Honda Lead 100 or Suzuki UZ125 ?

[Gizzit]

Hi there,
Although I have a very nice new Honda CB1300S, I don't want to use it for commuting as it's approx 6 - 7K to work. I don't want to use the CB for short trips, as it's not to good for a 1300cc bike. I'll save that for the weekends and trips away!

Now looking around .. I have pretty much come down to a Honda Lead 100cc or a Suzuki UZ125 cc. Both are around the $2700 - $2800 mark. The Honda has drum brakes and a carb. The Suzuki has a disc front and drum rear, and is injected. On paper the Suzuki looks the better spec of the two, but there is always more to it than that, and I know Honda's are pretty well made. I'm not so sure about the UZ125 ?

Anyone got any insight to offer on either of these choices ? I'm pretty sure I need at least a 100cc scoot, as I have a few hills on route, one is quite steep, and a 70K zone to go through - otherwise a Yamaha Jog - derestricted may have just done the job!
Cheers,
Grant.

[Pogo2]

I took a Lead for a test ride when I was looking, but never tried the Suzuki. the Lead was fine, although I did not like the appearence of the front suspension - cosmetic I know. Perhaps if you are going to ride in the 70 kph zone the more cc's the better? Would definately buy 100+ cc's

Regardless of what you buy, welcome to scootering brother. In saying that your 'other' bike is ok too!

[davereid]

I'd suggest riding a good quality moped before you decide you need a 125. You may find the difference is less than you think. The 125 will be a 4 stroke, so it will not have twice the grunt of one of the better two strokes. Try a Peugeot Blaster - expensive 50cc bike but 2 stroke with liquid cooling. Will blast up those hills !

Motorcycle regos are likely going to pass $300-350 this next year or so, and ACC intend putting them up year after year. Mopeds are only $67. Over a 6km trip, the extra power will get you to work no quicker.

[Gizzit]

Yes Dave,
the scoot you mention is a bit too pricey. I just want adequate performance ... that safely moves me in the traffic .. i.e. not to slow as to be vulnerable ... I don't need to go much over 70Kmh, ... i can do that on my bike. Just something with enough guts not to be a nuisance!
If a Yamaha Jog that has been de-restricted would do the job, I would be more than happy ... as you point out ... the cost of registration, etc ...
Cheers,
Grant. :niceone:

[davereid]

Yep, I live a bit further than you from my work. I commute on a derestricted TGB50 moped.

Half of the trip is 100 km/hr zones, including SH1, and some good size hills.

I borrow the odd scooter from work, and take it home, but when I consider the hassle of 2 WOFs a year, rego fees, etc etc for the extra 15-30 km/hr I get on the half of my trip that is open road, its just doesn't make sense.

So I always end up back on my moped.

Plus, the moped has amazing carrying capacity. Tons of storage under the seat, plus a little top-box. And you can put 2 x 15 packs of beer on the floor and still blast away. (Practise required !)

I've got a little windscreen on mine, and it really helps in winter.

The last half of my ride is down a lovely country road.

(Please dont turn this into a bash dave thread)

On a sunny day, I sling my helmet under the seat, and putt on home enjoying the countryside, the smells and the things you really only notice at 50km/hr.

As much as I enjoy my motorcycle, I would never get rid of my moped.

[Gizzit]

Good for you Dave. I'm sure it's a pleasant experience, sans helmet, in a country lane kind of situation ... personally .. I'm a bit of a chicken so would leave mine on. :blink:

And yes .... if I could get away with a good reasonably priced de-restricted moped (preferably a Yamaha Jog. I kind of like them!) I'd be more than happy. I don't want any more speed than needed to be safe in the 70K zone I have during a short part of my trip to and from work.
Cheers,
Grant.

[Slicksta]

I own a Honda lead 100 its not a bad machine took it from Hamilton to taumranui 2 up a while back it was a long trip but it did it fine..... its not exciting but as an a to b commuter its a good choice..... dose around 85kph on a flat

[DougB]

I have had a Suzuki Epicuro 125 since 05. I find it ideal
in the city it will leave most everything in its wake at
the lights and looks heaps better than the latest 125.

I am selling both my road bike and the Epicuro and am investing in a Suzuki Burgman 400. so I can have the best of both worlds. (Some Americans say the 400 will go over 100MPH. I won't be testing their claims.

As I am 75 years old, the step through will be much more easy on my creaking bones than the leg over bike and this scoot will out perform my present bike.



If you are interested in purchasing my 125 it is in showroom condition, I have done 5800 km on it, it was carefully run in and serviced using the best oil. I am asking $2000 for it. PM me if you are interested.

