In a revolutionary move that sent shivers through the two-wheeler industry, Yamaha presented the world’s first geared scooter – the MIO 125.
This groundbreaking machine marks a blend between the family-friendly convenience of a scooter and the performance perks of a geared motorcycle. It could well create a whole new niche in the market that has yet to be formed.
Yamaha’s innovative MIO 125 is another example of Japanese design and development shaking up a staid market.
With urban mobility evolving at unprecedented speeds in the global marketplace, this hybrid approach represents a response to demand from increasingly sophisticated consumers for vehicles that are easy to use and yet offer performance capabilities worthy of exciting entertainment vehicles.
Revolutionary Transmission System: Redefining the Scooter Experience
These pioneering features are the standout attraction of the Yamaha MIO 125, which the first successful scooter to offer manual gear selection.
Where the traditional scooter is fitted with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system only, a hybrid solution instead finds its place in the MIO 125. This is what Yamaha calls its “GearTronic” system – in other words, a variation using part manual and part automatic control.
With a switch on the handlebar the operator can convert to full automatic mode, perfect for those urban traffic conditions where you have to press the gear-lever constantly otherwise.
Yet with another simple button switch located on the left hand grip, riders can shift into the manual gear selection mode. Five speeds are then at their disposal, which can be switched using paddle shifters situated conveniently close by the handlebar.
This system has been engineered to make faultless transitions between automatic and manual modes, and even while the rider is riding along.
This technological tour de force represents the result of many years’ development work by Yamaha’s technical team, who faced major challenges to miniaturize a complex gear system suitable for fitting into an envelope like the compact frame of a scooter.
Industry observers are confident that the mixed transmission is a nearly certain future design element across both bicycles and cycles.
The capability to switch between the convenience of an automatic and the excitement of manual operation is a major step forward in urban transportation concepts.
Performance Determination: Power Meets Fuel EfficiencyThe Yamaha MIO 125 is powered by a newly-developed 125cc single-cylinder engine that produces 14.2 horsepower and 12.4 Nm of torque.
This may seem modest at first glance, but for a scooter these figures represent significant performance gains.
Also, the engine takes advantage of Yamaha ‘s world -known Blue Core technology which combines such features as variable valve actuation and precision fuel injection to produce high power output with good fuel economy.
Initial testing suggests that the MIO 125 can achieve about 45 kilometers per liter in automatic mode, with slightly less efficiency if switched over to manual gear operation.Acceleration tests show the MIO 125 can go from 0 to 60 km/h in a brisk 6.8 seconds-this compares favorably with many 150cc conventional scooters.
Optimized gear ratios are what give this improved acceleration performance, making it possible for the engine to operate in its power band more effectively than with a conventional CVT in use.Meanwhile, the scooter ‘s top speed has been electronically set at 110km / h.
This figure was found to be the best balance between a machine in this category being able to provide high speeds without any qualms on safety and concerns for people ‘sautomotive life-interestingly, fuel economy tests revealed that between 40-60 km/h on flat cruise, lower fuel consumption is experienced with manual gear selec tion mode than in automatic mode.
Thus, real-world advantages of this hybrid system are made transparent to all.Design and practical features: aesthetics meets with complete functionsVisual appearance-wise, the Yamaha MIO 125 maintains the sleek image which modern scooters have had for ages, while bringing in subtle design factors indicating unique abilities.
The center console that’s somewhat enlarged holds the additional mechanical components of the GearTronic system, finding room to spare while maintaining a car with proportions.
Its instrument cluster features a fully digital, easily legible panel providing comprehensive information including speed, rpm, fuel level and – most importantly when the road gets twisty – current selection of gears if you’re using manual mode.
This includes the headlamps, which retain the sleek contemporary feel even at night.
Despite its beefed-up infrastructure, however, we haven’t lost any space; under the seat there’s still room for a full-face helmet.
There are several other storage opportunities in the front apron.
The riding position has been carefully laid out for both relaxed city cruising and using manual gear selection.
Wider footboards than ordinary scooters provide extra stability for the rider this is especially noticeable when accelerating harder in manual mode.
Weight distribution has been meticulously engineered to ensure stability under all kinds of riding conditions: the additional components of the GearTronic system in their positions also serve to keep center-of-gravity where it’s always been.
At 112 kg, the MIO 125 is just a bit heavier than standard 125cc scooters.
The MIO 125 features a 7.2-liter fuel tank conquered providing an estimated travel distance of over 300 kilometers between fill ups-an important consideration for both commuters as well as recreational riders.
As it comes from the factory, this scooter has a standard USB charger jack in preparation for our modern devices’ needs.
Ranging from the mid-night blue, night red, urban gray, and Pearl White, MiO 125 design to attract different groups of consumers: for young office workers who work in urban areas, One seeks help on wheels; other groups include experienced riders looking for a practical yet fun city transport around town.
Uniform for each color option is the design trend elements subtly mixed in. In this way, Mio adopts a harmonious point of view despite its variation.
Full of hope that Yamaha might lead people on into a new era headed by itself, how the maverick would be greeted by the public was keenly watched.
If successful, the MiO 125 may represent the future innovation standard for scooters; and let competing manufacturers wish they were first to rush into this trend.
Beginning to be mass produced by the end of 2018, this Yamaha MIO 125 is not just a new product. It is possibly the birth of a brand new category that fills in for traditional scooters and developed motorcycles.
This new two-wheeler is ground-breaking for anyone who must get around an urban area. It strikes the perfect balance between smooth performance and rev-up convenience.