2011 Yamaha XC125 Vity

The Yamaha XC125 Vity has just been added to the motorcycle company's scooter line-up in Australia, with a price-point of just $2699.

Propelled by the same engine that provides motive force to its sister product, the Yamaha BeeWee, the 2011 Vity uses a compact air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine displacing 125cc.

The engine is angled forward slightly for better stability and the fuel is electronically injected into the cylinder in measured amounts to improve fuel economy. Money has been saved in the design of the scooter by omitting a front wheel fender, and instead extending the scooter's front cowling to act as a rain/mud guard.

With a single overhead camshaft and two-valves -- one inlet, one exhaust -- the 2011 Yamaha Vity scooter is purpose built for urban environments, though unlike some its rivals it has a modest compression ratio of 9.5:1. Like most modern scooters the rider needn't worry about changing gears, because the Vity has a CVT (continuously variable transmission) setup, giving the scooter true twist-and-go operation.

Yamaha Motors Australia expects to find the majority of potential Vity 125 scooter buyers in urban and city areas, with an affordable price, tidy design and reliable engineering the focal points of the vehicle. In a recent press statement, Yamaha Motor Australia said "Vity is ideally suited to life on congested urban streets," adding that the XC125 scooter "combines city practicality with economy, taking the strain out of the daily commute."

Weighing just 110kg the scooter could probably be bench-pressed by a bodybuilder, and it's this light weight and short 1250mm wheelbase that improve its urban suitably. Yamaha reckons the tiny two-wheeler has quick steering that together with a short wheelbase contributes to improved low speed manoeuvrability.

The fuel tank has a 5.5-litre capacity and the telescopic front forks and rear suspension unit have 80mm and 65mm of travel respectively.

Yamaha has designed the Vity to be an easy-to-ride entry-level scooter with a low 730mm seat height. The low dual passenger seat makes it easy for riders to put their feet on the ground when stopped and "helps to keep the scooter’s centre of gravity low – for great manoeuvrability" says Yammy.

Though the images don't show it, the Vity has a clear instrument panel, with several elements, including a fuel gauge, analogue speedometer, and various indicator and function lights.

To improve long-distance rides, a heavily padded seat that "provides ample room for a passenger" plus a useful storage area below the steering column have been added, not to mention ample underseat storage for "stowing a helmet and essentials." That's probably not a full-face helmet though, as most scooters of this size cater for open faced helmets.

A luggage rack fitted to the rear of the bike comes as standard equipment, improving the scooter's practicality, as does an electric starter button.

As acceleration is taken care of by the 125cc SOHC engine, deceleration falls to a "powerful" 153mm diameter front disc brake. The rear gets a low-tech drum brake. Together they provide "smooth and predictable stopping power".

Running gear comprises light weight 10-inch aluminium alloy wheel rims shod with 100/90-10 tyres at both ends, which are finished in black to give the scooter a bit of visual pride.

As one of Yamaha's more affordable models at $2699, the 2011 XC125 Vity will give the entry-level scooter market a mild shake-up, providing an alternative to some of the lesser-known brands.

It also comes with a 12 month/unlimited km parts and labour warranty and is available in white or silver.

Engine type Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, Forward-inclined single cylinder, 2-valve
Displacement 125cc
Bore x stroke 51.5 mm x 60.0 mm
Comp ratio 9.5 : 1
Lubrication Wet sump
Fuel system Electronic Fuel Injection
Ignition TCI
Starter Electric
Transmission V-Belt Automatic
Front suspension Telescopic fork
Front travel 80 mm
Rear suspension Unit Swing
Rear Travel 65 mm
Front brake Single Disc, Ø 153 mm
Rear brake Drum, Ø 110 mm
Front tyre 100/90-10
Rear tyre 100/90-10
Overall length 1860 mm
Overall width 670 mm
Overall height 1045 mm
Seat height 730 mm
Wheelbase 1250 mm
Min ground clearance 95 mm
Wet weight 110 kg with 5.5 litres of fuel
Fuel capacity 5.5 litres
Colours Competition White; Gun Metallic
Warranty 12 months unlimited kms, parts and labour
RRP (inc GST) $2699

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