2003 Yamaha Vino Scooter reviews

We purchased a pair of Yamaha Vino 125s in Denver in May of 2004. We now have 400 miles on each of them. They have proven to be reliable, comfortable and practical. The under seat storage area is HUGE. Perfect for trips to the video store, hardware store and Taco Bell. The hook at the front of the seat is big and strong, great for 3 or even 4 grocery bags. Gas mileage is about 45 MPG. Not as great as you would think for 125cc 4-strokes. The gas tank at about 1.3 gal is dinky. They handle well and stop great. So far they have started perfectly, virtually every single time. Acceleration up to 20 to 25 mph is about like most cars do, but it's slower after that. Aurora, Colorado, is fairly flat but you can sure tell when you are on a rise of any type when you have only a 7.6 hp motor. Average real world top cruising speed for me is normally around 43 mph. My wife being 80 lbs lighter can average 47 mph or so. We can get 53 mph or so on downgrades or with a decent tail wind. We hit 62 mph once with both elements in our favor and it was great that the brakes, tires, and suspension handled the speed nicely. I've been on other scooters where the chassis and brakes and tires could not handle added downhill speeds with confidence. Unless a miracle happens after they are "fully broken in" I recommend that you not believe the 55 mph or 60 mph stories you sometimes hear about the Vino 125s. They are very good scooters. Tons of fun. Lots of nice comments from passers by, but they DO NOT do highway speeds. With no transmission engaged, remember that these scooters can always roll. You cannot park them pointing downhill either direction or they can roll off the sidestand. They have a centerstand (and a kick starter) but we've never used them. The handlebar and seat locks work great.... all from the ignition switch, too! The paint (ours are silver) and chrome is holding up very nicely so far. The lighting is absolutely top notch. Riding a Yamaha Vino 125 in the dark is no problem. We give the Yamaha Vino 125 "5 stars" in every regard.... as long as the REAL WORLD average top speed of about 45mph is suitable for your needs. Show less

In reviewing this bike I would first like to give my readers a little background on my history as a rider. I have wanted a motorcycle ever since I was little. Unlike most children I never wanted a dirt bike, I was always more of a pavement person. Well, it was two months ago when I was at my house thinking it was going to be just another boring birthday. Well, when I walked up to my house after school on friday I was amazed. There was my yamaha Vino sitting there, waiting for me. My dad had purchased it used from a young guy in the city who had purchased it new a year earlier and had only put 140 miles on it. Well needless to say I hit the streets. I bought a helmet and some glasses,(eye Protection), and I was riding. Although the vino isn't much of a performer or cruiser that doesn't mean that you can't "cruise" on it. And, it also performs quite well for only having 50cc's. So, I enjoyed riding my scooter all weekend, discovering many great areas to ride that were close to my house, had great scenery, and also had entertaining roads on which to ride on,(I love hugging the curves on my vino). Before the weekend was over I had put 160 miles on it! Well, I'm still enjoying my vino and I love the looks I get from people. I've just derestricted the exauhst and let me tell you what, when it comes to cruising in dry weather it will go around 37mph. Also, the most interesting thing is the increase of acceleration. It's phenomonal what deristricting the exauhst will do for you in the accelaration department! I would recomend the Vino to anyone who wants an easy to ride and extremely fun scooter. I plan on moving up to a Honda 250cc rebel in about 5 months, but I will still keep my vino and I will continue to ride it to work and school. Show less

I modified mine the first two weeks I owned it. First was the power restrictor, and then the speed restrictor. About an hour for both jobs. The thing is so light I was able to lift it up onto my workbench. 75mpg and 40MPH is what it will do but the utility is great. Convenient free parking anywhere and lots of attention. Mine's black, just like the picture. $100 a year to insure. Very affordable. Show less

I've had mine 3-1/2 months and today I hit 1000 miles on the odometer. I average exactly 80mpg, and top speed is about 30mph. I ride it to work and back every day, about 27 miles round trip. Show less

I love this scooter. Fun and easy to drive. I bought 2 one for my wife and the other for me. The pickup speed is very good and top end around 35 to 38 MPH. For a guy that's 250lbs it's pretty darn good speed. I recommend this machine highly. Show less

I love my vino,it gets more looks than my 03 mustang gt and at nearly 100mpg this scoot rocks,I think that I'm going to get the new vino 125,it should go about 60 or so and thats fat! Show less

Fit and finish are superior to any clone I've seen. Out of the box performance is 30mph, derestricted 38-40mph. So it doesn't just rely on its good looks to be a great ride. Gas mileage is great, 90-100mpg. The Vino is also one of the most upgradeable scooters out there. Pipes, carbs, exhaust, cylinders. I have one that runs 50mph and one that runs over 60mph and does wheelies. This ride has style and value. Show less

I can't review the scooter because this is the only scooter I have owned, and to properly review such an item I would need comparison information. As an owner, I find the scooter to be everything I wanted - not a Hog - but a new toy I enjoy using on good weather days. The dealer was fair and upfront with me on the details. I added a windshield that made "into the wind" and "cross wind" control different...different, not bad! Because this is not a review due to my lack of experience, I hope the very positive experience I have enjoyed is a key to my "opinion". Show less

Fit and finish are superior to any clone I've seen. Out of the box performance is 30mph, derestricted 38-40mph. So it doesn't just rely on its good looks to be a great ride. Gas mileage is great, 90-100mpg. The Vino is also one of the most upgradeable scooters out there. Pipes, carbs, exhaust, cylinders. I have one that runs 50mph and one that runs over 60mph and does wheelies. This ride has style and value. Show less