Scooter manufacturers and retailers in Canada want to expand their market. They've realized that a number of customers are looking for faster, more user-friendly urban two-wheelers. The thing that's surprising, however, is the increase in displacement. There's a growing selection of 125-cc models out there -- and these scooters are more traffic-capable than ever. Riders can use right lanes on highways and main roads at the same speed as car drivers.

The Yamaha BWs continues to be Canada's best-selling scooter due to its elegant style.

In Europe, you can ride a 125 with only your driver's license. Quebec should do the same while still requiring riders to be at least 16 or 18. Downtowns would become far less cluttered as a result.

True to the original
The Yamaha BWs continues to be Canada's best-selling scooter due to its elegant style, large wheels, comfortable ride and two-up capacity. Building from that success, the Japanese manufacturer decided to make its star bigger and meaner. But is the 2009 BWs 125 geared for the city or the countryside? Could it be a city warrior?

Well, in terms of styling, it sports the same lines as its famous little brother, the BWs 50. The dual headlights, bloated wheels and country looks are identical. The headlight guard is quite stylish although not really useful. The taillights have been tweaked and are now reminiscent of a rocket's. Body-colored hand guards add some off-road motorcycle flavor to the package.

With regard to vehicle dimensions, the wheelbase is 20-millimeter longer. The BWs 125 is also 60-millimeter wider and rides on 12-inch wheels (+2). Ground clearance is 125 millimeters, which pushes the seat height up to 780 millimeters. Consequently, many riders will stand on their toes at idle.

The hydraulic front fork offers 78 millimeters of wheel travel, while the dual-shock rear suspension with plate-type swingarm boasts 71-millimeter wheel travel.

Body-colored hand guards add some off-road motorcycle flavor to the package.