Yamaha Mio Gear

Yamaha Motor Philippines (YMPH) presents an extensive range of personal commuter vehicles, among which the Mio Gear S occupies a central position within the Mio series scooters. Distinguishing itself from the entry-level models, this scooter offers several valuable features. Notably, it boasts electronic fuel injection, a step up from the carburetor found in the Mio Sporty, and further enhanced by the integration of a smart engine start-stop system. We will delve deeper into these cutting-edge technologies shortly.

The Mio Gear shares its overall silhouette with the entire Mio series, except for the liquid-cooled Aerox, establishing itself as a practical and reliable commuter scooter. However, it doesn't shy away from incorporating stylish elements that set it apart from the ordinary crowd. The modishly shaped mirrors and subtle yet eye-catching decals on the fenders, forks, and cast aluminum wheels add a touch of flair, making its owner stand out amidst the sea of mundane commuters.

Furthermore, the Mio Gear's thoughtful design includes side and front fenders made from tougher plastic material, enhancing abrasion and impact resistance. This feature comes as a boon for riders who have experienced scratches and dents on their previous Mio fairings after accidental spills. Straight off the dealership floor, the Mio Gear S is already well-prepared for action.

The material of the saddle provided ample traction akin to genuine leather, while the firm foam ensured comfort even during spirited riding. The seat's ergonomic shape leans towards ensuring rider comfort, and its low-slung design allows even petite riders to easily straddle the scooter, making it a breeze to navigate through congested traffic or maneuver through tight turns with ease.

That said, the Mio Gear impresses with its excellent aesthetics, reliable performance, and superior comfort. Whether you're a fashion-forward trendsetter or a practical commuter seeking a pleasant ride, the Mio Gear ticks all the boxes.

The 125cc air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine of the Mio Gear delivers an impressive level of power. Despite having just two variable actuated valves, the engine feels quite spirited, and its lightweight frame enhances the sensation of robust torque, surpassing its published output of 9.4hp and 9.6Nm. Notably, the scooter maintains strong pulling power even on steep inclines, and the CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) is finely tuned to complement the engine's power and torque delivery.

What's remarkable is that this power and torque performance remains consistent even as the engine heats up during extended rides or during traffic congestion. This highlights the effectiveness of Yamaha's Blue Core technology, which seemingly lives up to its hype by maintaining performance and efficiency in varying conditions.

During the test ride, there was a noticeable sensation of freewheeling or coasting, almost like the scooter was in neutral, especially when the wheel speed and engine speed were optimized. This behavior could be attributed to the fuel injection system's design, aimed at enhancing overall efficiency. Although the fuel consumption was only estimated, it appeared to be impressively over 50 kilometers per liter. The scooter's mileage might even be higher, even when ridden with a spirited style throughout. Additionally, the start-stop system, when enabled, likely contributed to further fuel savings, potentially adding an extra one or two kilometers per liter.

Mio Gear's power delivery, fuel efficiency, and utilization of the start-stop system contribute to a remarkable riding experience, making it an excellent choice for commuters seeking both performance and economy.

The Mio Gear's handling and suspension offer a satisfying experience on the road. The suspension setup consists of basic telescopic forks at the front and a single-unit swing shock at the rear, both non-adjustable for preload or damping. Initially designed for a rider and a pillion passenger, the suspension might feel slightly firm when ridden with just the rider, imparting a sporty handling characteristic.

However, I discovered that by slightly lowering the front and rear tire pressures, the scooter became more tractable and comfortable to ride. This adjustment allowed for a smoother and more cushioned ride, particularly on rough and pothole-riddled roads. Furthermore, when the scooter was loaded closer to its maximum capacity of 150kg, the suspension exhibited a supple feel, yet it still offered adequate suspension travel to handle various road conditions.

The Mio Gear's 14-inch tubeless Dunlop tires impressed with their exceptional grip, even with just 200km of usage when I tested the bike. They performed admirably, providing confidence-inspiring traction even in wet road conditions. As the tires accumulate more mileage and get scrubbed, they are likely to become even stickier, further enhancing the scooter's grip and stability on the road.

In conclusion, the Mio Gear's handling is sporty and agile, and with slight adjustments to tire pressures, it can be optimized for a comfortable ride on different road surfaces. The factory-fitted 14-inch tubeless Dunlop tires prove to be an excellent choice, ensuring reliable traction and performance in various weather conditions.