Spanish marque Derbi has the privilege of inaugurating the all-new Piaggio 125cc motorcycle engine on two trail bikes, one - the Mulhacén -designed for city riding, the other - the Terra - more suited to the open road. Something to give a bit of oomph back to a segment that is struggling somewhat in the face of the current craze for 125cc scooters.

Since it entered the fold of the Piaggio group, the Spanish manufacturer Derbi has set out to make its mark on the 125cc motorcycle market, on the basis of its well-established expertise acquired with the 50cc moped.

Until today, the models offered (Senda Baja, Nude and Cross City 125) were equipped with Yamaha engines, but the arrival of this new Piaggio-designed engine is giving another dimension to the creations of the Barcelona-based marque.

The Mulhacén 125 can unabashedly claim to tackle small urban motorcycles such as the Suzuki Van Van, whilst the Terra 125 has set its sights on a certain Honda Varadero, no less!

© DerbiNew 15 hp single cylinder Piaggio engine
As the leading European manufacturer of scooter engines, Piaggio was compelled to also offer a 125cc engine with gearbox. Even though motorcycles of this capacity are less successful than their counterparts with automatic transmission and variator, they remain a good launching pad towards the more powerful motorcycles.

This new liquid-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder engine, equipped with a four-valve head and double overhead camshaft, appears to keep all its promises. It delivers 15 hp, an output shared with only two rivals, the Honda Varadero V twin and the German MZ RT. Fuelled by carburettor but equipped with an automatic starter and automatic access to the fuel reserve, the Piaggio unit is, of course, Euro-3 compliant.

Flexible and furious
In practice, on both the Derbi Terra and Mulhacén, this engine demonstrates a pleasant, easy character, with good torque available from midrange revs, so you don't have to use the 6-speed gearbox - very pleasant, by the by - too frequently to obtain sound engine pick-up when overtaking or coming out of a corner. It is quick off the mark, but the clutch seems to require a certain knack in such instances.

Perfectly adapted to the city, this engine also has a very distinct character when riding on the open road. The furious tone naturally encourages dynamic riding, but you don't need to reach high engine speeds to have some thrills and fun. The final drive, moreover, seems to prioritise consistent power through the entire rev range rather than a very high top speed, which even so reaches a respectable 110 kph (68 mph) on both Derbis. At this speed the balance shaft reduces the intensity of vibration as much as possible. Fuel economy is also on the agenda, with an average fuel consumption of around 4 l/100 km.


© DerbiDerbi Mulhacén
This "scrambler" inspired by the Mulhacén 659, Derbi's first large displacement motorcycle, has a polished look that borrows from both street and trail bikes. Designed around a tubular steel frame, it radiates simplicity, but also charm and a certain elegance. Behind the small hood above the original headlamp is an entirely digital instrument panel that is relatively basic, but contains the essentials.

Compact, and above all very light, the Mulhacén 125 is ideal for beginners. It provides a natural riding position, tipped slightly forwards, that gives you a good feel for the sound, agile steering, with your legs perfectly wedged against the fuel tank with its carefully studied curves.

The suspension has not been treated lightly, providing a very good standard of comfort, as much on a day-to-day basis as when going for a ride along minor roads. Playful, stable and intuitive, this motorcycle allows you to make the most of the docile 15 horsepower of the Piaggio engine at your leisure. The Mulhacén can, however, be better enjoyed when riding alone rather than with a pillion, since space onboard is limited. The brake system, supplied by parts manufacturer AJP, proves sufficiently powerful and easily controllable, but would be better without the little noises it makes at the front during use.

All in all, this little Mulhacén brings a breath of fresh air to the 125cc motorcycle category by a clever combination of first-class performance and style.

© DerbiDerbi Terra
This GT trail bike offers greater scope than the Mulhacén, with more on-the-road capability. The image-enhancing Terra is a relatively opulent 125, with a front-end design not unlike a certain BMW R 1200 GS, the ultimate benchmark of high-powered road / trail bikes. More modestly, the new Derbi is aiming to take on the Honda Varadero 125.

Thanks to a moderate seat height and very well-thought-out ergonomics, the Terra shows remarkable ease in traffic jams, where riders can also count on its agility and the accommodating character of the Piaggio engine.

Although not as comfortable or luxurious as the Honda trail bike, the Terra nevertheless encourages you to leave the city to take full advantage of a reliable chassis, equipped with suspension with increased travel. The road holding enables instinctive riding, marred only by steering that proves a little too light when you approach top speed.

The practical aspects are more developed here than on the Mulhacén, with a functional rear rack, better passenger accommodation and more extensive and legible instrumentation.

At £2,699, the Derbi Terra is unquestionably a credible alternative to the Varadero, with the £800 difference in price between these machines not passing unnoticed.