What about Yamaha Scorpio Z?

[TOTO]

I'm on the market for my first bike:rolleyes: and have been thinking of getting a Suzuki scooter 125 but just came across the Yamaha Scorpio Z. would that be a better choice?

Now I know its not the ultimate sports machine, but has anyone got experience with this bike? I know that it has a back DRUM brake , so is that a disadvantage? Is it stable for a 100kg person ? Would you say its better than getting any other bike ? I know its cheaper than other learner bikes but sometimes CHEAP, can mean expensive in the future. Any help is apprechiated.

[carbacca]

ask EJKDOORAI, he does wheelies and scrap pegs on his.... pretty much a legend on a scorpio really

[JimO]

nothing wrong with drum brakes on the back

[Storm]

Have a go on one mate and make sure it fits you and gets the smile on ya dial before you fall in love with it.
Have ridden it myself and was well impressed with it for its size and finish

[kensuem]

Re the suzuki 125 scooter,dont bother!I bought a new one a while agoand while it would be OK in town,it wasnt really up to open road use,It is quite heavy and made hard work of riding into head winds.Found I rode it flat out all the time,so fuel consumption wasnt that good.
18 months ago I changed to a GN250,and have been satisfied with it in all respects.Still not a race horse,but great value for money.I have now done 16000 klm in 18 months,with no problems,other than the speedo drive seized up.Top speed about 120,fuel consumption about 210 klm on a tank full.

[kazza_nz_05]

And absolutely love it. Great bike, reasonable price brand new, economical fuel wise $12 to fill up. Had no troubles at all.

[davereid]

nothing wrong with drum brakes on the back

Yep, drum brakes on the back are A-O-K, I like the scorpio, a good beginners choice, plus a great commuter and good for the odd longer ride too. The other thing I sometimes suggest is learners look at a chook-chaser (road legal trail bike.) You can learn a lot of really good riding skillis off road. And when you get a full licence, you can keep the chookey for fishing and commuting, and buy a full on road bike.

[Badjelly]

I've had my Scorpio for 6-7 weeks & it has 630 km on the clock. I use it commute around the southern Wellington suburbs and it's very well suited to that. I've ridden it pretty much every day since I bought it and dealt with some wet, wild & windy weather. Great bike. This is the first vehicle I have ever bought brand new in my life--probably the last--and I did so because of the price. In Aussie they sell them for AU$4500.

I find the rear brake has a soft and not very reassuring pedal feel, but I think the rear brake is perfectly adequate. Not a big issue IMHO. Front brake seems good.

Handling is very good. It likes a positive grip on the bars.

Front suspension is a bit soft with my 95 kg on board--it dives under braking a little more than I'd like--but back is about right. Lighter people may not agree.

I don't much like the handle bars: I'd like them a little lower (for leaning into the Wellington winds), maybe a little wider, and with the grips not angled back quite so much. I'm thinking of changing them.

The exhaust is surprisingly noisy. (Am I the only motorcyclist in the world who has said that?) Still, at 3000-4000 rpm it has a satisfying thumper growl and you can cruise around imagining yourself on Matchless 500. A bit misleading, really, as you need to spin in a bit faster to get any torque out of it.

It'll do motorways, but 100 km/h is ~ 6500 rpm, which seems rather busy. Still, I'm sure the engine could do this all day. If I did open road work on it I'd consider higher gearing (or a faster bike).

I think overall quality is good. Lots of plastic (headlight, seat, mud guards) but all looks suitable. Some nice touches, eg. rubber mounting of indicators & headlight/instrument cluster.

Re durability my only worry is the quality of the paint over the frame & stands. After the bike's had a thorough wetting I've found little spots of bright yellow rust here & there. A good spraying with WD40 seems to fix that.

[Joni]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=50632

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=50166

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=38976

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=41291

Search is your friend....

[TOTO]

yea , im 95 ish too , so I think if itas good for you , maybe I'll try it see how it goes. Cant be worse than the scooter I was thinking about. time will tell.

[chris]

yea , im 95 ish too , so I think if itas good for you , maybe I'll try it see how it goes. Cant be worse than the scooter I was thinking about. time will tell.
Buy one, it'll do you just fine.

