Scooter Review Bug Vibe ZX50 A brand new Vibe has hit the streets. Another nifty 50. Generous size. $1999+orc.
Words & photography by JEREMY BOWDLER Isn’t the Bug Jive the best-selling scooter? Why launch the Vibe?
The Jive outsold the nearest competition by 41.4 per cent in the latest figures, but it’s very much a scooter for the toe-in-the-water brigade. The Vibe is a more solid scooter for those looking to step up.
But you’d step up to a larger scoot, wouldn’t you?
Ordinarily, but for those in the more enlightened States, the attractions of riding on a car licence can’t be overstated. These riders will look for a scooter that is still a 50, but suits their needs better. The new Vibe could be that scooter.
It’s still speed-limited, isn’t it?
Yes, like all 50s registered under the moped category, the Vibe will not exceed 50kmh. But that’s not the whole story. Even if it won’t get past 50, it’s how it gets there that matters. The Vibe is pretty strong off the mark, and that makes it better in stop-start traffi c. You really notice the limiter as the Vibe hits it like a brick wall.
And that’s a good thing?
It all depends how you look at it. The reason you notice the limiter more than on a lot of other 50s is because of the Vibe’s strong performance lower down, but there’s an added bonus. With many other 50s you have to ride them with
the throttle against the stop to maintain the speed. With the Vibe, you get to 50 with the throttle wide open, but then you can roll it off to about threequarters and still maintain your top speed.
So what?
So that will improve fuel economy even further than normal.
I’m still partial to the Jive, what with the free topbox and rack. Persuade me!
The Vibe is physically larger, but with a slightly lower seat height, so it fi ts a wider range of rider. The footwell is nice and fl at, so carrying stuff is a breeze and a full-face helmet will fi t under the seat (plus there are two helmet hooks
under there as well, so you can lock up a jacket and a helmet). There’s also a lockable glovebox. And the fuel tank’s bigger…
What about handling?
The wheels are 12-inch (not 10s like on the Jive) and handling is pretty good, though there is a slight tendency for the front end to want to tuck under at extreme lean angles. Day to day you wouldn’t notice it, though.
Larger? More features? I bet it’s heavier.
Yep, at 87kg it’s 12kg heavier. But you’d never notice.
So it’s a step up without leaving the category?
Exactly.
As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 29/01/2007
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