suzuki UX125

The Suzuki Sixteen 125 is aimed at trendy teens looking for stylish transport (hence the name – continental teenagers can ride one from age 16), but the UK scooter market is different – it fits with a more mature rider, especially given the sombre colours. It’s not exciting, but it does a job.

Engine

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You have to cut 125s some slack – they’re small engines restricted on power by law, but the Sixteen is frustratingly slow to gather speed. It’ll eventually get to the other side of 60mph, but it’s barely faster than a 50cc scoot off the mark. Held flat out (and we mean, constantly flat out) our test bike gave an impressive 66.5mpg as part of a fuel consumption investigation – normal riding should yield anywhere up to 100mpg. 

Ride and Handling

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The Suzuki Sixteen’s big wheels mean it’s more stable than small-wheel scooters, but the light weight and basic suspension still mean it wobbles at speed if you throw it around. Ride normally and its fine – the suspension deals with bumps but doesn’t wallow or crash around. The linked brakes stop the Sixteen briskly without being too powerful for novices.

Equipment

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The Sixteen has an underseat storage compartment big enough for an open face helmet, but it won’t quite take a full face. The left hand brake lever activates both front and rear brakes to make coming to a controlled stop easier for novices, and the simple dash has a fuel gauge and a clock – simple touches of practicality that make a difference. The mirrors work, and the riding position is roomy enough for tall riders, but the seat is reasonably low.

Quality and Reliability

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Suzuki’s build quality has improved since the firm gained a reputation for bikes that looked shabby quickly – but neglecting a Sixteen and you’ll still end up with a tatty corroded scooter. It won’t fall apart and the mechanicals are unlikely to break down, but washing and caring for it will pay dividends.

Value

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The Sixteen is a great first scooter for the inexperienced, but the commuter 125 market is crowded and there’s a lot of bikes that cost less, or have better specification. You need to weigh up what’s more important – if you pick the Suzuki, it’ll do everything you ask.

Insurance

Insurance group: n/a

Model History

2008 – Introduced, unchanged since.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed	63mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	12.8bhp
Torque	8.5ftlb
Weight	133kg
Seat height	800mm
Fuel capacity	8.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	66.5mpg
Tank range	123 miles
Insurance group

Engine size	124cc
Engine specification	Two-valve, liquid-cooled single cylinder. CVT transmission.
Frame	Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Disc, sliding two-piston caliper
Rear brake	Disc, single-piston calliper.
Front tyre size	100/80-16
Rear tyre size	120/80-16