[speedpro]

Mechanic here in the shop ran in our new demo Scorpio over a weekend and ordered one for himself on Monday. He has fitted slightly wider bars now and has just got the new "muffler" for it. A couple bought the last demo bike on a Saturday and rode it 2-up to Whangarei and back from Ranui on Sunday. 140kmh evidently but I'm thinking that was downhill with a good breeze as well.

[Tank]

Having looked at EJ's Its a nice learners bike - def. better than the likes of a GN250. If you are thinking you might want to move to bigger bikes at sometime its better to learn on a bike compaired to a scooter

[EJK]

Hahaha! Finally a thread about Yamaha "SX-4" Scorpio Z! MUHAHAHAHAHA
I've been riding on it for just below 4 months, done 9400 kms on the clock. I am about 90ish and not too tall.

I assume that you are looking forward to buying a "Commuter" (Scooter or Scorpio). Scooter is a good chice but when dropped, fairing costs might give a serious impact on your wallet. Also, riding on the motorway will be embarrassing.

Since you are buying a commuter, it won't matter much but I'll tell you my story anyways lol Just incase if you want to have a little fun during the weekend :yes:

Cruising on the motorway at 6,500rpm seems "struggling" at first, but I got used to it after a month.

Topspeed of 130kph seems enough but psychologically you will want MORE by time to time esp when riding with couple of friends who rides CBR250 and 400 example of my case.

Capabality:
With my Scorpio, I went down to Coromandel, Tauranga and Hamilton. Also gone to Whangarei in North (Going again tomorrow :))
My plan on beginning of Dec is to go to Taupo (And I believe Scorpio is capable of it).

Fun: Yes, all bikes can do wheelies. I am not a stunter so I can't say much but I've done some "awesome" wheelies :p
Burnout is capable. I say almost all bikes can do burnouts lol
Stoppie is also capable. I say most bikes can do stoppies.

Belileve it or not, Scorpio is capable of leanning down till the footpeg FOLDS a bit. But I don't try to do this on high speeds because the thin rear tyre seems a bit dodgy on grips lol

You might say "I want a faster bike!" when riding in a group esp with faster 250cc bikes. Especially on the straights, you will fall behind like a turtle on a drag race. Don't worry, once you get to know the bike, you will catch them up through the corners :yes:

Reliability:
I dropped my bike twice :argh:and went over a kerb at 40kph :doh:. For that, I had bent bars, slightly twisted fork, broken break lever etc etc but it was all fixed by twistinig a wrench :yes:

Conclusion: Scorpio is a good bike, all around!

[breakaway]

Topspeed of 130kph seems enough but psychologically you will want MORE by time to time esp when riding with couple of friends who rides CBR250 and 400 example of my case.

:grouphug:

[EJK]

:grouphug:

Get outta here! :bleh:

[delusionz]

I have to say, having had an opportunity to ride EJKDDORAI's Scorpio on the country side my first thoughts were.. Man am I riding a bike? Or am I floating on a cloud? Don't be fooled by the single cylinder 225, It definitely moves from a standstill. It's a little less than ideal on the motorway but it certainly carts around anyones arse in the CBD. Great for beginners, commuters & small people, however it's said that the ideal weight for a bike is approximately 3x the rider weight. For small people like me this thing is truely amazing, effortlessly flicking it here and there. On an endless hairpin road this is a true winner! Shame big boys!

[Badjelly]

...it's said that the ideal weight for a bike is approximately 3x the rider weight....

Does anyone know here I can find aprox. 155 kg of lead ballast for my Scorpio?

[Tank]

You can also ride one waving both hands in the air - ay EJ? :laugh:

[EJK]

You can also eat while riding Scorpio :laugh:

[breakaway]

I have to say, having had an opportunity to ride EJKDDORAI's Scorpio on the country side my first thoughts were.. Man am I riding a bike? Or am I floating on a cloud? Don't be fooled by the single cylinder 225, It definitely moves from a standstill. It's a little less than ideal on the motorway but it certainly carts around anyones arse in the CBD. Great for beginners, commuters & small people, however it's said that the ideal weight for a bike is approximately 3x the rider weight. For small people like me this thing is truely amazing, effortlessly flicking it here and there. On an endless hairpin road this is a true winner! Shame big boys!