[danchop]

ive got a uz125,done 27000kms since buying it in march,it will beat the pants off a lead and no need for 2 stroke oil,good handling and will do over 100kmh

[Slicksta]

ive got a uz125,done 27000kms since buying it in march,it will beat the pants off a lead and no need for 2 stroke oil,good handling and will do over 100kmh

The lead is not a fast or exciting scooter however i went for it over the UZ because i just trust honda's build quality more and i only payed $1500 for an 05 with 1200kms on the clock...
If you are after a fast machine that has some class go for a Honda dylan 150 i have taken one of those to 125kph before and they will do 100kph 2 up. that said they retail for 6000 brand new so they are really pricey

[danchop]

The lead is not a fast or exciting scooter however i went for it over the UZ because i just trust honda's build quality more and i only payed $1500 for an 05 with 1200kms on the clock...
If you are after a fast machine that has some class go for a Honda dylan 150 i have taken one of those to 125kph before and they will do 100kph 2 up. that said they retail for 6000 brand new so they are really pricey
i spose you never owned an xr200re?i chose the uz mainly because its used from getting to a to b quickly all day, its as small as a 50 so its quicker through traffic,its a modern designed engine so if you want to customise them with performance enhancements or body bits theyre availible,front disc /4-stroke and injection being the biggest and most obvious reasons for me.also its a japanese made scooter which is a big difference to any chinese made suzuki models but i can see how some may be put off cause suzuki nz do bring in some chinese made models which arent the greatest in build quality

[Slicksta]

They are made in Japan not china wow i made a mistake in buying the lead then.. i thought all small suzuki were made in china i really didnt like there 50cc range when i got my 50cc i chose the jog above the SJ for the same reason... i have not yet ridden the UZ i wouldnt mind one day tho... dose it sit at 100kph with out putting up a protest?

[danchop]

[QUOTE=Slicksta;1231506]They are made in Japan not china wow i made a mistake in buying the lead then.. i thought all small suzuki were made in china i really didnt like there 50cc range when i got my 50cc i chose the jog above the SJ for the same reason... i have not yet ridden the UZ i wouldnt mind one day tho... dose it sit at 100kph with out putting up a protest?[/QUOT
strong wind like today against you would a bit but yes it gets up to 100kmh very quick,i ride mostly on the motorway in the fast lane if that gives you an idea

[Slicksta]

Yeah i may go into my local dealer and have a test ride tommrrow...

[UberRhys]

They are made in Japan not china wow i made a mistake in buying the lead then.. i thought all small suzuki were made in china i really didnt like there 50cc range when i got my 50cc i chose the jog above the SJ for the same reason... i have not yet ridden the UZ i wouldnt mind one day tho... dose it sit at 100kph with out putting up a protest?

Lead is a good buy I reckon, although the UZ is a better buy and little trade off between them. They both have a heap of storage space :clap: but IMHO the Lead has more 'presence' on the road where the UZ feels like a little 50, but that may not be such a bad thing for a commuter zipping round. Also the front disc and fuel injection and the 25cc more give it the edge. The Dylan seems quite a nice scoot as well but very expensive :eek5:.

Also i think you did make the right choice when getting the Jog over the SJ. Have heard nothing good about the SJ while I have heard many praises said about the Jog, espically derestricted.:scooter:

[Slicksta]

Lead is a good buy I reckon, although the UZ is a better buy and little trade off between them. They both have a heap of storage space :clap: but IMHO the Lead has more 'presence' on the road where the UZ feels like a little 50, but that may not be such a bad thing for a commuter zipping round. Also the front disc and fuel injection and the 25cc more give it the edge. The Dylan seems quite a nice scoot as well but very expensive :eek5:.

Also i think you did make the right choice when getting the Jog over the SJ. Have heard nothing good about the SJ while I have heard many praises said about the Jog, espically derestricted.:scooter:

Yeah the lead is not a bad scooter but having having ridden scooters for 5 years for me the next step should be Italian. what is your GT200 like?

[UberRhys]

It's awesome. Plenty of go round town and it just eats the open road sitting on a solid 120 for as long as nesessary being water cooled. Have taken it down to Taupo and around the Waikato on 400-500km+ round trips with no issues what so ever and I'm coming up to 16,000km in under a year which I think is quite a bit for a scooter. :rockon:

[ZeroIndex]

Later today, Slicksta should be updating this page with what he thinks of the UZ125, as he finally got around to taking one for a test ride today... he popped in at mine to show it off... looks very cool, and sounds grunty (especially when he took off on it)... the only negative side that I could see: it was very small, but that's probably cause I'm 190cm tall, and that means my knees stop almost all turn angle of the bars :p

[Slicksta]

Later today, Slicksta should be updating this page with what he thinks of the UZ125, as he finally got around to taking one for a test ride today... he popped in at mine to show it off... looks very cool, and sounds grunty (especially when he took off on it)... the only negative side that I could see: it was very small, but that's probably cause I'm 190cm tall, and that means my knees stop almost all turn angle of the bars :p

Lead100 vs UZ125
For me now haven ridden both i think the UZ is the clear winner unless your a tall person :P... Personally i found its small size was an advantage when going though town it certainly is a very nimble machine.... Acceleration was far better than the leads, the engine felt alot less "flat". Top speed was also better 85kph vs 105kph... Under seat storage again better than the lead and it has a 12v adapter for charging your phone or ipod... The lead is not a bad scooter and second hand you can pick one up for a good price... but if your buying new i see no reason to get the lead over the UZ esp with there new summer deal of $2695 inc on road costs..
Im completely sold.

