2008 Yamaha Vino Review

For the 2008 model year, Japanese manufacturer Yamaha Motor Company had two models of the Yamaha Vino scooter. The Vino Classic, priced at $1,949, was the original longstanding model. However, in 2004 Yamaha had introduced the Vino 125, which is a more powerful version of the scooter; 2008 marked its fifth model year, with a price tag of $2,649.

Each 2008 Yamaha Vino has a four-stroke liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. However, the engine on the Vino Classic has a displacement of 49 cubic centimeters (cc), while the engine on the Vino 125 displaces at 124 cc. Also, two intake valves go on the cylinder of the Vino 125 engine; one more is added on the Classic model. The engine on the 2008 Vino is fueled by a carburetor: 14-millimeter Teikei™ on the Classic, 26-millimeter Mikuni on the Vino 125.

Each engine on the 2008 Yamaha Vino is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT. A type of automatic transmission, the CVT enables the engine to run more efficiently by choosing from an unlimited number of gears. Although each scooter has a 1.2-gallon (4.5-liter) gas tank, the Vino Classic is the more fuel efficient of the two models; it has a combined fuel economy of 115 miles per gallon (mpg), while that of the Vino 125 is 89 mpg.

Available in a Liquid Silver or Raspberry Metallic color finish, the 2008 Yamaha Vino uses a steel frame and rides on ten-inch aluminum wheels. The brakes on each scooter consist of a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. Digital instrumentation on the 2008 Vino consists of a trip odometer, speedometer and fuel level warning gauge. A one-piece vinyl seat can accommodate up to two occupants. A halogen headlight, a pair of rearview mirrors, and a considerable amount of storage that includes a rear rack and glove compartment are also included.