Buyer’s guide – scooters

Vespa ET2

Kymco Super 9S

Bajaj Wave

Honda Today/Ziyou

Vmoto Milan JX50

Yamaha Nouvo

Think scooter, think Vespa - the Italian machines still turn heads around the world

Vespa ET2

After the Second World War, Italy was the birthplace of the world famous Vespa scooter. Vespa is Italian for wasp, and one look at the original design one can instantly see where it got its name from. That same ‘wasp-like’ style can still be seen in the latest models on offer from the Italian factory, and the ET2 is no exception. The monocoque steel chassis still retains the look of the first Vespa’s and adds to the scooters stability. Powered by a single-cylinder two-stroke engine the ET2 is also equipped with a hydraulic front brake and a generous nine-litre fuel tank.
Essential Specs:
Engine: 49.4cc, single cylinder, two-stroke
Max power: 4bhp (2.9kW) @ 8000 rpm
Fuel capacity: 9 litres

Kymco Super 9S

One of the largest scooter manufacturers in the world, Kymco, boast an impressive and extensive model line-up which includes the popular Super 9S. Built in Taiwan the Super 9S is powered by a two-stroke single cylinder air-cooled engine. Kymco has gone for a sporty look with colour-coded alloy wheels and flash graphics. The Super 9S also features an under-seat storage compartment, which can be used to store an open-face helmet. It also has a lockable glove box as well as an electric starter and halogen front lamp. Available in a choice of four colour schemes the Super 9S is one to look out for!
Essential Specs:
Engine: 49.5cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke
Max power: 5bhp (3.72kW) @ 7000 rpm
Fuel capacity: 7 litres

Bajaj Wave

Sales are booming for Indian scooter giants Bajaj in countries such as Thailand, Japan, Philippines and New Zealand, with one of the more popular models being the Wave. Bajaj are currently trying to keep up with demand by doubling production of the 110cc four-stroke scooter from 5000 to 10,000units per month. Launched earlier this year the Wave is packed with many hi-tech features including Baja’s patented Digital Twin Spark Ignition, which improves combustion and performance while helping to reduce emissions. The Wave also features an extra large 20-litre storage space as well as a low seat height with pillion seat and footrests.
Essential Specs:
Engine: 109.7cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke
Max power: 7.9bhp (5.88kW) @ 7000 rpm
Fuel capacity: 5 litres

Honda Today/Ziyou

Honda has been producing scooters for many years now and one of the more popular models to come from the Japanese manufacturer is the Chinese built Today, or Ziyou, as it is known in China. Honda opted for a four-stroke engine to power the stylish Today, which is cheaper to build, more economical and more environmentally friendly than it’s two-stroke competitors. Fitted with a combined braking system and anti-theft device as standard the Today is well-equipped and is available in a choice of 10 colour schemes.
Essential Specs:
Engine: 49cc, air cooled, single cylinder, four-stroke
Max power: 3.8bhp (2.8kW) @ 8000 rpm
Fuel capacity: 5 litres

Vmoto Milan JX50

Australian two-wheel manufacturer Vmoto specialise in producing a limited range of 50cc and 125cc scooters and are currently sitting at the top of the Australian two-wheel sales charts with the retro-styled Milan JX50.

Built around a single cylinder air-cooled 50cc engine, the Milan is equipped with all the necessary ’hassle-free’ gadgetry you would expect from a scooter including electric start, fully automatic V-Glide transmission, and electronic ignition. The Chinese built Milan owes much of its success to low production costs by using ’older’ technology such as front and rear drum brakes. It still stops and goes well enough though!
Essential Specs:
Engine: 49.8cc, air cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke
Max power: 3.5bhp (2.57kW) at 9000 rpm
Fuel capacity: 5 litres

Bigger wheels means more stability on uneven roads

Yamaha Nouvo

Building on the success of the popular Nouvo, which was launched back in 2002, Yamaha released an updated model earlier this year and is finding its popularity increasing further. If you fancy the idea of getting around town on a fully automatic scooter but have been put off by the instability of riding a bike with small wheels then the Nouvo is the scoot for you. With its 16” (406mm) wheels front and rear the Nouvo is far less sensitive when it comes to steering and can cope much better with a more uneven road surface. Equipped with all the usual scooter features and powered by a 110cc four-stroke engine the Nouvo will certainly make light work of heavy city traffic.
Essential Specs:
Engine: 113.7cc, air cooled, single cylinder, four-stroke
Max power: 8.8bhp (6.54kW) @ 8000 rpm
Fuel capacity: 4.8 litres