This is true - that Scorpio is a dream to ride. Feather light clutch, awesome riding position, and more than enough power for city commuting, and motorway if you really have to.

[Pancakes]

You should be able to have the small bikes humming along at high revs ok too. (not sustained high revs on a 2-stroke). I have mine sitting within 500RPM of redline for reasonable periods from 2nd thru to 4th and sometimes 5th too! Single cylinders won't like being over-revved past redline much at all, good way to bend or snap valve shafts from experience.

[TAFF]

Well I have had mine for 8 days now after 6 months on a GN 125cc, I spent weeks neigh months [driving the missus mad] researching testing looking and more testing finished back near the start with the Scorpio Z so got it.........GREAT bike, cant be happier comfort ease to ride cost effective and economical. am over 95kg carries me around the city and motorway with ease. whatever you choose you will enjoy it,

[Gubb]

Ha!
"I'm dreaming of a Scorpio Z, but riding a 900 Hornet!"

Those were the days.

[G005E]

did my test on a scorpio. local bike shop let me borrow it in exchange for a box of beers and a full tank at the end.
great bikes for nipping around town in. nice and light. did pretty good on the open road as well for that part of the test :clap:
the scorpio managed to blast me across town when i realised i was at the wrong venue for the test as well... :doh:

[special_K]

Scorpio is my first ride and I've had it for almost a year. Love it and she's been great to me! Being a smaller chick I found it really light and easy to manouvre. Great to ride in all conditions though like someone says - the thin rear tire can be a little dodgy on wet and tight corners. In saying that having dropped it on my first ride I was able to pick it up with almost one hand.

It's a great learner bike or just a reliable cheap CBD runaround for your first 2 years. Ready for something bigger and smoother though that doesn't rev so high on the motorway...

:done:

[super scorpio]

hi, im scorpio rider from indonesia.
as a 225cc bike, scorpio take the podium of "small cc" streetfighter bike in indonesia above honda tiger, or bajaj pulsar.

honestly, in indonesia we cant enter the highway/toll road. with maximum 140-150kmh, thats why an under 400cc bike is more than enough here.

for daily use, i think scorpio is more than enough. but to make a better permormance, we need to add some part/change.

without any boreup, i just change clutch spring, switching ac to dc by dding regulator, so then i can change the standard reflector to a hella 7", lowering front suspension, make some modification for arm-relay and con-rod (scorpio weakness, the suspension i think is too smooth for >70kgs rider). change the cdi to a 7way mapping cdi, iridium spark, (i dunno, my mechanic change my clutch housing or not... ), just change the muffler with a custom type, setting the mj&pj and change all the sign lamp, brake lamp, speedo lamp with LED (because i love my 7ampere accu... hoho..)

with that small changes, i (62kgs) can reach 140-150kmh easily. of course i cant side by side with a 400cc bike, but its enough to smoke kawasaki 250r... :D (for the first 400meters i think.... lol)

for the endure, i think ive prove it. last year i went to the westernmost point of indonesia, at sabang. i have no problem except something crack my fueltank and make an about 4mm hole (da*n) with 16 days and +-8000km, and from smooth to dirty road... this bike is tough enough.

the problem on this sx4 just the suspension (too smooth), and rpm seal problem... hiks...

i agree with the statement before, this bike is unique than other (in the same type). she capable to lanning down till the footpeg *kiss the road... you can do it easily with 70-80kpj, it still stable enough (front 100/80-18, rear 120/80-18 BT45)

so, for an under 250cc, i think this is the best bike with the power, torque and handling.

uh... waiting for yamaha super tenere come to indonesia..............

[Slyer]

I'm guessing most bikes in Indonesia would be 250cc and under?
See many 1000+cc bikes?

