Could this be the best new scooter for 2024? Cheap, cheeful, plus, it’s from Japan! Here are 7 things you need to know about the new Yamaha RayZR.

There’s a new scooter in town for 2024, and the Yamaha RayZR 125 could prove to be a seriously affordable scoot that offers all of the functionality you’d expect, and packs a bit of a bite.

It’s the latest entry-level urban mobility scooter from Yamaha, and one that was first introduced ready for the UK at EICMA 2023 ready for a March 2024 release date.

Particularly interesting with the RayZR is just how entry-level and budget-focused it is, with a launch price of just £2,300. But there’s more to look at past the price, and much more going on – so let’s have a closer look at 7 of the most important things to know.

First up on the Yamaha RayZR 125 is the engine, with the scoot set to use the 125cc air-cooled blue core engine found in the RayZR sister model the D’elight 125.

The RayZR looks set to be a scooter best placed in slower urban environments, though Yamaha has also quoted some impressive low emissions and a top fuel economy, stating 130mpg should be achievable. Naturally the RayZR will be a CBT and A1 friendly scooter able to be ridden from the age of 17 in the UK.

The overall power output will be 8hp (6kW) at 6500 rpm, and 9.7nm of torque at 5000 rpm. So this won’t be blistering, but should be efficient enough for around town. It’s clear that Yamaha is targeting frugality and low running costs, and key to that is the eco-friendly engine with start/stop tech, and a 5.2 Litre tank.

But for the power-conscious, Yamaha has also included an electrical Power Assist system that helps give faster acceleration from stationary. This Power Assist function comes from the Smart Motor which is a part of the Start & Stop Technology.

Second on the list and let’s jump straight onto how the RayZR looks. It is a sharper and more modern design in contrast to the subtle and unoffending looks of the D’elight, and you can see Yamaha has positioned these differently in the market – perhaps taking some styling cues from the Suzuki Address and Avenis.

There is no denying the RayZR is sportier and more dynamic in its styling, the sharp lines with s motorcycle-inspired front fairing and smoked screen, all adding to this aesthetic, almost Aerox-esque, and sure to appeal to the newer riders of the scootering world. Though it’s small, it has a 21 litre under-seat storage space which supposedly will be enough for ‘most full-face helmets’, and ergonomically a wide 785mm two-level seat.

There looks to be two colourways on launch with Anodized Red, and a sleek Midnight Black as your two flavour options - I can imagine the struggle to choose between the two!

Weight is our third point because this scooter should be incredibly agile, coming in as Yamaha’s lightest scooter and weighing a mere 99 kg wet - seriously light for a 125cc scooter.

This could well aid in the RayZR’s acceleration around town, so team the new Power Assist system with the very lightweight nature of the RayZR, and it will be very interesting to see how this fairs in towns and cities. Even though it isn’t the most powerful scooter in the world, it could actually surprise you how nippy it could be!

Hopefully, we’ll get to review this and let you know our findings on the combination of low weight, short wheelbase, and that Blue Core motor all wrapped up in a (small) package.

Forth on the list of things to talk about, is the Tech on this RayZR scooter.

We know that the RayZr is an entry-level machine, so it keeps it fairly straightforward. There is some tech to be found here, like the aforementioned Start & Stop system to help improve fuel economy by up to 4%, a large and clear standard LCD display on the dash, and a one-push electric start system. But it's all very basic - no bad thing.

Keep in mind that keeping tech to a minimum helps keep the cost low!

Next up for you to know about is Braking and Suspension. The suspension used here is a standard scooter affair, with telescopic forks at the front, and a monoshock to the rear - as you’d expect to find on most similar scooters.

Next, and onto braking, this is a part which points to Yamaha leaning this to be a more budget-friendly offering. Though we have a 190mm disc brake up front on the 12" wheel, at the rear we have a cost-cutting drum brake on the small 10" wheel, plus a penny-saving Unified Braking System, which ensures both front and rear brakes are applied in a balanced way when riding.

Again with the price, the absence of ABS and rear disc are clear intentions to keep this scooter as affordable as possible…

Now the all-important price and availability – as mentioned earlier, the RayZR is to be launched at a budget-friendly £2,300, and available in two colours – Black, and Red.

It has sharply cut ahead of the D’elight (£3,200) and Nmax 125 (£3,700), making it a seriously tempting point into the Yamaha range with associated Japanese reliability, and makes a good argument against other budget scooters on the market with (perhaps) more questionable long-term reliability.

Naturally with a budget price is a basic spec, which keeps the Nmax 125 on top from Yamaha with its liquid-cooled VVA engine and ABS. Consider even the Suzuki 125cc scooter range, including the Burgman Street 125EX which we reviewed earlier in the year that starts at around £3,100.

If you’re after more tech and greater power, there are certainly other scooters out there that do it better – but the RayZR is a seriously competitive budget offering.

This scooter may to prove to be hugely important for Yamaha. The Japanese firm themselves state that the RayZr is an entry-level scooter, and they're not trying to upsell a scooter with basic tech - rather offer a functional scooter at a seriously competitive price. I’m keen to see how this sells in the UK, tempting prospective scooterists in with typical Yamaha quality, a realistic economy well over 100mpg, likeable looks, and decent level of spec - the RayZR is one that I think could do very well.

It might not live up to the Nmax, but it isn’t trying to be that premium scooter with all the bells and whistles. This looks set to be a great budget friendly urban all-rounder – so if the price is right, there won’t be any stopping it.

It also seems like in India there is a RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid… interesting! Could we see a future iteration of the RayZR that offers Hybrid economy on the horizon? Either way, this RayZR could well be the next best budget scooter on the market for 2024, and we think it’s certainly one to keep an eye on.

Are you a fan of all things scooter? Perhaps looking through this blog of the best 125cc scooters could be of interest.

Last but not least, if you have your very own scooter you need to insure - make sure to get a scooter insurance quote direct with Lexham!