Yamaha Launches an All-New Zuma 125 Scooter
Sensing perhaps that Americans are likely on the verge of a wholly new interest in motorcycles and scooters as more than just toys, Yamaha has introduced a new, and more mainstream, version of its economical Zuma scooter.
The 2009 Zuma 125 ditches its smaller sibling’s 49cc two-stroke engine for an altogether heartier 125cc four-stroke, air-cooled single. The bigger powerplant should make the 125 a willing around-town commuter, and its ability to deliver an estimated 88 mpg should be a huge selling point to urbanites these days.
Fat tires on 12-inch wheels, cool double head lamps, and storage enough for a full-face helmet (bag of groceries, six-pack?) all make the Yamaha scooter a slightly cooler proposition for perspective owners as well. At $2,999 Zuma won’t break the bank either.
It’s likely to be a while before scooters see the kind of take rate here in the U.S. that they’ve managed to achieve abroad, but with broke commuters running low on options, we think that a two-wheeled compromise will work for many. Would you consider a scooter as a working vehicle? Give us your opinion, in ‘comments’.
2009 Yamaha Zuma 125
Key Features:
- The
Zuma 125 is all new for 2009. That tough off-road look isn’t just for
looks: the strong steel frame; fat, aggressive tires; oiled-type air
filters; beefy shocks front and rear and off-road style brush deflectors
make this scooter at home on unpaved roads while delivering all the
attitude you could want for the street. - All-new
125cc 4-stroke engine with 4 valves, a 10:1 compression ratio,
ceramic-composite cylinder plating, and electronic fuel injection gives
this new-generation Zuma a new level of performance. - Fully
automatic C.V. Transmission and pushbutton electric starting make the Zuma
super-convenient transportation. Both center and side stands, along with a
locking cover on the ignition switch, make it convenient to park, too. - There’s
room for two atop this new-generation Zuma’s seat, and lots of locking
storage beneath it. - The
Zuma 125 achieves fuel economy up to an estimated 88 mpg* with a fuel tank
that holds 1.6 gallons of gas.
Engine:
- Zuma’s
new fuel-injected 125cc single cylinder 4-stroke engine pumps out lots of
power for its size, using an SOHC 4-valve head with 10:1 compression ratio
and ceramic-composite cylinder plating. - For
reliability and easy maintenance, simple wet-sump lubrication is used. The
centrifugal oil filter built into the crankshaft means there’s no messy
oil filter to replace. - Forced
air cooling system helps keep engine temperatures under control, even
while idling at stoplights, for maximum efficiency and longer engine life. - Fully
automatic, V-belt transmission with centrifugal clutch provides easy,
twist-the-throttle-and-go operation with great off-the-line acceleration. - Fuel
injection provides the optimal fuel mixture for the operating condition,
including temperature and altitude, and that means easy cold starts, too.
Super-convenient electric starting is standard. - Oiled-paper
type air filter helps trap dirt before it gets to your engine, even when
riding on unpaved roads. The V-belt housing has its own off-road-style
wet-foam air filter for durability. - Upswept
muffler incorporates exhaust catalyst technology to reduce air pollution
and meet emission regulations.
Chassis/Suspension:
- Hefty
steel-tube frame has a step-through design for easy mounting. A two-stage
electrodeposition and electrostatic painting process provides a durable,
corrosion-resistant finish. - Telescopic
fork features beefy outer tubes for strength, while slider shrouds help
protect the 27mm inner tubes from debris. - Swingarm
has double rear shocks for riding comfort on the street and unpaved roads,
too. - Fuel tank holds 1.6 gallons for plenty of cruising
range. Fuel tank emission system includes a charcoal canister to control
gasoline evaporation and reduce air pollution. - Fat 120/70-12 front and 130/70-12 rear tires have an
aggressive looking block pattern for great handling on unpaved roads and
on the street. Tires run on lightweight five-spoke die-cast aluminum
wheels. - 220mm hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes combine
for serious stopping power. - Zuma provides both a centerstand and side stand for
parking convenience.
Additional
Features:
- Two bright halogen headlights light the way—following
current sportbike practice, the left side provides the 55W low beam while
the right side is the 60W high beam. - For extra security when parked, the main switch is
equipped with a key hole lock cover. - The underseat storage compartment’s cavernous
5.2-gallon capacity is roomy enough for a full-face helmet.
* Fuel economy estimates are based on US EPA exhaust emission
certification data obtained by Yamaha. Your actual mileage will vary
depending on road conditions, how you ride and maintain your vehicle,
accessories, cargo, and operator/passenger weight.
