What about Yamaha Scorpio Z?

**steelphoenix** · 1st February 2011, 11:40

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** · 1st February 2011, 11:48

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

**steelphoenix** · 1st February 2011, 12:19

Originally Posted by Slyer

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

Pfft, never said they weren't...

It's just the GN is the only other 250(ish) I've ridden, thus my only comparison.

**Slyer** · 1st February 2011, 13:00

And you're not wrong.

So how come you get a free bike to play with? Where do I sign up for my free scorpio?

**Gibbo89** · 1st February 2011, 16:59

Originally Posted by Slyer

And you're not wrong.

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** · 1st February 2011, 17:10

Originally Posted by 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!

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** · 1st February 2011, 18:30

Originally Posted by Slyer

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

**steelphoenix** · 2nd February 2011, 06:55

Originally Posted by hayd3n

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** · 2nd February 2011, 08:53

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** · 2nd February 2011, 09:07

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** · 2nd February 2011, 09:24

Originally Posted by Badjelly

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** · 7th February 2011, 21:39

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

**baptist** · 7th February 2011, 22:55

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.

So IMHO

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.