[Gibbo89]

hi, im scorpio rider from indonesia.
as a 225cc bike, scorpio take the podium of "small cc" streetfighter bike in indonesia above honda tiger, or bajaj pulsar.

honestly, in indonesia we cant enter the highway/toll road. with maximum 140-150kmh, thats why an under 400cc bike is more than enough here.

for daily use, i think scorpio is more than enough. but to make a better permormance, we need to add some part/change.

without any boreup, i just change clutch spring, switching ac to dc by dding regulator, so then i can change the standard reflector to a hella 7", lowering front suspension, make some modification for arm-relay and con-rod (scorpio weakness, the suspension i think is too smooth for >70kgs rider). change the cdi to a 7way mapping cdi, iridium spark, (i dunno, my mechanic change my clutch housing or not... ), just change the muffler with a custom type, setting the mj&pj and change all the sign lamp, brake lamp, speedo lamp with LED (because i love my 7ampere accu... hoho..)

with that small changes, i (62kgs) can reach 140-150kmh easily. of course i cant side by side with a 400cc bike, but its enough to smoke kawasaki 250r... :D (for the first 400meters i think.... lol)

for the endure, i think ive prove it. last year i went to the westernmost point of indonesia, at sabang. i have no problem except something crack my fueltank and make an about 4mm hole (da*n) with 16 days and +-8000km, and from smooth to dirty road... this bike is tough enough.

the problem on this sx4 just the suspension (too smooth), and rpm seal problem... hiks...

i agree with the statement before, this bike is unique than other (in the same type). she capable to lanning down till the footpeg *kiss the road... you can do it easily with 70-80kpj, it still stable enough (front 100/80-18, rear 120/80-18 BT45)

so, for an under 250cc, i think this is the best bike with the power, torque and handling.

uh... waiting for yamaha super tenere come to indonesia..............

Nice wee write up - you show that 250r whose the boss!

[EJK]

I'm guessing most bikes in Indonesia would be 250cc and under?
See many 1000+cc bikes?

Don't underestimate Indonesians.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oO2XvjUrVgA" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

[steelphoenix]

Just adding to the 'Yay Scorpios' thing. I'm learning on one (borrowed), and will probably inherit it. Love her to pieces!

Scorpios have a strong, capable little engine; I've taken her up to 140kph (down a hill, with a tailwind), but she's equally happy at <10kph (assuming your clutch control is ok). It's got a high power-to-weight ratio, and you can really shift when you need to - good for commuting.

She balances well, and feels good. Unlike a GN250, which to my mind 'wallows' a little, Scorpio feels 'lively', light to handle and responsive. It's physically quite light, so when you drop it in the driveway (which you probably will, and look like a total idiot), you can pick it up with not too much trouble. Because of that, cornering is pretty easy as long as you don't go in too fast. :)

The clutch is nice and smooth. The brakes are okay but not stellar (front better than back). It has electric start, kickstart, and it bump starts. You can kick the gearshift into gears if your clutch fails (not recommended, though). The brakes are reliable. It's naked, so you can see everything that's happening with the engine.

A very good, cheap little commuter/learner. Highly recommend! :)

[Slyer]

No question they're better than a GN250. They're TERRIBLE. :bleh:

[steelphoenix]

No question they're better than a GN250. They're TERRIBLE. :bleh:

Pfft, never said they weren't... :bleh: It's just the GN is the only other 250(ish) I've ridden, thus my only comparison.

[Slyer]

And you're not wrong. :bleh:
So how come you get a free bike to play with? Where do I sign up for my free scorpio?

[Gibbo89]

And you're not wrong. :bleh:
So how come you get a free bike to play with? Where do I sign up for my free scorpio?

she steels her bf's one when he is asleep

[hayd3n]

Just adding to the 'Yay Scorpios' thing. I'm learning on one (borrowed), and will probably inherit it. Love her to pieces!

Scorpios have a strong, capable little engine; I've taken her up to 140kph (down a hill, with a tailwind), but she's equally happy at <10kph (assuming your clutch control is ok). It's got a high power-to-weight ratio, and you can really shift when you need to - good for commuting.

She balances well, and feels good. Unlike a GN250, which to my mind 'wallows' a little, Scorpio feels 'lively', light to handle and responsive. It's physically quite light, so when you drop it in the driveway (which you probably will, and look like a total idiot), you can pick it up with not too much trouble. Because of that, cornering is pretty easy as long as you don't go in too fast. :)

The clutch is nice and smooth. The brakes are okay but not stellar (front better than back). It has electric start, kickstart, and it bump starts. You can kick the gearshift into gears if your clutch fails (not recommended, though). The brakes are reliable. It's naked, so you can see everything that's happening with the engine.

