YAMAHA VINO 125 (YJ125)

Having not sold a 125cc scooter since the 2001 Riva 125, Yamaha returned for 2004 with a 125cc version of it’s popular Vino scooter. The Vino 125 relied on a fairly basic air cooled, carburated, 2-valve 4-stroke engine which provides decent
Vino125
propulsion for a 125cc. The Vino 125 was sold for 6 years until it finally didn't make the cut for the 2010 Yamaha USA scooter lineup. In Canada, the Vino 125 is still available as a 2010 model.

The Vino 125 is good for about 48-53mph flat out. This about 10mph faster than it’s 50cc sibling, which makes it okay for venturing onto backroads but not really highway material. This kind of power makes it great for zipping around town or venturing on back roads. You’ll be a happy owner if you think of the Vino 125 as a peppy scooter for around town, not as a scooter for 55mph zone use.

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So basically, for about $1000 more than the 50cc Vino you get an extra 75cc’s, room for two and a front disc brake. That’s pretty solid value but you do also need to consider the extra insurance you are going to pay with a 125cc. If you’re looking for a vintage styled mid-sized scooter you’ve got a few options besides the Vino 125. Vespa offers their LX 150 and S 150 scooters for about $1000 more which nets you the Vespa name, some chrome bits and a few cool features like a microchip key. On the cheaper end of the spectrum, there are competitors from SYM (Fiddle II 125), Genuine (Stella) and TNG (Milano and Low Boy).

The Vino 125 is reported to be a surprisingly good handler with adequate suspension. As you may suspect, its also got a nice large storage area for your full face helmet under the seat. From what I’ve read, the front disk brake is good but the rear drum brake is fairly mushy, which means locking up the rear requires decent finger effort.

Pros:
* Good value
* Fit and Finish
* Handling

Cons:
* Low tech engine
* Mushy rear brake

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about this scoot.
Vino 125 Service Manual - Very helpful for anyone who works on their own scooter.
BikeBandit.com - Good for looking up OEM parts and finding out what’s available
Vino 125 Review - Great article! Have a read.
Another Vino 125 Review - Peruse this nice writeup as well.
Vino 125 Fan Site - Nice website for this scooter with good info, especially on aftermarket goodies

Key Specs:
* Engine: 4-stroke, air-cooled with fan assist, SOHC, 2-valve single
* Displacement: 125cc
* Bore and Stroke: 51.5 x 60 mm
* Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
* Fuel Delivery: Mikuni BS26
* Ignition / Starting: CDI / Electric & Kick
* Transmission: CVT
* Final Drive: V-Belt / Spur gear
* Suspension (Front): 33mm fork
* Suspension (Rear): Single shock unit swingarm
* Brakes (Front): 180mm disc
* Brakes (Rear): Drum
* Tires: 3.50x10 (Front and Rear)
* Length: 69.1"
* Width: 27.5"
* Height: 41.8"
* Wheelbase: 48.4"
* Seat Height: 29.9"
* Fuel Capacity: 4.7 litres (1.2 gal)
* Wet Weight : 239.8 lbs

Colors:
2004: Dull Red Metallic, Silver 3
2005: Dark Purplish Red Cocktail, Stardust Silver
2006: Deep Purplish Blue Metallic, Stardust Silver
2007: Deep Purplish Blue Metallic, Light Grey Metallic
2008: Deep Purplish Blue Metallic, Black Metallic
2009: Raspberry Metallic, Silver