Pulse Adrenaline 125cc Motorcycle Review
November 14, 2008 by CarSnaps
Pulse Adrenaline
Some of you may have heard of it, others probably not. So what is this motorcycle that is absolutely gripping the UK auto market by storm? Well, it’s a 125cc, 101kph, 4 stroke off-road motorcycle with stylish looks to boot. It sometimes gets referred to as an enduro or adventure motorcycle as well, and that is due to its tough looking exterior and sleek, stealth bomber-style chassis. We’re reviewing this bike after coming across it in a fairly old Supermoto group test, published by MCN back in 2007, and we wanted to see how the thing stacks up against what’s on the market today.
One of the main reasons we’re having a second look at this bike is because it’s currently on the UK market at a jaw dropping £1295, and similar variations of it are on the market at an almost unbelievable price of just £1095! This, by anyones standards, is a pretty good price for a bike that seems to live up well in the MCN review above, but really, is it all that?
Well, let’s look at it in the context of a supermoto, which is a bike that is a cross between traditional road racing and the higher octane off-road stuff of motocross. Supermoto is an actual style of racing, and races usually consist of a mix of tarmac and dirttrack, and its in these circumstances where the supermotos excel.
To give the Pulse Adrenaline a good and fair review, we have to look at some of the other bikes in its class, and also mention their prices, just so you can get a good idea of just how well priced the Adrenaline is. Listed below are some of the other 2009 models available:
- 2009 Husqvarna WR 125: £4675 + OTR Charges (brand new)
- 2009 Honda CRF150R: £2400 + OTR Charges (brand new)
- 2009 BMW G650: £5,500 + OTR Charges (brand new)
That’s three bikes comparative to the Pulse Adrenaline but all at least 100% more expensive. Ok, so engine size is MUCH larger in some of the other bikes (BMW), but if you’re looking at a Pulse then there’s a reason; either its a first bike or you just don’t want to spend an absurd amount of cash on your fist super moto. Assuming that either one of these reaosns is yours, you’ll find yourself asking “So, if there is that much difference in price, surely the performance should take a hit?” Well, lets have a look and see…
Pulse Adrenaline Specs:
- Displacement: 125ml
- Engine Type: 4 Stroke
- Max Speed: 101kph
- Clutch Type: Hand Operated
- Gear Type: 1 Down – 5 Up
- Start System: Electric Start
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6litres
- Advised Fuel Consumption: Excellent mpg
- Front Brake: Disc
- Rear Brake: Drum
- Rampdale Insurance Group: 5
- Engine Type: Single Cylinder
- Engine Type: Air Cooled
- Max Power: 8.4kw / 9500rpm
- Engine Brand: Qingqi
- Bore x Stroke: 57 x 48.8mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
- Transmission Type: Manual
- Drive Type: Chain
- Suspension (Front): Upside Down Forks
- Suspension (Rear): Single Shock Absorber
- Ignition Type: CDI
- Tyre Size (Front): 110/70 17inch
- Tyre Size (Rear): 130/70 17inch
- Tyre Model: Tubed
- Max Load: 150kg
- EEC Type Approval No.: e4*2002/24*1364*00
How do these specs stack up against the Honda, Husqvarna and BMW? Well, if you read the MCN Pulse Adrenaline Review you’ll see that the £1300 Pulse Adrenaline comes in well below the others in price but does lack a mighty chunk of power comparative to the other Super Motos in the trial. Is the lack of power enough to put me off buying the Adrenaline? The answer, quite simply, is no. For £1300 you’re still getting a brand new ‘58 SuperMoto and even if you throw in all the usual bad sides of buying cheaper chinese motorcycles, (they fall to pieces, cheap build quality, parts are hard to get hold of etc etc.) you still have a cheaper alternative on your hands because any good chinese motorcycle garage/retailer, such as Marshy’s Motorcycles, Direct Bikes or any of the others out there will be able to bring the Pulse back up to spot on working order at minimal cost. Even if all the things that could go wrong do go wrong, the Pulse is still a better buy and for a first time Super Moto, you simply can’t beat it.
can you tell me what the seat height is for the 125 adrelaine bike
I got one of these few day ago, have not measured seat height, but I am 5′9″ and the bike is a perfect fit. The riding position is heaven; good view over my should and nice firm seat (but not too firm). Gearbox is very smoooooooooth. Hope this helps! Regards Robbie.
88cm from the ground to seat
what is the top speed of these bikes when derisrtricted {pulse adrenaline} wb thank you
iv spent a bit of time getting the best out of mine here are the changes ,16 tooth sprocket on front ,cost 5 pounds ,got more bottom end and mid range lost no top end .srrow end can off a honda xr 125 fits straight on just cut 2 inches off the pipe where it joins the front pipe ,and change the clamp to a 34 mm .ull see a massive difference there ,on top of the air box theres 3 holes where the air goes in to the airbox,drill 5 holes down each of the intakes make sure u take it off before u do this as ull get all the little bits dropping into the carb lol leave the orrigional air filter in and cut the lid off it and leave it in there flapping about no need for k and ns and cone filters trust me waste of money , then change the plug to a ngk cr8e,then oil to 10 – 40 semi synthetic make sure u do a oil and oil filter change every 2 months as the filter cloggs up on theese and thats where the engines break so change them as much as poss only costs 7 pounds for filter and oil is less than a liter so about 550 for a liter of oil cheap also i took the wheels off and greesed the spindles and bearings well ,and the las thing wohoo the carb put a carb offa 150 on it and change the jet trust me ull have a bike that sounds like a 600 and goes like a rocket but remember this only has a 5 speed box after i done all this the bike red lines all the time u can do this but not for long thats the only shitter why a 5 speed box i dont know they spoilt it heres my email robpittam@msn.com
I’m afraid to say that the Pulse Adrenaline isn’t an ideal bike for a first timers, there are nothing but problems with this bike, a friend of mine had bought from new and the chain siezed after couple of weeks, the rear drum is a nightmare when it gets wet, a ristrictor in the fith gear, front sprocket worn away, tax disc kept unbolting itself, rear sprocket bolts shattered and a new rear wheel.