Comments
fantasyfreddy
sadly, unsafe.
motorcycles are the leading source of my dad's business. he's an eye surgeon.
he's told me doctors call them donor-mobiles. :(
Anonymous
Dear freddy please don't a constant whinner and do something with yourself like your father. Your attitude towards scooters shows a fear for the outside world.
Daniel Coté
Now retired, I commuted by motorcycle &/or motor scooter for years. In addition to the savings on fuel, in Washington state, 2-wheelers enjoy head of the line privileges on state ferries and can use the HOV lanes. At work, I was nearly always able to park next to the building I worked in. (No small perk when I worked at Boeing.)
There's an increased element of danger associated with 2-wheelers but I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider course and brushed up regularly with their Experienced Rider courses. And, I dressed appropriately - Helmet, gloves, boots, Aerostich riding suit.
Ramsey
Will you be able to license it as a scooter or will you need the full motorcycle license?
KT
Most states require a motorcycle license for anything over 50cc. The exception is the Piaggio MP3 3-wheelers which require only a regular auto license. Note that you can't take anything under 150cc's on highways.
EmilyG
I bought a Honda Ruckus (97 MPG) two months ago and although I LOVE it, I already foresee times when I will want to be able to go on the local 4-lane highway at 60 mph and I just can't do that with the Ruckus. (Top speed 42 mph, downhill.) I will almost certainly be in line to buy the Zuma 125 when it's available. Scooting to work IS a viable option.
Ducati Minor
fantasyfred,
Your dad's a prude. Not all of us are afraid of rolling on two-wheelers on the road. Millions are motorcycle/scooter riders and have not been in accidents. The accident rate among two-wheel riders is much less than in traditional motorcars.
BikerVoodoo
Scooters are a good way to travel for people who have NO other choice and are kicked in the butt by economic reality. A moped like a Honda Cub or Kawasaki KSR110 are also cool but scooters are easier to ride (CVT, electric start) for beginners, women or guys who are stressed out by shifting and kicking.
fantasyfreddy
Ducati:
I am happy 4u ur still alive.
Don't insult my dad: I was telling his story to help save your life. He has saved the sight of thousands of people. He can't help it if the majority of organ donors were former motorcycle riders! Motorcycles are obviously more dangerous than scooters...
(He told me he once rode on the back of a scooter in Vietnam a year ago for a few minutes and it was fun!... once!)
F
red
you live a very sheltered life.
i bet your not allowed snap crackle pops for possible eye injury.
rode back of?, once!?
donniedarko
Your pessimistic attitude is yours, keep it to yourself. This is about new Yamaha product, not fantasyfreddy's opinion on the 'suicide' notion of riding. I've ridden for 12 years. My current bike has 154rwhp, and I KNOW every time I ride I could get landed by a cager. If I do get landed I hope my organs save someone else. I might recommend prozac or therapy, and as for your dad, how does an eye doctor have a clue about organ donors. He's busy putting contacts and glasses on heads, he's not in the ER, by a long shot. Save your banter-
Back on topic-
The new Zuma looks great, I have a deposit on the Raven. I'll put a Carver surf rack on it, and be ready for work and the waves. est. 65 mph, un-modded, modded even better torque make it a very safe and traffic usable scooter. 50cc IMO are dangerous, to slow.
My ego is taking a kick because I never thought riding anything less then sportbikes, but the times are the times.
Ride safe all, and enjoy the Zuma if you get one...
guyrac
A REALLY big scooter advantage: a lot of cities allow them to park in bicycle racks, or on parking meters. This means you can commute for very low bucks, plus park right at your front door, for both work and home! btw, you're a donor mostly because you don't wear a helmet.
Yami Rider
My father was in a motorcycle accident 30 years ago from hitting a cat.. this prevented me from riding two wheels until two weeks ago when i bought my first scooter. the best investment i could have ever made! so far, i have saved about $75 in gas compared to my truck(in two weeks!) the zuma 125 will be my next purchase! scooter are becoming far more popular in my city(los angeles) and are going to change the ways of transportation.
scooters can be just as dangerous as motocycles if unsafe driving takes place. probably about 75% of motorcycle drivers abuse the laws by either speeding, improper lane changes, etc.if you ride safe, your life will be safe.
freddy... dont be affraid to live.
