In recent years, the number of motorcycles in the sporty 125cc segment has increased. They cater to newer riders while remaining affordable pricing and performance. FB Mondial, an Italian manufacturer entered the race with their Piega 125 a few months ago and it has now been officially launched in Europe for 4,449 Euros (Rs 3.60 lakh, direct conversion).
The Piega name was inspired by FB Mondial’s flagship superbike, which featured a Honda V-Twin engine. The 125cc model that debuted in Spain is designed by Rodolfo Frascoli. The man behind the design of the recently resurrected Suzuki Katana.
As a result, radical styling has become a trademark. The headlamp cowl on the FB Mondial Piega 125 is protruding, with vertically stacked LEDs. The back end is tidy, with a number plate holder mounted on the wheel. The aero wings, which the company claims are functional, and the ‘gills’ that stand out on the shrouds are the most interesting aspects of its styling.
A 124cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine powers the FB Mondial Piega 125. It produces a max power of 14.8 bhp and a peak torque of 10.5 Nm beneath the futuristic-looking bodywork. Its main rival, the KTM 125 Duke, produces 14.5 bhp and 12 Nm. The Piega 125, at 135kg, is lighter than the 125 Duke, which weighs 159kg.
It rides on non-adjustable upside-down forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. It comes with discs at both ends and a single-channel ABS. The Piega 125 features full-LED lighting and a colour TFT display.
The Piega 125 is an intriguing two-wheeler that competes well with the KTM 125 Duke. FB Mondial did have a brief presence in the country through Kinetic’s Motoroyale showrooms. But with no word on that collaboration in over two years, the Piega 125 is also unlikely to make its way to India.
