rider.

Technology and Features

For a budget-friendly bike, the GPX Demon GR165RR comes packed with several modern features. Its standout feature is the fully digital instrument cluster, which displays a range of information, including speed, RPM, fuel level, gear indicator, and trip meter. The display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and adds to the bike’s modern, high-tech feel.

The bike also features LED lighting all around, which not only improves visibility but also adds to its sharp, futuristic appearance. The aggressive front headlight design and the tail light give the Demon GR165RR a premium look, despite its budget pricing.

However, it’s worth noting that the bike lacks some advanced features that are becoming increasingly common in the segment, such as ABS or smartphone connectivity. These are notable omissions, especially considering some of the GPX Demon GR165RR’s competitors are beginning to offer these as standard or optional features.

Fuel Economy and Practicality

Fuel efficiency is one of the GPX Demon GR165RR’s strong points, with the bike returning an average of around 40-45 km/l in city riding conditions. This makes it an economical choice for daily commuting, particularly for those looking for a stylish and affordable ride that doesn’t burn a hole in their wallet.

With a 10.5-liter fuel tank, the bike offers decent range, allowing for several days of commuting between fill-ups. However, longer rides will require more frequent stops to refuel, particularly if the bike is pushed harder on the open road.

Competitors: How Does the GR165RR Stack Up?

In the small-displacement sports bike segment, the GPX Demon GR165RR faces competition from well-established models like the Yamaha R15, Suzuki GSX-R150, and the Honda CBR150R. Each of these rivals offers its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and the GPX Demon GR165RR positions itself as a more affordable yet visually striking alternative.

• Yamaha R15: The R15 offers more top-end performance and better refinement, along with advanced features like a slipper clutch and ABS, but it comes at a higher price point.
• Suzuki GSX-R150: Like the R15, the GSX-R150 has more aggressive power delivery and is slightly more track-focused. However, it lacks some of the GR165RR’s styling flair.
• Honda CBR150R: The CBR150R is known for its reliability and comfort, but it doesn’t match the edgy design of the Demon GR165RR.

Conclusion: Who Should Buy the GPX Demon GR165RR?

The GPX Demon GR165RR is an ideal motorcycle for beginners and intermediate riders who are looking for a budget-friendly, stylish, and fun-to-ride sports bike. Its sharp design, light weight, and manageable performance make it a compelling option for urban commuting and occasional weekend rides. While it lacks the outright performance and some features of its more expensive competitors, it makes up for it with a distinct visual appeal and affordability.

For those who prioritize aggressive styling, practical performance, and want to stand out in a crowd without breaking the bank, the GPX Demon GR165RR is a great option. However, riders looking for more advanced features like ABS or those planning extensive highway use may want to explore other options. Ultimately, the GR165RR shines as a stylish and approachable entry into the sport bike world.