Honda599
I grew up riding mini-bikes, dirt bikes, mopeds (remember the Pinto II :) and worked my way up to motorcycles. I currently commute to work on a Honda 599 and get about 55 - 60 mpg. mostly on hwys.
I don't ride everyday, never quite garnered the confidence to ride the hwy. in the rain, but otherwise, it saves me a bundle on fuel bills. Got to know your limits and ride within them.
Dangerous, sure there's some danger to it, more than being in a car I admit, but you can mitigate some of the danger by dressing appropriately and always always wear a helmet. My wife is a nurse and has seen her share of "organ donor" accidents, but she has no problem riding on the back with me. I don't know the percentage, but to hear her talk about them, they almost always didn't have a helmet on and the accidents were usually at less than 45 mph. Never been in accident myself but I've had a few close calls over the last 25 years, all of them where almost caused by a car not looking where they were swerving. Always checking the mirros and looking ahead prevents most problems.
If fuel stays were it's at or keeps rising, scooters and more motorcycles will be on the road. Kind of ironic in a way, China was always portrayed as a country full of bicycles and scooters and some viewed that they were so backwards because of it. Now their buying SUV's, luxury cars and trucks, while we go towards more fuel efficient modes of transport.
But I digress. Stay safe everyone, keep checking those mirrors and save the racing for the track.
Scooter Granny
My husband (62) and I (52) learned to ride last year and bought 3 scooters. An 80cc for me to learn on while he took motorcycle classes. He taught me how to ride the small one. Then we went out and bought a 250cc. He rode that around while I was "mastering" the small one. A month later we went out and bought a second 250cc and now we both ride the 250 maxi-scooters. I've kept the 80cc for short runs. I put a small bicycle basket on it and use it for small runs to the grocery store. We also use the large ones for a grocery stop after a day of riding. It's amazing at what will go into the trunk of a maxi-scooter. I had a gallon of milk, a lg jar of mayo, a cantalope, a few peaches, apples and bananas, 2 bags of hot dog buns and my purse! My husband had a 10 pound bag of potatoes and a pkg of 36 hotdogs under his seat. Several ladies in the parking lot were amazed and asked it they were hard to drive. I said no, they have an automatic transmission and hand brakes like a bicycle. How easy is that? Oh, and by the way, they are really fun to ride!
Anonymous
Yes.
Looks like a great ride...the Zuma 50cc was a lot of fun. Rode one a few years back. I think I'm going to get one of these this year...It will replace an old beater motorcycle I've got right now, save gas, save environ. etc.etc. Hope I don't get run over by some crazy doctor in his SUV!!! Just kidding!!
Donald Moeser
Does anyone have a "rough" idea of horsepower??
donniedarko
@10 hp, and about 7-10 ft.lbs of torque.
Due to the O2 sensor on the exhaust means aftermarket mods will be usable as the ECU will adjust within reason. Mod updates, could bring 4-10 hp.
I dont care about top speed, but torque. A updated variator will liven things up, and a derestricted exhaust and more freeflowing air filter will give up @ 4-6 hp.
If Dynojet makes a powercommander for the Zuma it might be a little over-board but you could adjust the powercurve and fuel delivery very simply like most of us do with Sport Bikes
easyrider4
Freddy, you might as well go get behind the wheel of your HUMMER because it is "safer". Most of us don't have a choice. We have to find the cheapest way to travel. Scooters and small motorcycles are going to proliferate just like they do in third world countries. Mostly because we are becoming more third world here in the USA.
Martin
Considering the prospect of near $4.00 a gallon is here to stay, I would certainly consider owning one of those machines as a back and forth to work. I would retaing my car for those rainy days.
mikey
The new zumas are cool but they are not a 2 stroke I have an old 2 stroke and it is great it foes a little over 40 is 20 years old and runs great. I have a 150cc Chinese made twist n go does close to 60 and an aprilia 50 rally. If you are getting one for around town and money is an issue get a 2stroke. Less can go wrong, easier maintenance, and peppier than the 4 stroke alternatives. AS far as highway use goes do not do it. Even on small motorcycles such as a 250 don't. a big truck will blow by you and you will fell the wind and it can blow you over. If you don't want to shift and get on the highway buy an old hondamatic, they are cheap. Just watch yourself on the road to avoid accidents, act like everyone else is drunk and avoid times when everyone is drunk. Dont blow through green lights when their is no traffic getting t boned on a bike sucks I know. Slow down and look real quick if there are no cars near you. Use your horn and if someone does come close to hitting you let them no it, vulgarities, obscene gestures, something to make them think twice about not seeing a motorcycle again.
Anonymous
I like the new 2009 Zuma 125 --except for those bulky bug-eyed head lights. Yamaha could have done better designing the look of front end of this scooter - I get the idea of it's rugged looks might be used on the off chance somewhere off-road by people who prefer scooters to dirt bikes.
Technologically this is a great bike but practically off road scooting rarely happens. These lights unfortunately make the scooter look like I built it from spare parts from the auto wrecker. I hope there are after market head lights. Have you seen the cooler head lights on the Asian version of this bike!
Handicap scooters
Scooters, and especially environment friendly electrical scooters will gain popularity as more and more people make green choices. They are so practical and very low maintenance compared to motorcycles.
Diz
I commuted to work on a scooter for ten years until last January when I retired. Scooters and small cycles work well here in San Francisco, and they are everywhere. Downtown cycle-only parking meters cost $2 for all day, cars pay $20. I'm interested in the Zuma 125, but would prefer a somewhat larger scoot with more storage. Yamaha would be wise to build a larger version of the C3 or Zuma with a 250cc motor and a luggage rack.
Bruce
I want to be the first in my town to own one.
Can't wait!
Wish they would have made it to the market during this summer!
Anonymous
this is a very many looking scooter. i just saw it in person today at the store. i wish they would have something more feminine for women but still keep up the good MPG. does any one know of a more feminine looking scooter that has excellent MPG and goes about 55-60MPH. How fast does this scoot go? this Zuma being a 125cc engine?
Manny
My wife and I bought Zumas this past weekend. They had just arrived at the dealership that morning. So all weekend we were riding around and breaking in the motors. Today was my first commute and all I got were stares. Living in San Antonio, TX doesn't exactly lend itself to scooter commuting. However, I live only ten miles away from work. Plus it is all back roads that do not exceed 50. So far that is the fastest that I have taken my Zuma, but I know it can go at least 55. And luckily it was just for about 1/4 mile. The rest is between 35 and 40. The nice thing about it is that I can now laugh at all of the truck owners that I pass on my way to work. Poor saps. I figure I'll be filling up maybe every three weeks at about $5 total, where as trucks fill up at least every 4 days at almost $80. I should know. I used to own one.
Matt
I picked up my new Zuma 125 two weeks ago and now have 225 miles on it in Central Florida. I have commuted to work each day since the purchase and have been using it for errands as well. The SUV is sitting in the garage most of the time now. I have gotten 80 mpg with mixed driving during the break-in period, and have seen a real 55 mph on GPS, but I don't expect it will go much faster. FYI - The speedometer is about 10% fast. So far I am very pleased with the Zuma.
ULYSSES
I BOUGHT A ZUMA 125 2WEEKS AGO. I HAVE NOT ONE COMPLAINT ABOUT THE VEHICLE. I COMMUTE 20 MILES TO WORK, AND MY GAS SAVINGS HAVE DROPPED DRAMATICALLY. I HAVE OWNED MANY DIRT AND STREET BIKES FROM YAMAHA. BUT THIS LIL SCOOT BY FAR IS THE FUNNEST AND SMARTEST VEHICLE PURCHASE I HAVE EVER MADE. TONIGHT I HIT 570 MILEAGE AND I HAVE BEEN BABY-ING IT. A FEW TIMES I HAVE BEEN 55+, BUT ON AVERAGE I CRUISE IT AT 40MPH AT WHICH THE THROTTLE IS NOT EVEN HALF OPEN. I'M 5'10" 150LBS, AND IT MOVES WE PRETTY GOOD. MY COMMUTE EVEN HAS SOME CANYON ACTION AND I PUSH IT PRETTY HARD. I CAN EASILY SAY IT FEELS LIKE A SPORTBIKE/SCHOOTER. I HAVE HAD IT LAID DOWN AT 50MPH IN CORNERS. ANY ONE LOOKING FOR A SCOOTER I WOULD SAY LOOK NO FURTHER. THE ZUMA HAS IT ALL WETHER YOU WILL BE RIDING STREET OR DIRT. BEST MONEY I EVER SPENT. I CAN ONLY GRIN WHEN I GO TO THE PUMP AND PAY WITH THE CHANGE LEFT OVER IN MY POCKET, THEN SCOOT OFF FOR ANOTHER 100+ MILES OF ADVENTURES. GET A ZUMA AND YOU'LL BE FOREVER CHANGED. PEACE.
-ULYSSES
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