QUIKSPIN: Bolwell VS125 - Cut-Price Commuter

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Bike Reviews

By AMCN_ - 25 March 2013

In 2003, when the scooter boom was finding its feet, my folks bought my brother a cheap little 50cc two-stroke Chinese scooter. At the time they paid next to nothing for what was an independent and relatively maintenance-free mode of transport.

The scooter boom has resulted in fiercer competition and, in turn, wider choice and better value for money. Now, four years late, here's a stylish and sporty 125cc four-stroke scooter for just $190 more than the li'l two-stroke of yesteryear.

Add to the equation Bolwell's four-year warranty, and it's easy to see why Bolwell is Australia's best-selling scooter brand to date.

The storage capacity under the seat will rival mosy maxi-scooters, and the rear rack is top-box ready if you're looking for more.

Top speed is 110km/h, which feels relatively solid and mean the freedom of safe, go-anywhere use.

Fuel consumption was a little high than I expected, at 3.4L/100km, but I've grown accustomed to frugal figures produced as a result of fuel injection. In real-word terms, it is still much more efficient than most of its four-wheeled counterparts. The VS125 would benefit from a larger fuel capacity, though, as the six-litre tank had me stopping to fill up more often than I wanted to.

The twin-piston caliper up front on the rim-mounted disc prompted a "mind the front brakes, they're really good and might catch you out" warning from Scooteria's owner, Ralph, when I picked it up.

Although a little rigid, the sporty suspension package is effective and provides oodles of ground clearance for the 12-0nch diameter wheels.

The modern-looking headlight conglomerate suggests a higher price bracket, but I found myself flicking to high beam in lit suburban streets.

With just a speedo and fuel gauge on the panel, the instruments are simple and work on a need-to-know basis. And, with the audible indicators, you won't find yourself scooting down a straight road with your blinker still flashing.

The fuel cap is operated from the ignition and features a trick, spring-loaded closure located high within the frontal area for easy refuelling

The wide, comfortable seat makes the VS125 seem more substantial and is well-equipped for a passenger, too. Tall people may feel slightly cramped, however, this will depend entirely on the rider's preference for a raised-legs or flat-footed position while riding.

For less than three grand for a 125cc sporty scoot with four-year warranty, Bolwell's latest bundle of joy is hard to pass up. And its Taiwanese build quality will have even bicycle shops worried, I'm sure.

ENGINE

Engine type Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder

Bore x stroke 52.4x 57.8mm

Displacement 125cc

Compression ratio 11.2:1

Ignition Electronic

Fuel system Carburettor

Fuel type Unleaded

TRANSMISSION

Type CVT automatic

Primary drive Gear

Clutch Automatic centrifugal dry clutch