Is it big enough (Zuma)?

[Reeder36]

My wife and I purchased a used Honda Elite 80 scooter to play with. We enjoy it but want to get another so we can ride together. I have been investigating all of the inexpensive options (Vento, off-brand), Yamaha Zuma and Yamaha Vino 125.

I'm pretty hefty (250lbs) and thought that 50cc would be too small for hauling me around. That's what led me to research the Vino 125. Unfortunately, I can't find one anywhere to test drive to see the difference the extra cc would make. I did test drive the Zuma - it seemed to do great (maybe better than our 80).

Most motorcycle shops in my area don't seem to be helpful with scooters. They seem to all try to advise a "small" motorcycle (500cc-700cc). I don't think that it would be too much fun to ride a 500cc bike along with my wife on the 80.

I would love to have some scooter owners input. Should I consider the Zuma? It can be registered as a moped - so cheap insurance, no motorcycle license required. Is the Vino 125 worth the $700 price difference knowing that it will cost more to register, operate and insure? Should I consider the Vento to save $ - considering we will probably will ride only 1k miles per year as we're in the northeast snowbelt.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions?

[Lennox]

I have both..... and ride with me and my girl all the time. (she won't ride solo) I weigh 200, and she is 105. In there stock forms, the Vento ZipR3 is faster. But the Vento also has an inferior suspension.

My opinion would be to go with the Zuma, and do a 700cc kit if you ever need more power.

[XPS1210]

700CC?! WOW WHERE you get those from?

70CC kit I'm sure is what your refering to.

The zuma will hit a good 40MPH stock but with me 200 pounds gets down to 33 or so on hills...

I have a modded one (see my sig below) and can get around 48 and stay at 43 or above on hills...

I think the stock Zuma is fine however depends... if your not looking for top end on the zuma (when modded) it's a great bike and runds strong... lots of torque with the upgrades

[Reeder36]

We will probably mostly be riding in 35mph neighborhoods and such. Would it be better to buy the Vino 125 rather than buy the Zuma and upgrade? I like the looks of the Zuma way better.

[Lennox]

good catch JERED. Yes I meant 70!

If you are staying in neighborhoods, and like the looks of the ZUMA better, then by all means get the ZUMA!! You won't be disapointed.

[XPS1210]

I love my zuma... I do however want to get a vino too...

The vino is a single rider scooter and the Zuma is a 2 seater (stock), also the zuma is faster stock then the vino, however the Vino appears to haul butt compared to the zuma when modded... Erich's vino does in the 60 range and my zuma is not over 50 yet...

[danholt]

I just bought a Zuma a few weeks back and....it's incredible!! I weigh 190 and have no problem riding steadily at 40 mph....35-37 on hills....I LOVE my Zuma!

[Reeder36]

Thanks to all for the input! :)

[marylandmark]

195#

04 Zuma

I like the smaller cc bikes- just seem to be more of a "scooter feel" than a "motorcycle feel" the larger cc bikes have. If I wanted a motorcycle I would have bought one...

[mikhail masevich]

Jered modified zumas will haul ass also if you modify them with all the right parts. One dude had a zuma with a polini big bore and the pipe and carb and the variator it hauled ass at 64mph. Its just the way you modify it and if you use the right parts. I heard to break in a motor you have to use non-synthetic oil is that true?

[Reeder36]

I would like to get something soon to begin riding with my wife. Unfortunately, the Vino 125 will take until mid-October to receive. I haven't had the oportunity to ride one, as no dealers are able to stock. I'm not certain that it is that much better than the Zuma. I've heard that 2-strokes can outperform much larger 4-strokes. Is that the case here?

I rode an 03' Zuma that impressed me quite a bit. I think that I would be happy with that, but hate to plump down the cash ($1500) without knowing if the Vino 125 ($2k) is that much better. It appears that the 50cc's are easier to modify, although I've never been one to modify cars or bikes. I prefer to ride the vehicle in its stock state (always figured the manufacturer does things for a reason).

Has anyone ridden the 125? Is it worth the extra $500? Give me an excuse to run out and buy the first Zuma I can find!!!! :D

[larry-new]

I'm in the same boat...I couldn't wait and bought the Zuma.

I'm having a blast...this thing is wonderful!!

O.K., it could be faster...but I can negotiote a 40mph street with no problems...this will get me, with careful route planning, about anywhere I want to go....just went on a 20mi. night trip...

I told my dealer that I'd like to try a Vino 125 when it comes in. Could I trade my Zuma in? ...maybe...it wouldn't be terrible if I had to stick with the Zuma...

I'd do a survey, by car, of streets that you are likely to ride...

Larry