The bike itself handles very poorly, especially in the wet, due the height and centre of gravity of the bike, the wheels are not the best of quality, the rear wheel kept slipping and ending up having close calls with traffic.
It is a Chinese import so don’t expect all the quality you see on the bike, its a pain when ordering new parts, its almost impossible to get your hands on the parts you need because it’s an import, you either ordered and its not the right parts or it doesn’t turn up at all.
Good luck to all Pulse Adrenaline owners, hope this helps.
I both agree & disagree with Joycey as I have had no mechanical problems with the bike everything works perfectly but have to admit the grip level is shocking in the wet its almost dangerous – I only ever ride it in the dry as its no fun in the wet.
Apart from that its the perfect learner legal bike that with the price tag of less than £1000 you cant really go wrong & as the price is so low it doesnt really depreciate in price either!!!
These bikes are branded by various names, the Sinnis Apache and Superbyke RMR 125 are the same bike, and they are all Chinese made copies of the Suzuki DR125 engine in a more modern chassis.I have an RMR125 as an economical commuting alternative to my VFR800. I love mine, and I have done a number of mods to it. It currently has a bigger carb from the RMR200 on it, a P&P end can and a Kamikaze CDI unit both from Xian Racing,and this perks up the accelaration and mid range a fair bit.It gets up to 50mph pretty quickly, and quicker than most cars off the lights, and top speed is about 70-75mph, given enough flat road.Realistically 60mph is what the most it gets to regularly on my back-road commute though.
Where the fun really live is in the handling-it is very light and flickable, and redlining it everywhere is great fun. I do agree about the grip, but this is purely down to the chinese tyres-the rear in particular is lethal in the wet.This is easily sorted by replacing them with something like Bridgestone BT45s. I also got hold of some off road wheels for mine (for a DR125/200), and the rear fits straight on, with the front requiring a bit of ingenuity as the Dr spindle is smaller.This opens up a whole new world of fun as I with knobblies fitted it is perfect for off road work, as it is very light and has enough power to cope without being overwhelming.
Gearing wise, I currently have an 18 inch rear with an Avon Distanzia and a 50 tooth sprocket, and this gives the previously mentioned performance.At the moment is has the original 17 inch front wheel and tyre and combined with the rear Distanzia, grip and handling is fine.When the front wears out I’m going to fit the 21inch wheel with another Disatnzia.
It is unbeatable value,although I didn’t buy new and I wouldn’t advise any one else to.i paid £900 last year for it with 200 miles on the clock, and there are plenty seconda hand examples around for £500-£1000 depending on mileage and condition. This gives you some spare cash to sort the tyres and put a pipe on, then you will have a very fun and capable machine.
Oh yeah,in 5000 miles I’ve never had any mechanical issues with it, and as long as you keep on top of maintainance,lubrication and cleaning nor should you.The engine is bullet proof, and I’ve heard that the Suzuki branded engines actually come from the same Chinese factory…..
I have a 58 plate adrenaline,i’ve had a few minor faults but nothing serious.my bike is amazing in the dry & not bad in the Wet,i think that you all just don’t know how 2 ride a bike properly….
ive own a rmr 125 for 8 months now and done long jorneys on it use it every day its done 16k had no probs wit engine at all the engines are spot on let you no the milage if and when i get problems wit it the rest or the bike is abit poor but its a cheap chinese at the end of the day just change a few bits on them to make a realy nice bike
Does the pulse adrenaline have kick start aswell as electric? Thanks
hi i have just bought an rmr 125 (08)an it will only do around 54mph how are these bikes restricted so i can un restrict it? Cheers
I have RMR 125 (09) an it will only do around 60 km/h.
I have an RMR200, & must agree with Rob Pittam & Dan. Regular oil changes are an absolute must!
With reference to these engines being copies, that is not absolutely true as the Bikes are made in China by a company called Qingqi where they are known as QM125 GY & QM200 GY’s.
The company is partly owned by Suzuki & the plant manufacture all Suzuki’s sub 200cc engines! This is the reason that so many engine & sevice parts are interchangeable.
Due to this, the mechanical reliability of the engine is the same as the Suzuki, but only if you carry out regular maintenance!
My son as owned his Pulse adrelian for three months now and the rear brake hub has collasped when he was brakeing looks like poor casting from manufacture contacted the dealer we bought from and he said in our sons fault useu#ing brake to much its only done 1500 milesc contacted Llexter imports and they said contact dealer the bike is totaly unsafe as any one else had problems we cant afford to lose £1650
Im thinking about this bike versus the Kawasaki KLX 125. The Kawasaki is a grand more expensive. As a learner biker, am I going to notice the difference and is it going to be worth the extra cost? Cheers
ive had a sinnis apache for 2 years on may and i cant fault the bike ive riden this bike all year round in snow rain hail frost the lot and its never let me down apart from the led back lights went out 1 by 1 wich was easily solved the tires arent briliant in the wet but thats fine as long as your a good driver.and ive got 18000 miles on it so to you that says its shit i think you havent looked after it or your frightend of it
does the seat have storage because my girl friend as a 2010 sinnis apache 125 and she wants to know if the seat lifts up and if it does how do you do it
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