Yamaha Fascino 125

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

Several new products have entered the Indian market's 125cc segment. Yamaha Motor India has been a participant in this segment for quite some time. Yamaha India made it clear that they are not playing the mass market game. They made it clear when they increased their scooter range from 110cc to 125cc. The stylish and functional Fascino 125 has recently received a few updates. The main selling point of the new model is the micro-hybrid system. Yamaha claims it improves performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

Yamaha Fascino 125 Design and Style

The Yamaha Fascino 125 Hybrid is another example of Japanese engineering excellence. From the paint quality to the panel installation, everything is picture-perfect. And you would have no problems with this retro-style Yamaha scooter. Although the design is like the non-hybrid Fascino 125. Yamaha Motor India has added new paint options and more graphics to the Fascino 125 Hybrid, further improving the visuals.

The sleek body lines set this scooter apart from the competition. Yamaha claims that the styling of the Fascino is influenced by classic European designs. A V-shaped tail light complements a stylish v-shaped tail. A beige seat cover, black or beige footboard mat, and a convenience hook are available as options for the Yamaha Fascino 125. Cool Blue Metallic, Cyan Blue, Dark Matte Blue, Yellow Cocktail, Vivid Red, and Metallic Black are the colours available for the drum version. The Fascino Disc variant is available in two extra colours: Vivid Red SPL and Matte Black SPL. On the drum brake versions, the various chrome parts are appealing. The disc brake versions have painted parts rather than chrome.

Yamaha Fascino 125 Engine and Gearbox

2023 Fascino 125 Hybrid has the same power output as the standard model. The torque figures have also improved, but not more than the regular version. The Fascino 125 Hybrid's 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine produces 8.02 hp at 6,500 rpm and 10.3 Nm at 5,000 rpm.

The engine is lively, and the Fascino 125 Hybrid accelerates from a standstill. The Fascino also feels faster than the non-hybrid model, thanks to the Smart Motor Generator. The acceleration, too, feels nice and peppy right away and builds momentum at a commendable rate until 85kmph. Following that, the engine begins to lose steam, and the speedometer becomes stuck around the 95kmph mark. The vibrations are well controlled, aside from a very minor buzz from the footboard at higher speeds. There is nothing that would detract the rider from the ride experience.

Yamaha Fascino 125 Ride and Handling

2023 Yamaha Fascino 125 Hybrid is a roomy scooter with plenty of room on the saddle and footboard for a comfortable ride. This cannot be said for the suspension setup on this 125cc scooter. The sporty suspension tuning improves handling but reduces comfort levels. The suspension is too stiff for a scooter in this price range, and you can feel almost every bump in the road. Although the seat padding provides some comfort. The comfort levels are not something that most buyers in this segment would appreciate.

When traveling at highway speeds or turning into a corner, the Fascino 125 feels solid. The handling is sharp, which is encouraging for a spirited ride. The slow-speed manners are also commendable, and the scooter handles its 99kg weight. The turning radius is adequate, and the Fascino 125 Hybrid manages to weave through traffic with minimal effort.

The braking system consists of drum units on both ends that appear to be powerful enough for the job. While the setup lacks the initial bite, the overall feedback is progressive. An average buyer in the segment should find enough.

There is a 21-litre under-seat storage space and a hook near the footboard for luggage. The under-seat storage is large enough to accommodate a backpack or an open-face helmet. But the scooter lacks an under-seat storage light, making it difficult to locate items in dark parking spots. The internal fuel filler cap also doesn't help the scooter's case, and you'd have to unlock the seat every time you stopped at a gas station. The under-seat cap on the Yamaha Fascino 125 feels very outdated when compared to the setup on the new TVS Jupiter 125.

Key Features of Yamaha Fascino 125

While the styling is like that of the non-hybrid Fascino 125, the Hybrid tag adds features to the 125cc scooter. An LED headlight, a Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster, and an automatic start-stop system. A side-stand engine cut-off function and a Smart Motor Generator have been added to the list. The connectivity configuration includes features like answer-back and locating my vehicle. It also has features such as riding history, parking record (GPS location) and hazard light function. It does lack turn-by-turn navigation and notification of incoming calls/messages.

The Smart Motor Generator on the Yamaha Fascino 125 handles two things. First, the generator provides a silent start system. When you press the starter button, the engine gets a quiet start-up. Second, the system seeks to improve acceleration. The company claims a 30% improvement over the 113cc model. But the difference is not significant to the non-hybrid Fascino 125.

Yamaha Fascino 125 Top speed and Mileage

2023 Yamaha Fascino 125 has a top speed of 90 km/h (speedo-indicated). The Yamaha Fascino 125 has a fuel economy of 58 km/l (approximate). Yamaha Fascino 125 can speed up from 0 to 60 km/h in about 9 seconds.

Yamaha Fascino 125 Competitors

Aprilia SR 125, Hero Maestro Edge 125, Honda Activa 125, Piaggio Vespa 125 Series, Suzuki Access 125, and TVS NTorq 125 are some similar scooters.

Conclusion

2023 Yamaha Fascino 125 Hybrid is a fantastic scooter on its own. It looks good, has more features than the non-hybrid model, and is fun to ride as long as there is good tarmac. The Smart Motor Generator gives it an advantage. Bluetooth connectivity and the LED headlight increase the value for money. Young buyers will appreciate the updated scooter. But the absence of features such as an external fuel filler cap and an under-seat storage light. Turn-by-turn navigation and incoming call/message alert notifications detract from the practical aspect. Also, the stiff suspension may influence the choice of an average buyer in the segment over the Yamaha Fascino 125.