Motorcycle specifications OrcalSK01 125 2023 Chin-obi

In recent years, many brands have emerged in a buoyant, low-cost niche. That of small, inexpensive, simply designed retro motorcycles, made in the "biggest factory in the world" and then branded with a European, African or American name..

Orcal is one of them, delivering its first foray in 2015 with an Astor with a taste of old English, with an infusion of Italy. The French brand is now moving on to something more modern, more aggressive, more techno.

With the SK01, we're no longer in the 60s. The style is modern, lively and salient, in keeping with the current trend for manga and Transformers. There's no escaping the copycat look, with Yamaha MT-style scoops, a rather Kawasaki Z-series face, and dual exhaust pipes that look a little Ducati XDiavel - but it's not all bad, and it shows a real desire to take a bite out of the category.

It's hard to believe you're looking at a Sino-French model. Many will be fooled into thinking it's Japanese. The LCD instrument panel is very similar to that of the old MT-07s. The sport-type brake caliper is also a fine demonstration of the desire for quality. What's more, the on-board lifestyle equipment is astonishing. The SK01 features USB and Bluetooth connectivity for music blasting through its speakers stashed in the side scoops. The radio is also included, in a rather cheap case. But let's be fair. On-board audio on a 125 is unheard of.

the Or cal has not finished surprising us. Unlike many of its compatriots, it has real tires, not carbonized bamboo. The 17-inch wheels are Metzeler Sportec M5. We'll be even more surprised by the front axle, which features a huge inverted fork 50 mm in diameter. Incredible! A dimension only found on MV-Agusta or big-bore models. In practice, this KYB component won't offer the same high standards as those found on European models - but it's a real eye-catcher. No adjustment is provided for the front. The rear shock absorber fares a little better with preload adjustment. Since the end of 2021, the swingarm has been in aluminum, with increased rigidity.

Little information on braking components. The 300 mm petal disc is gripped by a 4-piston radial caliper. The system doesn't look very violent, but is backed up by Bosch ABS.
Another European name makes its presence felt on the SK01: Piaggio. The Italian brand supplies the engine. A more modern, more powerful 125 single-cylinder than on the Astor and many other models in the retro-not-for-profit wave. This block features 4 valves controlled by 2 ACT, a balance shaft, Marelli injection and 10 kW / 13.6 hp since its conversion to Euro5. It lost one horsepower in the process. Torque reaches a maximum of 1.3 mkg at 8,000 rpm. Enough to show a little more spirit than the little English-old-school-replica.

The Orcal SK01 sets foot in a fierce category. It's going to have to show some grunt against the MT-125, 125 Duke, CB 125 R and other mini loubards. If that's not enough, it can count on a very powerful argument: price. At least 1,000 euros less than the competition, or ^1/5th of the price. The Zontes 125 Roadster is where you'll feel the tightest battle. But the design of the SK-01 and the name of its engine are serious cards to play.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos