In 2009, Yamaha released its first Zuma 125, a big brother with a close family resemblance to the Zuma 50. Like the little 50, it had the typical Yamaha scooter suspension deigned for rough roads, and added a fuel-injected engine that helped it pull above its displacement, especially for the time. A major update landed in 2016 with multiple improvements to fuel economy, ergonomics, storage, and suspension and appearance tweaks.
For 2023, it's mostly the same with minor updates from 2021 and last year carrying over into this year...which is good, because the Zuma 125 punches well above its weight with a long-distance commuting-capable drivetrain and decent storage. Add to that a go-anywhere disposition, and it really opens up the possibilities for riding adventures both on-road and off. To that end, the factory chucked on a set of dual-surface tires that will attack both turf and tarmac with equal aplomb.
The combination of generous storage, comfy ergonomics, and the ability to cope with potholes and cracks without beating you (or it) up make this scoot viable basic transportation for commuters, shoppers, students, and anyone who wants a fun, affordable, durable, and extremely economical ride around town.It even has a 1.6-gallon fuel tank that gives it some serious legs no matter where you like to ride.
2023 Yamaha Zuma Performance And Capability
Yamaha relies on a liquid-cooled 125 cc thumper to power its little adventure-scoot. It's a long-stroke mill with a 52 mm bore and 58.7 mm stroke, and a moderate 11.2-to-1 compression ratio that won't be too finicky at the pump. A single over-head cam times a quartet of poppets to keep the top end uncomplicated, uncluttered, and light. That said, the engine rocks a Variable Valve Actuation system that helps to deepen the torque well, and broaden the powerband beyond what you can eke out of a more primitive valvetrain.
It's liquid-cooled, so you can count on good stamina, even under harsh conditions such as slow traffic or rough terrain, or in areas with warmer climes. The 2023 Yamaha Zuma 125 produces 8.0 horsepower and 7.0 pound-feet of torque. That power flows through a centrifugal clutch that couples engine power to a V-belt automatic transmission for that twist-and-go operation that scooter pilots expect.
The Zuma 125 has a top speed of 61 MPH. This means that you won't be safe, or even legal in some areas, on the interstate. However, you have plenty of speed for very occasional 55 MPH or less highway use to make this a proper little urban and suburb prowler. The engine also has a built-in decompression feature that unburdens the starter somewhat, which allows for quicker and more reliable starts. A rated 101 MPG gives it up to 161 miles of range
Design
Yamaha gave its Zuma 125 a rather chunky look overall with asymmetrical, steampunk-esque headlights set in a blocky front fairing. A high-mount mudguard contains the fling up front. Out back, a long, wheel-covering mudguard mounts the blinkers and the tag to do the same with the rear-wheel spray. If we were using one extensively either to commute at higher speeds, or in dirty or muddy conditions, we'd probably want to add the factory windshield and handguards, too.
Up front, stylized fairing lowers complete the leg guard area to protect you from the knees down. In the inner fairing, you'll find some more storage with a USB type A power port. There's more dry, secure storage under the seat with room for a single full-face bucket, or a book bag, or some groceries to add to the Zuma's built-in utility. Substantial grab rails bracket the pillion perch and flow into a tiny luggage rack, so you have some open-air cargo options as well.
Adding to its adventure-inspired design, this bike has a belly pan to protect the underside from terrain strikes. The step-through is full and flat with room for between the feet storage, and a pair of helmet hooks for when you and a friend are out and about. It comes without much in the way of rider protection, but Yamaha and other aftermarket suppliers have a big ecosystem of practical, aesthetic, and performance accessories that really let you customize it in any direction you want.
The seat is low enough at 30.9 inches off the deck, and it's beveled to make it even easier to get your feet on the deck. Yamaha manages to capture a modern overall look that is confidence-inspiring and mature. It's a genuinely serious machine in spite of its diminutive build and powerplant.
