Scooter News Yamaha BWS 125 A step in the right direction, the new BWS from Yamaha provides the best of both worlds.
Allen Drysdale
Introduction
The BeeWee 100 has gathered a dedicated cult following over the years. The combination of quirky looks and two stroke performance both provided a point of difference on the Australian market. Those bug eyes and the name itself (BeeWee), all helped in some way. Actually, probably why we still see it alongside this latest progression, the BWS 125. So where does the 4-stroke BWS 125 sit in the Yamaha family tree? We take one for a spin...
Specifications
The BWS 125 takes some of its styling cues from the original BeeWee. Mainly the front end design, it also remains the focal point of the new model. The stacked headlights grab plenty of attention, the rear tail even more so. Actually the feedback from all the young blokes I hang around (yes young blokes) was that the BWS was the best looking scooter they had seen in a long time. Yamaha could spend thousands on demographic research but I've performed the hard yards for them, young fellas like it.
The frontal style is enhanced by the short motocross-style gaurd, the handlebars continue the theme by being exposed. The dash sits central, it's small and compact, functional and easily visible. It's dominated by a central speedo and this suits the minimalist feel of the new BWS.
The features are pretty good for the price point, the biggest bang being the motor. The 4 stroke engine runs a 4 valve head, is fuel injected, and pumps out an impressive 9Kw. The adjustable dual shocks on the rear make a nice touch, the underseat storage will swallow a full face helmet. The security ignition will open the seat off the key, another nice handy feature.
The fuel filler is exposed, located at the front of the seat. The floor area is flat and the BWS has a bag hook ready for those unexpected loads. The BWS comes with a standard side and centre stand combination. The wheels are 12 inch alloy jobs shod with nice "fat" rubber. You'll find a brake disc that's 189 mm on the front, the rear runs a 150 mm drum.
The BWS has a solid "easy to use" rear grab rail only, though with all the other storage options this really doesn't pose an issue.
On the Road
The seating position forces you to sit forward and the riding position is somewhat compact. This in itself ensures you ride the BWS 125 with all the best intentions. The exposed motocross style bars ensure the flickable nature of the BWS is given top priority. The BWS has a really fun feel about it, and because it's small and compact in size, you quickly bring on the smiles.
A notable mention needs to be made about the handgrips, they're angular, not round, they give you great feedback. They allow you to twist the throttle hard, it feels different initially, but they were something I really grew into. They also work well in combination with the brakes, which I found to be ample for a scooter of this size.
Most of my kilometres are performed on local roads, and this is the happy hunting ground. The chassis relishes being thrown into corners and the handling is all based around being short, light and nimble. The engine has to take a fair amount of credit for the fun factor. Having a 4 valve head means lots of revs and instant power, it meant you were always wanting to ride the BWS with some extra enthusiasm. I enjoy this in a scooter.
The BWS ran out of puff around the 95 km/h mark, which is standard affair for a 4 stroke 125. With this 4 stroke engine you cant help but feel that the BWS will do as asked, day after day, commute after commute. After all it is a Yamaha.
Summary
The BWS 125 need not bother about cutting the grass of "the other BeeWee". The new BWS sticks with the program, a short sharp chassis, lightweight and nimble, its a gas to ride. I like the way the power comes on fast and it feels solid, Yamaha solid. The BWS is a model in its own right, and makes a big value for money statement along the way.
Its maintained its character through the quirky double stacked headlights, and those gunbarrel taillights at the rear seem to start conversations wherever you go. The BWS 125 drawers plenty of attention, people think its cool.
The new BWS feels like a generational leap forward over the older BeeWee 100, it's efficient and somewhat more refined. Though you get the feeling it loves living life on the naughty side, likes a good rev and doesn't mind being thrown around. It just so happens that the BWS also wears the convenience hat well, the flat floor, big storage and bag hook all see to that.
Add one more to the list of potentials - you bet! The BWS 125 is available now through Yamaha outlets and retails for $3399 + ORC.
published 12/07/2011 |