I swapped my R1100RS for this little big bike. A pretty thing with a revvy engine I was eager to test it on our local trails. The Thai tyres were not best for Devon mud and a 17" rear reduces choice of upgrade. I've lowered the gearing so I can use the first 2 gears up steep trails. I've not found a hill too steep for it to climb but a higher gear gives better control in muddy ruts. Ideally I would like a spare set of wheels so I can put in road miles. It's OK on the road although the seat is not for me (too narrow at the tank). The high seating position, good brakes and light steering make it ideal around town. 70.8mph is the top speed on my GPS and 15 mpl is about average before the warning light comes on.

This bike punches well above its weight and every time I think about changing it I ask the question, "Is the new bike worth £2500 more than my Derbi?" Emotions aside it's a tough call. The only bike that I would consider is a Beta Alp.
I'd like more power spread over the whole rev range. I'd also like Jess Ennis to give me a leg massage. Neither is gonna happen so I'm dealing with it (sort of).
I think Derbi missed a trick advertising pictures with hard luggage. They never appeared so they lost any chance of armchair adventurers getting outside. Journeys to Turkey, Morocco and Mongolia can be found on the web so this burro is well up for getting down and dirty.

The one thing I love about the Derbi Terra its very robust for a little 125. It doesn't even look like one! A few of people told me it looked like a 600cc bike! It doesn't even say 125 anywhere on the body panels. All there is are some sophisticated chrome letter spelling TERRA on the fuel tank. Sherlock Holmes would be clue less unless there is a big fat L on the screen! Its suppose to be a sportier alternative to the Honda Varadero 125 but its based on the BMW R1200. I've test drive many 125s including the Yamaha WR125, Honda XL125 varadero and the Honda XR 125. I wanted something powerful, reliable and looks cool as well. I found that the Yamaha had produced too much drag to affecting its acceleration, the Honda Varadero was more of a commuter than an adventure bike but I nearly went for the Honda XR125 until I heard of the Derbi Terra. The Derbi is by fair the quickest but the best handling bike I have ever ridden. It would definitely out accelerate cars in traffic and can hit 70 mph + quite comfortably. The engine can happily rev to 11 1/2 rpm and I can managed 180 miles per a tank of 11 liters of fuel. Not only that its cheap to insure. Most other 125s like the Yamaha YZF R125 cost over a grand for first time riders. I only pay less than a grand.

I've got mine fitted with dual purpose tires and it can plow through the mud with ease. The suspension isn't too bouncy but it loves the twisty country roads. It would make a fine commuter thanks to the skinniness of the bike, I can easily make my way through traffic on time through rush hour traffic. The seat is very comfy, pretty much like the Varadero. There is even a top rack fitted to the bike and I often use my givi top box as it is very handy to nipping to the shops, carrying my college bits and keeping my full size helmet in. Heated grips can make the world a difference and I definitely would recommend them for the winter riding.

The only downside of the bike is that the muffler can easily rust as it is made from mild steel. Same as the manifold from the Honda CBF 125! There are many aftermarket mufflers available to choose from including GPR, X Racing, Arrow etc. The fuel sensors can stop working when corroded but it can be a cheap and easy fix.

Overall, a fantastic first bike. I would definitely recommend it to any new riders as its one of the best handling 125s and quite frankly one of the fastest. I would be sad to see it go when I come to upgrade to a bigger bike. 5* I love it!

Had the bike several months now, turning out to to be a great commuter, riding sat up tall can see well above the traffic easily 2-3 feet higher than the average car and can see a long way into distance. Bike will easily out accelerate most cars at lights unless it's a woman in a new Astra or an old bloke in a white Mercedes >:( (sorry, I shouldn't tar with a brush). Bike seems to be built for off roading more than road riding, took some getting used to cornering with the high riding position but practice is beginning to make perfect.

Bike seems to have more grunt than ybr, cbr equivalents top speed a touch above 70mph (if I was on a motorway :-) )

All in all a great bike, starts every time, brakes are keen, seat is very very comfy,tank is large for a 125 and mpg is about the manufacturers claim of 75 MPG with me a heavy guy and a permanent top box fitted. You may get the funny looks from the police but they only have to wind down the window and listen to the engine to realise it's not a 650, it really is a 125 guvnor.

You've got the Long Way DVDs, you've heard Austin Vince's talks, you dream of Saharan sunrises BUT there's just one problem, you can't ride a motorbike. So what do you do? Simple, you get yourself a Derbi. Well, that's what I did anyway.

Of course the problem with being a learner rider trying to write a bike review is that apart from the little Yammie I did my CBT on and an ex-girlfriend's Honda CGT is that I've nothing to compare to. Mind you, with its adventure style, and a frame big enough to confuse most into thinking its a 250cc or more, there's not a lot you can compare the Derbi to. So instead I'll point you towards Fernando Retor who has ridden his Terra Adventure all round Europe and into the Sahara, or my friend Cherie who rode hers up from Singapore and round Thailand, both show you don't need cc's to enjoy an adventure.

So if you feel the road calling but your budget doesn't stretch to a DAS and a GS then check out a Derbi, you might be surprised.

To check out Fernando Retor's travels go here http://www.dondevasconesamoto.com/

And to read Cherie Tan's ride report go to http://dirtbikesaction.com/topic/2349316/1/