[Test Ride Reviews] The “CB223S”, Ideal for CB Starters

04/10/2016
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　The base model of CB223S is the FTR223 which launched in year 2000 as a dirt track model. CB223S is a FTR223 mounted with CB400SS style vintage fuel tank, spacious seat and TT100GP tires. Brackets (gussets) and seat rails have been additionally mounted to optimize rigidity balance. Engine intake is not a FI but a carburetor that meets new Japanese gas regulations due to the additionally installed strong catalyzer.

　Come to think of it, the machine does have nostalgic style. Tires are not the same as the ones mounted to FTR, they are slightly wider. Front tires are nearly the same size as the rear tires.

　The wide front tires provide steering ability that is no longer usual these days. Compared to standard road sports models, it takes time to change steering angle. In other words steering takes time. And that’s the reason why the front part of the vehicle feels slightly heavy.

　The vehicle is light enough to be easily handled by starters or riders small in stature. You won’t have trouble to lean the machine but if you’re expecting smooth steering, you won’t get what you’re expecting. It’s rather like a offroad vehicle, after all the base model is a FTR. (Photo: Takayuki Minami/Sachio Morinaga/Eiji Shimamura Sentence:Keiichiro Miyazaki/Yasuharu Ota/Yuriko Kobayashi/Yusuke Aoyama/Aotoby Magazine Editorial Staff)

The classic style with a tear drop tank has been adopted from its big brother, the CB400SS. Designs are simple but are long-lasting and people-friendly.The CB223S is available in 5 colors. Colors that come with the standard striped fuel tank are Classical White, Candy Tahitian Blue and Graphite Black. Colors that come with gorgeously painted two tone colored fuel tank are Candy Rubidium Red and Digital Silver Metallic.Due to the fact that the machine is based on FTR, it has a slim body with low seat that will give you a good standing position. It is more a 125cc than a 250cc. The flat seat will provide free position when you’re sitting on it but due to the forward handle positon and forward footrest, you’ll be able to find a position that best suites you. Regardless of your figure, you will have an upright position. The engine of the CB223S is mounted with Air-cooling OHC2 Valve Unit that has been adopted from FTR. Power and torque at low to mid range have been enhanced and settings have been modified for easy use to accommodate with the “basic sports model” concept. The engine corresponds to gas eliminations with air injection system. Due to gas eliminations, there is a movement to mount FI intake to machines mounted with air-cooling single unit engines, but CB maintains a carburetor. The carburetor is a VE3DC, CV model that operates with depression and equipped with piston valve that has forced opening and closing system to improve the movement of the piston at extremely low speed.The exhaust is flat and finished with black painting. By installing the catalyzer inside the silencer, the air cooling single engine will meets gas emission regulations although it is mounted with carburetor.

　The CB has well balanced suspension and tires. No matter what happens the machine will never collapse whether its travelling in the suburbs or on the highway at average speed range. The tires have good ground contact and sticks cohesively on the road. Presumably because the wide road tires make large contact with the road surface.

　The stable ground contact also has good harmony with the smooth and generous engine. Like the steering, the engine is also quiet, has little vibration and is easy to handle due to gentle acceleration. It is these aspects that enhance the highly intense stability.

　Imagine cornering at 80 to 100 kilometers an hour with the machine tilted so much the footrest may touch the ground and approach a thump. Usually you may loose steering control but due to its light weight, 223 is controllable even in such condition. The tires will provide excellent grip. And the grip of the tires are likely to be predominate than cornering force.

　When you’re running straightly it’s a light easy to handle machine, but when you’re turning at corners it has the capability to maintain stability. Which is great. The brakes work effectively because the machine is easy to stop and not because it has strong damping force. Due to the grip of the tires, the vehicle won’t slip, instead they will allow you to control the rear lift at sudden braking.

　The CB223S is a street commuter that will offer smooth comfortable rides with no difficulty at all. It will also provide you with plenty of dynamic performances on offroads. It’s easy to handle and is a versatile machine capable for all conditions. It is a good standard model that can be used as a base model for customization that is available at a value price.

Headlights are the same ones used for the FTR which feature a plated case. It is installed with 60/55W round halogen bulb which provides excellent light distribution despite its small size.The meter unit has been adopted from the FTR. A simple and compact analogue speed meter that features indicators that are kept to the minimum. The plated case is equivalent to the case used for FTR Deluxe. The size of the front tires are 110/90-18, one size narrower that those used on the FTR. Dunlop TT100GP tires, popular for their excellent grip performance are used due to the fact that the CB223S is categorized as a sports model.It also has features focused on pillion rides like long flat seat. Non-slip material is used on the surface of the seat.In regard of rigidity balance the seat rail on the rear side of the machine has been modified. The rear brake is mounted with drum brakes that have been adopted from the FTR base model. Tire sizes are one size wider than the FTR and are 130/80-18. Rear Suspensions are mounted directly to the swing arm and exclusive settings have been programmed to offer flexible features that are exquisite for basic sports models.