[ZeroIndex]

Lead100 vs UZ125
For me now haven ridden both i think the UZ is the clear winner unless your a tall person :P... Personally i found its small size was an advantage when going though town it certainly is a very nimble machine.... Acceleration was far better than the leads, the engine felt alot less "flat". Top speed was also better 85kph vs 105kph... Under seat storage again better than the lead and it has a 12v adapter for charging your phone or ipod... The lead is not a bad scooter and second hand you can pick one up for a good price... but if your buying new i see no reason to get the lead over the UZ esp with there new summer deal of $2695 inc on road costs..
Im completely sold.
Very nice... so, when are you getting one?

[Slicksta]

Very nice... so, when are you getting one?

When i save my dollars :)

[UberRhys]

Lead100 vs UZ125
For me now haven ridden both i think the UZ is the clear winner unless your a tall person :P... Personally i found its small size was an advantage when going though town it certainly is a very nimble machine.... Acceleration was far better than the leads, the engine felt alot less "flat". Top speed was also better 85kph vs 105kph... Under seat storage again better than the lead and it has a 12v adapter for charging your phone or ipod... The lead is not a bad scooter and second hand you can pick one up for a good price... but if your buying new i see no reason to get the lead over the UZ esp with there new summer deal of $2695 inc on road costs..
Im completely sold.

That was my reckoning as well, feels like a little smallframe or a nifty50. More wizzo bits and accessories and better price. Come on Dave, chuck the Lead on TM and get the UZ125. Either that or convince the old fella to give you the Dylan... :laugh:

Cheers, Rhys.

:Offtopic: what are you up to this weekend? was thinking of coming down for a Labour Weekend ride, weather depensive of course...

[vifferman]

I'd buy a two-smoke scooter if I were me (which I am).
I had a Lead (pronounced "led", as in the heavy metal...) 125 as a loaner once, and it was a piece of shit. But oh how we did larf! Two-up, we had to paddle to make it go. And I felt like such a dick on the thing (even more than I usually do). :confused:
<img src=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3280&d=1094098088</img>

[ZeroIndex]

I'd buy a two-smoke scooter if I were me (which I am).
I had a Lead (pronounced "led", as in the heavy metal...) 125 as a loaner once, and it was a piece of shit. But oh how we did larf! Two-up, we had to paddle to make it go. And I felt like such a dick on the thing (even more than I usually do). :confused:

I remember doing the "head out into the country two up with Slicksta to go to an overnight LAN" on the Lead... And there was a lot of wind (last Saturday night if anyone remembers all the wind)... anyway, the Lead sat at 70kph although at times it felt slower than that, I kept thinking I'm gonna have to put my feet down and start pushing, but yeah, it never got to that stage, and it was smiles all round, it was a fun ride :D

[Slicksta]

That was my reckoning as well, feels like a little smallframe or a nifty50. More wizzo bits and accessories and better price. Come on Dave, chuck the Lead on TM and get the UZ125. Either that or convince the old fella to give you the Dylan... :laugh:

Cheers, Rhys.

:Offtopic: what are you up to this weekend? was thinking of coming down for a Labour Weekend ride, weather depensive of course...


But what is better the Piaggio Fly 125 or the UZ? sigh i will get something that can do open road speeds after Christmas until then unless i steal the Dylan 85kph is my limit.
I would be keen for a bit of a ride depends what day Monday i think im free.... throw me a PM

[carver]

When i save my dollars :)

when you earn dollars

[carver]

I remember doing the "head out into the country two up with Slicksta to go to an overnight LAN" on the Lead... And there was a lot of wind (last Saturday night if anyone remembers all the wind)... anyway, the Lead sat at 70kph although at times it felt slower than that, I kept thinking I'm gonna have to put my feet down and start pushing, but yeah, it never got to that stage, and it was smiles all round, it was a fun ride :D

that sounds extremely gay

[Slicksta]

that sounds extremely gay


when you earn dollars

Is that really called for?

[denill]

Lashed out at the beginning of the year and bought a Dylan. and yeah, they're not the cheapest! Only come with c/stand. Side/stand, another $175.00. But that Honda, made in Italy has been so much fun. If I want to go anywhere fairly close - that's the weapon. The thing will leave mostly everything at the lights. Must cause a few surprises? Suspension is certainly not plush best described as - non-existent.

On our numerous trips to Bali we always have a scooter on hand, last time it was our Balinese friend's Suzuki 125 Auto scooter. Not the step-thru that used to be the main mode of 2 wheel transport on the Island. Copying a few of the bad habits from there but enough to stay (just) within the law helps cut down the travel time and makes parking a breeze.

A good choice and much better than I envisaged. :scooter: