THE number of people drawn to motorcycling because of low travel costs is growing.

But it's not just about looking cheap and cheerful - two wheels are about looking cool too, without defeating that initial purpose by busting the bank.

While the big Italian and Japanese brands produce striking machines, owners pay a premium for the name and quality.

If you want to go cheap, there are plenty of Chinese brands to go for that rip-off the design of the better-known manufacturers at a fraction of the cost and quality.

Or you could go Taiwanese. Kymco has been around a while now and has mastered getting the balance right with good-looking small capacity bikes with a decent finish and quality and an inexpensive price tag.

Take Kymco's brand new for 2010 KR Naked 125 street bike that I've been riding around lately.

It's the manufacturer's first aluminium-framed machine that seriously looks the naked part with its ample headlamp that screams big bike, minimal fairing putting the engine on display, wide tank lending it a gym-toned look and bright paint scheme.

Little wonder Kymco wanted to add a naked bike to its range. This is the most popular kind of bike in Europe, never mind the UK.

And with 125 machines all the rage at the moment, you can't go wrong with a 125 naked machine. Every manufacturer with half a nose for business has got one.

Naked machines are ideal for learners. They look street-wise so you don't feel like a pansy on a 125, and there's not much expensive plastic to damage in an inevitable dropping of the bike. I don't mean do be a prophet of doom, but I've yet to meet an incident free learner.

Indeed everything about the KR builds learner confidence. The low 800mm seat height, comfortable upright riding position that gives you a good view of the traffic ahead, and ample steering lock for easy U-turns - the bane of the learner's life.

The whole bike is light, thanks in part to that aluminium frame, and therefore easy to manoeuvre at a standstill, or to pick up should you do drop it.

The KR gets Kymco's four-stroke, single cylinder air-cooled engine revised for smoother and more refined performance.

It's good for 70mph on the motorway, making it safe amid fast-flowing traffic. Because top speed isn't very high wind blast from lack of fairing isn't a problem.

Torque is good too for swift overtakes, although power can be slow to come in off the throttle.

To make up for this there's no harm in giving it a handful if you need to get off the line. The KR's learner-legal 12.8bhp is not enough to get you into trouble.

Handling is delightfully agile and nimble through traffic, while the disc brakes do a fine job.

However the engine's efficiency impressed me most: even when caning it down the motorway is till manages at least 70mpg, and with the very decent 13.5-litre tank capacity you can do an average weekly commute without seeing the petrol station.

The naked costs £2,699 and if you prefer sporty bikes, Kymco also does a fully clothed version called the KR125 Sport.

Kymco also has a subsidised insurance scheme that it's now extended to the KR range until April 30. It will cover you for £49 if you're 25 and over, or £149 if you're aged 17 to 24. The only downside is it's third party only.

£2,699 124.1cc, four-stroke single cylinder overhead cam 12.8bhp @ 10,000rpm 5-speed gearbox Aluminium frame disc front and rear 13.5 litres 800mm130 kgwww.kymco.co.uk, 01743 761107