I am nudging the first service at 1k so time for a short post. Cold weather and obligations have kept the mileage down, but the scooter continues to impress. Referencing the original test crew reviews of the 125, following its release, I see that it was Pete Gailey who posted the most approval stars for this ride, with 9.5 (shooting stars). Interesting also that Pete, from what I can determine, was also the rider whose butt was in the saddle the longest logging the highest mileage over a week of general use.
So this is what I can report also. I started out thinking the 155 variant was ok, happy with this. This then morphed into - I really like this scooter. Now, I absolutely love it. The scooter has softened, over time, including the seat. A rigid ride has become a firm ride, not too unpleasant. No scooter is flawless as one scooter can't be all things to many applications, but this scooter does a lot of metro and surround duties very well.
Those 15 ponies are starting to wake up and I can report a grunty, feisty little power plant. Love that parking brake and its ease of use also. The substantial flat floor, which is my preference for any scooter under 224cc, is a gem for carrying requirements. It offers reasonable under seat storage. It's fun. The whole design package offers a secure ride.
Penalties are (to me): weight, but I adjusted to this quickly. The gearing is configured to compensate for the additional class weight under metro use. Fortunately I am a fly weight so you can knock 10kg off the package, comparatively. And no top box is really required as a result of scooter design features, offering a further weight saving. So now we are getting compeditive. But the front end weight carried high as part of the dual steering mechanism requires a different riding technique with very slow tight cornering. The opposite is true once you apply speed to cornering, offering a secure 'planted' feeling. With the mid-size screen I added and the substantial apron you are also rewarded with protection, within reason, from the elements.
...to be continued