Two new models for the new year out of the Yamaha camp. First is a new twist on an old friend... The Zuma! She'll be available in her traditional, feisty 50cc 2-stroke package and now in her new 125cc 4-stroke configuration (it might make your face hurt).

There are a few design changes to the Zuma as well. She's got glasses now, or crash bars rather... around the lights and a noticeably restyled front end. If you look around back you'll see the exposed pipe frame look is new for the Zuma also. I kinda like it. I'll have to see her in person to make sure of course. Let's look at how the 125's specs compare to the traditional Zuma 50cc available in 2008.

Engine	2009 Zuma 125	2008 Zuma
Bore x Stroke	52.4 x 57.9 mm	40.0mm x 39.2mm
Carburetion	Electronic Fuel Injection	14mm Teikei
Clutch Type	Dry centrifugal automatic clutch	Spec Not Available
Compression Ratio	10:1	7.0:1
Ignition	Spec Not Available	DC CDI
Transmission	V-belt automatic	V-belt automatic
Type	125cc forced air-cooled 4-stroke single; SOHC, 4-valve	49cc air-cooled 2-stroke single reed-valve inducted
Chassis	2009 Zuma 125	2008 Zuma
Brakes/Front	220mm disc	115mm disc
Brakes/Rear	Drum	Drum
Suspension/Front	27mm telescopic forks	Telescopic fork
Suspension/Rear	Dual shock	Single shock
Tires/Front	120/70-12 51L	120/90-10
Tires/Rear	130/70-12 56L	130/90-10
Dimensions	2009 Zuma 125	2008 Zuma
Dry Weight	Spec Not Available	N/A
Fuel Capacity	1.6 gal	1.5 gal
Fuel Economy**	88 MPG	123 mpg
Height	43.8 in	43.7 in
Length	75.2 in	74.4 in
Seat Height	30.7 in	30.1 in
Wet Weight	N/A	Spec Not Available
Wheelbase	50.8 in	50.2 in
Width	30.1 in	27.8 in
Other	2009 Zuma 125	2008 Zuma
Warranty	1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)	1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
MSRP*	$2,999 (Team Yamaha Blue/White) Available from September 2008 $2,999 (Raven) Available from September 2008 $2,999 (Bright Yellow) Available from September 2008	$2,149 (Team Yamaha Blue/White) Available from August 2007 $2,149 (Raven) Available from August 2007

I have a feeling this 125cc Zuma is going to have some surprises for us on the road; specifically in the speed department. High compression, Injected, 4 valve? Pour her a pint of premium and let's see how she cuts-a-rug!


So, what other surprises are we in for? How about America's first SuperSport Scooter? Sure the Burgman out displaces it (650cc vs. 499cc), but she's always felt like a Cruiser Scoot. I'm itchin' to put the two on the quarter mile to see if these designations are indeed justified. Here's the specs:

MSRP*	$7,999 (Deep Blue) Available from July 2008 $8,099 (Cadmium Yellow) Available from July 2008
Engine
Type	499cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, forwardinclined
Bore x Stroke	66.0 x 73.0 mm
Compression Ratio	11:1
Fuel Delivery	Electronic fuel injection
Clutch Type	Wet, multiple-disc automatic centrifugal
Ignition	Digital TCI
Transmission	CVT double-cog V-belt auto
Final Drive	V-belt
Chassis
Suspension/Front	43mm telescopic forks
Suspension/Rear	Swingarm
Brakes/Front	267mm disc
Brakes/Rear	267mm disc
Tires/Front	120/70-15 67H Radial
Tires/Rear	160/60-15 67H Radial
Dimensions
Length	86.4 in
Width	30.5 in
Height	56.9 in
Seat Height	31.5 in
Wheelbase	62.2 in
Ground Clearance	4.9 in
Fuel Capacity	4.0 gal
Fuel Economy**	47 mpg
Wet Weight	489 lb
Other
Warranty	1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

Wow! Cadmium Yellow? I'm not sure what the street value of Cadmium is, but it's gotta be worth the $100 upgrade from Deep Blue. Count on us putting this baby on the dance floor around September / October of this year. I hear even sportbike riders won't be embarrassed of this baby.

Read the complete post at http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheScooterScoop/~3/309372216/yamaha-has-made-official-its-2009-line.html