Specs & Dimensions
Length | 75.6 in |
Width | 29.9 in |
Height | 45.3 in |
Seat Height | 30.9 in |
Wheelbase | 52.8 in |
Fuel Capacity | 1.6 gals |
Curb Weight | 282 lbs |
Chassis
The steel underpinnings are tough with a deep dip in the middle to accommodate that convenient flush-deck step-through feature. A set of non-adjustable, 33 mm forks float the front end have 3.2 inches of travel, while out back, the dual coil-over shocks take care of business with a 3.1-inch stroke. All-around hydraulic disc brakes haul the thing down with a 245 mm disc and twin-piston binder, ahead of a 230 mm disc and single-pot caliper. These are full-raw brakes with no ABS to modify your inputs and their natural feedback. Cast wheels round out the rolling chassis with modern looks and a stylish bent. The rubber is fat with a 120/70 ahead of a 130/70, both in a 12-inch diameter that is small but fits with the Zuma's look well enough.
Chassis & Suspension
Front Suspension/ Travel | Telescopic upright fork/ 3.2 in |
Rear Suspension/ Travel | Dual shock absorber with swingarm/ 3.1 in |
Front Tire | 120/70-12 51L |
Rear Tire | 130/70-12 56L |
Front Brake | 245 mm disc with double-piston caliper |
Rear Brake | 230 mm disc with single-piston caliper |
2023 Yamaha Zuma 125 Price And Availability
The 2023 Yamaha Zuma 125 lists at $3,799. Your only choices are a Yamaha Blue over black colorway, or a full blackout version that forsakes all other colors. The bike is on sale now, generally at MSRP.
Pricing & Features
Features | Digital LCD |
Colors | Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Black |
Price | |
└ 2022 | $3,699 |
└ 2023 | $3,799 |
Competitors
Honda brings considerable pressure to bear with a handful of desirable features in its ADV160. Chief among these has to be the Honda's stock windshield that is both vented and adjustable for extra rider comfort right off the showroom floor. The overall look is a bit more urban than the Zuma, but definitely not any more modern as both are at the top edge of that particular design envelope.
Honda ADV160
Honda sneaks in a win in the engine category with a 157 cc mill that generates 16 ponies and 9.8 pounds o' grunt against 8/7 respectively. That power difference marks one of the benefits of the engine's short-stroke layout versus the long-stroke Yamaha. Honda also reports a top speed of 73 MPH, which is fast enough for short interstate hops if you're brave enough, and makes for more travel options when planning your route.
The brakes are a mixed bag. The front disc comes with ABS, but out back, a mechanical drum takes care of things without the benefit of ABS protection for a slim advantage over the plain vanilla. At least at the front wheel, which actually handles 70 percent of the braking work, so it's a tradeoff.
Honda also runs larger hoops with a 14-inch wheel ahead of a 13-incher, which makes it look more capable, though the tires themselves are biased toward the road work. You'll pay for that extra juice though, to the tune of another $800 at $4,499, and that may be a dealbreaker for would-be buyers on a budget.
He Said
“Yeah, it's a little blocky, but the Zuma makes it work well enough at the end of the day. This scoot, more than any other swing-drive machine, fills me with confidence when considering a jaunt down to and on the beach, or a hike to a secluded camping spot. As a commuter, I think it's great, especially since you can make your own roads when needed.”
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says,
“As a dual-purpose scooter, this is a real contender for riders that want the convenience of twist-and-go but don't want 'cute.' When folks hear 'scooter,' that classic cute Italian-style scooter design comes to mind. This isn't that imagine. It's rugged looking and now with the long-stroke engine, there's ample torque low in the rev range with smooth power delivery right up to the top end, so it performs as well as it looks.”
FAQ
Q: How much is a Yamaha Zuma 125 in the U.S.?
Available in Team Yamaha Blue or Matte Black, MSRP for the 2023 Yamaha Zuma 125 starts at $3,799.
Q: Is a Yamaha Zuma 125 street-legal?
The Yamaha Zuma 125 has the lighting, mirrors, and tag holder needed to qualify as street legal. It's an urban scooter at best, however, and doesn't have the power needed for interstate travel or prolonged highway travel.
Q: What is the weight limit for the Yamaha Zuma?
The gross vehicle weight for the Yamaha Zuma 125 is 597 pounds. The base model weighs 282 pounds, so the weight of passengers, cargo, added accessories, and modifications can't be more than 315 pounds.
Q: How fast will a Zuma 125 go?
With the 125 cc engine, the top speed of the Yamaha Zuma 125 is 61 MPH depending on wind speed and direction, incline, added cargo load, and how much you had for lunch.