Yamaha’s RayZR scooter boasts light weight, style and hybrid tech

Yamaha’s all-new, entry-level 125 scooter not only has a name which evokes 1990s Motorola flip phones, it looks set to be a great buy both for young riders and commuters with its mix of light weight, affordability, smart sports style and mix of practical and innovative features which includes decent under seat storage, stop/start economy, unified brakes and LED lights.

Designed as the latest – and lightest – addition to Yamaha’s urban mobility scooter family (as distinct from the firm’s pricier, sports scooters such as the XMAX and TMAX), the RayZR has been conceived to ‘provide affordability for riders looking for a value for money machine with reliability, simplicity and a sporty look but still with many of the latest features like the electrical Power Assist system to boost acceleration’.

Weighing in at just 99kg, the RayZR becomes Yamaha’s lightest scooter and, with dinky 12in front and 10in rear wheels and a low 785mm seat height, it promises to be both easy to manoeuvre and a nimble handler.

While its A1-class compliant, 125cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine produces 8bhp, has the usual fully automatic twist-and-go transmission and is claimed to offer both responsive performance, excellent fuel economy and reduced emissions. Yamaha’s Power Assist system aids faster getaways while a Start & Stop function automatically shuts off the engine when you come to a stop at traffic lights or junctions, so reducing emissions and claimed to further improve fuel consumption by up to 4%.

Other practical features include a wide dual seat, underseat storage large enough for most full-face helmets or a sizeable bag, an innovative new ‘Smart Motor’ generator which aids quiet engine starts, an LCD digital dash, LED lights throughout and a keyless, ‘One Button’ starting system and a linked brake system.

No details of price or availability have yet been released, but the new 125 RayZR will come in metallic red or black, will be on show on Yamaha’s stand at the upcoming Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham which opens on November 18.

Weight to go At just 99kg the new RayZR is Yamaha’s lightest scooter helping make it very novice friendly. The low weight also improves acceleration, agility and fuel consumption.

Blue moves The 125cc Blue Core air-cooled single produces 8bhp. It is ultra-clean and economical and benefits from Yamaha’s electrical Power Assist system that provides extra boost when pulling away. 

Money-saver Emissions and economy are boosted further by Start & Stop system which automatically turns off the engine at traffic lights or junctions and is claimed to improve fuel consumption by up to 4%.

Bright idea Front headlight and rear tail/brake lights are all the latest LED type, with an additional Y-shaped riding light in the screen. Instruments comprise a digital LCD dash covering all basic information, 

Joined-up thinking The front disc and rear drum are linked. When the rear is applied alone, a degree of front is activated. When both are applied, Yamaha’s Unified Brake System balances front and rear.