A very good, cheap little commuter/learner. Highly recommend! :)
the front brake will always be the superior brake on almost all motorcycles
and you are comparing a new bike to a bike that was designed at least 30 years ago

[super scorpio]

I'm guessing most bikes in Indonesia would be 250cc and under?
See many 1000+cc bikes?

ya,
mostly moped...
but, come to indonesia and i'll show you some...
hehehee....

*bringur250s :innocent:

[steelphoenix]

the front brake will always be the superior brake on almost all motorcycles
and you are comparing a new bike to a bike that was designed at least 30 years ago

Front brake/back brake: Yes, of course - I was talking about relative quality/ responsiveness/ grippiness, compared to the front/back ratios of other bikes I've ridden.
Scorpio vs GN250: Yes, but the GN250 is a common standard that everyone is familiar with, as well as being the only other bike of this size that I've ridden to any extent.

[Badjelly]

This thread's still going strong! So is my Scorpio. The chrome on the mirrors and exhaust is looking pretty tatty, though, and the finish generally is deteriorating. You'd think a "commuter" bike would be particularly corrosion-resistant, but apparently not. I guess the problem is that it's a cheap commuter bike.

The front suspension is still a bit soft, but it doesn't really matter (I've helped it out by losing a few kg), and the rear brake is not great, but that doesn't really matter either. I put on flatter bars (Ventura) and now I'm more comfortable in vicious Wellington winds. For blatting around the tight hill roads in the Wellington suburbs she's great.

I have to admit I'm hankering for a bit more performance. The SV650 looks nice, but I'd find it hard to switch to something that uses 60-80% more fuel than what I've got now. The only bike that I think might suit me better is the Honda VTR250. But I think either would be a hard sell with Mrs Jelly.

[Slyer]

You should have a go at upping the preload on the front suspension if you like, doesn't have to be by much.

[White trash]

I have to admit I'm hankering for a bit more performance. The SV650 looks nice, but I'd find it hard to switch to something that uses 60-80% more fuel than what I've got now. The only bike that I think might suit me better is the Honda VTR250. But I think either would be a hard sell with Mrs Jelly.

Don't discount the GT250N as a possible replacement also. I have a ball hooning around on our new EFI demo. I can't get over how far Hyosung have come in their quality and styling from the older models, price is bloody agreeable too.

Feel free to come have a ride on the demo here at TSS Red Baron if you want a comparison, just ask for me and I'll make sure the bike's gassed and ready to go.

[Sable]

They're the only new 250 gayer than a GN.

[baptist]

Well I have had my Scorpio (09 model) now for seven months, no issues (a couple of rust spots in the frame and by the nuts on the wing mirrors but Innox took care of that) to report.

Mine is my only transport apart from my own feet so it goes out in all weather. I find it great as a commuter and it puts a big smile on my face when I take a longer route home through the Waitakere Ranges. It may well be a cheap bike but as far as bang for your buck goes you get heaps. :yes:

So IMHO :woohoo: for the Scorpio... The only thing that could make it a bit better would be a small screen to help with the wind on the motorway... Contacted the guys in Indonesia twice now but no joy so I will now have to start looking for one over here and pay top $$$$$ for it.:facepalm:

[Slyer]

My advice, skip the screen. The small ones are a waste of time and just deflect all the wind straight into your helmet!
my 2 cents

[super scorpio]

My advice, skip the screen. The small ones are a waste of time and just deflect all the wind straight into your helmet!
my 2 cents

100 percent agree....

[Cayman911]

all i can say is Honda NXR > all

and GN's are loved by justin beiber

[Sable]

And Honda NXRs are loved by Elton John

[Cayman911]

And Honda NXRs are loved by Elton John

Elton john has a cock, he just uses it in the wrong way.

Beiber on the other hand.....

[GraveFate]

I'm 145kgs and i have a scorpio z it does 140km with my fat arse on it sowould suit almost anyone.

[Tigadee]

The front suspension is still a bit soft, but it doesn't really matter (I've helped it out by losing a few kg),...

Change the fork oil to 15wt and it's a lot better.


Contacted the guys in Indonesia twice now but no joy...

Yeah, they're pretty non-responsive...


Don't underestimate Indonesians.

Small light people on small light bikes... LOL