YAMAHA RIVA 125 (XC125) - OWNER REVIEWS
SUBMIT REVIEW
Milage: 5000 - 10,000 miles
Likes: Style
Dislikes: No manual start
Review: ”You can't go back in time . I installed a fuel filter.”
1993 YAMAHA RIVA XC125
Milage: 10,000 - 20,000 miles
Likes: Durability, Parts availability, Styling, Fuel economy
Dislikes: Drum brakes, Not quite enough power, Lack of storage
Review: ”I bought my 1993 XC125 in 1995 with 12 miles on it. The previous owner had dropped it, and she decided to get rid of it. I used it in Reno and Lake Tahoe. (6000’ in elevation). It was re-jetted and I averaged about 83 MPG. I made one road trip on it in 2000 - driving from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento on Highway 50 (mostly downhill).
This scooter will only run 55 tops, so if you want a highway cruiser, buy a 250 cc or larger unit. I have a Prima bag I use, because there is no storage under the seat like other scooters. It does have a rear rack. I'm still happy with this after 17 years. The optional windscreen helps deflect the air, and is highly recommended. Since I have purchased newer and more powerful scooters, this one doesn't get as many miles on it as it used to.”
1994 YAMAHA RIVA XC125
Milage: 1000 - 5000 miles
Likes: Just about everything
Dislikes: No room for carrying
Review: ”This is the first scooter I've ever owned and it is a fantastic little ride. It is great for getting around town and general riding. The only thing I don't like is that there is no room to carry anything but then again, it is only a 125 and isn't made to carry much more than the rider. Overall, it's a great little bike.”
1998 YAMAHA RIVA 125
Milage: 1000 - 5000 miles
Likes: Fun to ride
Dislikes: Where to put all your stuff?
Review: ”Received this scooter in pieces. It was abused by an idiot. Was told it just needed a battery (so why is it in boxes?). Motor was run out of oil and wiped out the piston and rings. Didn't want to scrap it so I bit the bullet and spent the $50 for the parts. I was shocked at how well it ran . Most all the parts were in the boxes except the glove box cover and the floor mat. I'm living without those for now. I was using a tractor battery strapped down to the luggage rack, but I have been riding my Riva 125 around a lot, so I decided to spend the $150 to get a title and it is now on the road with the correct battery. Next is a rear tire so it can pass inspection.
It likes to cruise between 30-40mph. With the wind at my back and in a tucked position, I have had it up to 67mph (I DO NOT recommend this, The engine wasn't designed for this). It’s a shame Yamaha didn't include an oil filter, low oil indicator and fuel filter...oh and a kick starter would have been nice too! These would surely make this bike last a lifetime.”
YAMAHA RIVA 125
Milage: n/a
Review: “I bought my Riva (obviously used) in March of 2009 with about 3000 miles. In the past 2 years, I’ve put another 700 miles on her. The bike was clearly kept under cover of the time as there are no scratches or sun fading to the finish. The seat was and is perfect and everything, down to the last indicator and bulb, worked perfectly. The basic high quality engineering and build of a Yamaha are still there after 16 years.
The bike is my first scooter although I’ve had a cycle license (and quite a few bikes) in the last 40 years. Between chronic shoulder problems and an increasing difficulty swinging my short legs over my Kawasaki, I thought it was time for something smaller. I live out in the country…with a main highway about 4 miles away and lots of slowly and rarely traveled back roads. A small paved road connects to a scenic highway about a ¼ mile from my house. I wanted something I could ride slowly and quietly as I enjoyed the sights and smells. As a big guy over 300 lbs, I knew I needed something bigger than a 50 cc model. The Riva 125 has turned out to be nearly perfect. I typically ride the scooter every other day from my house to the post office about 4 miles away. As I mentioned, almost the entire ride is on a scenic highway with a posted speed limit of 25-35 mph through marshes and riverfront. If I decide to ride up to the store and get some groceries (I installed a small basket on the back, there is no under-seat storage), its about 4 miles further with a 45 mph limit…no problem. I’ve had the bike up to an indicated 58 before but that’s clearly not the bike’s sweet spot. It’s happiest cruising around 25-45, faster than that is possible but less enjoyable as noise, vibration and wind buffeting increase significantly.
I’ve never had to test the emergency handling or braking of the bike but in normal usage, both are fine. The gas mileage seems to be right around 80-90 mpg. It has that nimbleness we like in a scooter but more stable than some of the smaller bikes. At a little over 200 lbs, you’re not generally going to pick it up and put it in your pickup like you might do with a smaller machine, if you need to take it somewhere for service. There seems to be a lot of parts and accessories on places like eBay but I’ve never seen much in the way of power increasing performance parts so I wouldn’t be riding too much on main highways with speed limits above 50. If you’re looking for a high quality stylish, medium performance scooter with ‘some’ highway abilities, the Riva 125 could be just your ride. I would certainly recommend it.”
- Bill
SUBMIT REVIEW
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