2018 Yamaha Zuma 125

Largest of Yamaha’s three Zuma scooters, the Zuma 125 is powered by a 125cc single with forced air-cooling rather than the smaller models’ liquid-cooling. Yamaha says the Zuma 125 is designed with off-road styling cues—a high-mounted peaked front fender, fork-tube gaiters, fat lugged tires, and hand guards—but make no mistake, this is a street-oriented ride. Fortunately, the engine is up to the task, with a superbike-bred four-valve cylinder head, EFI, and a lightweight, cool-running, ceramic-composite cylinder liner.

Electric starting, an automatic transmission (no shifting, ever!), side- and centerstands, two-passenger seating, 7.7 gallons of underseat storage, and a step-through chassis design make the Zuma 125 simple to operate. The 12-inch aluminum wheels and tires, front and rear disc brakes, and the LCD instrument panel with its integrated fuel gauge are positive steps up from the smaller Zuma models. And speaking of which, despite its larger engine, the Zuma 125 is nonetheless rated at 103 mpg fuel economy; with its 1.7-gallon fuel tank, this gives it a potential 175-mile cruising range. Now that’s literally far out!

Likes: Sporty styling, lively performance, disc brakes

Dislikes: Fan-cooled engine in a liquid-cooled world

Verdict: Attractive styling and ample performance at an affordable price