A frequent question that we get from new walk-in or over the phone customers looking to purchase a Zuma is “Should I buy a new or used Yamaha Zuma 125?”
The Yamaha Zuma 125 is an especially good choice if you happen to be new to the world of scooters and/or scooter building. It’s an excellent starter ride with all the key features you’ll want if your budget is somewhat limited. Going with a pre-owned Zuma 125 means you’ll have extra cash to mod your ride out just the way you want, whereas buying a brand new Zuma 125 will leave you pretty tapped out. With pre-owned, you’ll save anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500, and sparing you the pain of tearing apart a brand new scooter.
Popular Zuma 125 Mods
Straight from the factory, the Yamaha Zuma 125 will get a top speed of about 60 miles per hour. With mods, it can be increased up to a more robust 75-80 miles per hour. Reaching up to 60 mph may be enough for most people to navigate the streets, but with modifications, the 0 to 60 mph acceleration rate is where it will really shine. In higher traffic areas, being able to quickly accelerate will make a huge difference in safety and effectively maneuvering in and out of lanes and around cars. Here are some of the top mod we recommend:
- Variator and roller weight upgrade for better off-the-line acceleration
- Lower & stretch kit for a more comfortable natural riding position, and aggressive stance
- Upgrading the engine to a big-bore cylinder kit for a greater displacement creating power gains
Why Buy a Zuma 125?
With proper research and a good inspection prior to purchase, a pre-owned Yamaha Zuma 125 is a very cost-effective choice. The Zuma 125 has been sold in the U.S. for over 5 years, which makes finding a used model much simpler than it once was. With platforms such as Zuma discussion forums, learning about the Zuma itself and noting things to look out for will make shopping for one much easier. A used Zuma 125 can typically be found for about $1,700, making them extremely affordable for just about anybody. In addition, there is a whole lot more to love than the price tag alone. Here’s our top three reasons for buying a used Zuma 125:
3. Selection. The Zuma 125 has been on the market for over 5 years and counting, which means there are lots and lots of used scooters available to choose from, giving you the bargaining power, with this, also a large selection of OEM and aftermarket parts. Used Zuma’s can be found on sites like ZumaForum.Net, Craigslist.org or CycleTrader.com.
2. Modifications. Buying a used scooter means you can afford to invest more into modding your Zuma 125 and not worry about voiding the factory warranty.
1. Popularity. The immense popularity of the Zuma 125 means even when you buy used, there will still be demand to purchase your scooter down the road—when or if you decide to sell it, that is.
So if you’re looking for a Yamaha Zuma 125 with intent in modifying it, a used Zuma 125 is the way to go. It’s the perfect introductory scooter and is fuel injected, meaning no headache of carburetor tuning after engine modifications! It has enough power to keep up with road traffic, and gets outstanding gas mileage—80 to 90 miles per gallon with a 1.6-gallon tank. The 220mm hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes provide incredible stopping power. With room for two riders, lots of storage space, and both a center stand and side stand to make parking more convenient.
Although we highly recommend purchasing a pre-owned Zuma if you plan on modding it, there is a drawback you may want to consider. Do you have the full amount of cash on hand to pay for it? Not everyone has $1,500 or $2,000 hidden away under their mattress. So if this is a concern, purchasing a new Zuma or financing one might get you a scooter sooner.
Spring is around the corner and i’m sure some of you have noticed gas prices slowly creeping up, so if your on the fence between buying a new or used Zuma that you plan on customizing and upgrading for better performance, save your monies and get that pre-owned Zuma and give it some lovin’!
