The Keeway Superlight 200 SportCruiser

The styling of the Keeway Superlight 200 SportCruiser needs a little getting used to, but it's a solid enough little motorcycle and it has a traditional air/oil-cooled single-cylinder 200cc engine. The latest Keeway sportcruiser evokes words like 'capable', 'sensible' and 'practical', which all make it away from what it is. And that isn't fair, it might not set all our hearts racing, but if you opened your eyes and see it as a 'small 200cc commuter bike for a reasonable price', the Keeway Superlight 200 SportCruiser would be perfect.

Keeway was established in 1999 in European Union. Thanks to its strategic geographic location in the continent, during the following several years Keeway quickly expanded to Central Eastern Europe. The success from early years laid a solid foundation for its further fast development in Europe.

The Keeway Superlight 200 is a new motorcycle model, the Superlight 125 has been a popular model worldwide, effective town motorcycle and its new bigger brother is the same but with added punch, the more responsive bigger engine making dartling through traffic easy in spots where a 125cc would struggle. Add excellent riding position with a good seat, and you have an accomplished 200cc commuter.

That's all very good, but I'm not sure it's enough. The Keeway Superlight 200 enters Thai market at a point when 250cc competition is hotting up. Kawasaki's 250cc and Honda's CBR250R set a high benchmark, being a brilliant commuter and great fun on city roads. The Keeway Superlight 200 offers a lot less..

For example, the brakes – which are fine, but could be a bit better. The front disc brake is weak compared to Kawasaki and Honda brakes, and the mere sight of a rear drum brake in this century is enough to start worrying. But, the brakes hold up, and they actual stop the motorcycle well within road safety regulations... and yes, it's only a wee 200cc...with a somewhat retro look, the longer I look the rear drum brake is not that weird.

If the Keeway Spuerlight 200 suits you, it costs 59,900 THB and it's a good build fuel efficient 200cc motorcycle. For me the Keeway Superlight 200 SportCruiser is capable, sensible and practical, but that's about it, if you're looking to replace your Honda Phantom TA200, you will find the riding very familiar, if you're after more, check out other 250cc single- or twin-cylinder motorcycles.