2007 Yamaha Vino Review

Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, began making small-displacement motorcycles in 1955, so it was a natUral for the company to step into the U.S. market for retro-styled scooters following Vespa’s successful 1999 reentry. Yamaha introduced the Vino in 2002 and revised it in 2006, replacing the two-stroke motor with a four-stroke and dubbing it the Vino Classic. This model was carried over for 2007. Yamaha followed up with the Vino 125 in 2004, which was produced with virtually no changes until 2009.

Both Vino models are step-through scooters with 1950s-inspired styling. The Vino Classic has a liquid-cooled, 49cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with an OHV configuration, and a Teikei carburetor. The twist-and-go continuously variable transmission, standard for scooters, works with a belt drive for the rear wheel. A telescopic fork, with 2.1 inches of travel, and a twin-sided swing arm provide the suspension. Drum brakes in front and back offer all the stopping power a vehicle with a top speed of 30 miles an hour could need, though the original Vino had a disc brake in front (disc brakes are more effective when wet).

The Vino 125 has an air-cooled, 124cc, four-stroke, single cylinder engine with an SOHC valve configuration and a Mikuni carburetor. It too has a continuously variable transmission and a telescopic fork and twin-sided swing arm suspension. Disc brakes front and back stop the scooter. The seat height is just 29.9 inches, which makes it good for shorter riders.

Both models have roomy under-seat storage, and you can add a rear basket to expand the available space. A windshield for the Vino 125 is also available.