Scooter Review VMoto Montego 125 VMoto goes four-stroke. $2990+orc
Words and photography by JEREMY BOWDLER Don’t VMoto only make 50s?
No. With the Monaco and Montego the company has branched out into 125s and four-strokes. The Montego is the latest in the line-up, a Eurostyled retro that meets the NSW concessional scooter licence rules.
What makes it any different from all the other 125s?
The price, for a start. At $2990+orc, it’s pretty competitive, especially when you start looking at the roomier 125s on the market.
So it’s comfortable then?
Yes, and good for larger riders. The seat is well shaped and there is plenty of room. It’s built for two, so it’s not so squeezy. Your knees will fi t and there’s not so much tangling with the ‘bars at slow speeds.
Is it still nimble enough to deal with traffic?
My word, yes. It feels as if the rake (which does a lot to determine how quickly a scooter steers) is pretty steep. That makes slow-speed manoeuvering a doddle, so much so that it almost feels nervous at walking pace, but never manages to put a foot – or wheel – wrong.
Does that mean it’s a handful at speed?
Quite the reverse. Despite the quick steering, the bike is stable at speed, though the feedback to the rider is less communicative than with some other scooters. Two quick and very windy crossings of Sydney’s Anzac Bridge were accomplished without any problems whatsoever. And I mean windy! Generally the handling was reliable and the suspension more than up to the job.
How about the brakes? If I’m going to be confident about exploring the potential, I want to be able to stop.
The front disc is powerful and offers good feedback. True, the lever is quite a way from the ‘bars, but it’ll stop you. The rear drum is also up to the task of slowing and controlling the scooter through corners.
Why do you have to brake in corners?
I thought that was a no-no. Full-on braking mid-corner is a recipe for disaster, especially with the
front. But light applications of the rear brake mid-corner help to settle the machine as well as helping you to control your line. It stops all the pitching and puts more weight on the front end for better steering and feedback. Try it.
I’m about to step up from a two-stroke 50. What’s the engine like?
Pretty smooth and with a broad spread of power. The CVT helps, but the engine is easily good for 80kmh, and probably more.
Okay, but what about storage? Will it take my helmet?
If you have an open-face or jet helmet, then yes. Full-faces, no. An aftermarket topbox will answer your needs, though. There is a shopping bag hook and a deepish pocket behind the left-hand legshield for loose items. The seat catch is released via the ignition switch, though you won’t need it to fill up. The lockable filler cap is behind the seat.
What colours does it come in and is it safe for the kiddies?
There is a range of colours available and I wouldn’t let the kiddies near it. I’d be too busy riding it myself.
Thanks to City Scooter, 8/183 Riley St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 for the test scooter. 02 9268 0751 <www.cityscooter.com.au>
As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 29/01/2007
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