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2011 PGO Metro 125 Review

8-30-2011

by Amyot Bachand , moto123.com

This two-tone retro scooter is quite the eye-catcher. PGO has beautifully blended hues, serving up a fashionable, white-flanked machine. Attention to detail is such that the brakes, for instance, are colour-coordinated with the body. I give it 10 on 10 in the looks department. Like the Vespas, the Metro can be equipped with various practical chrome accessories that give it even more flair, reminiscent of the Mods & Rockers era of the 1960s. Fit is solid and flawless.

PGO has beautifully blended hues, serving up a fashionable, white-flanked machine. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)

Limited storage space
You’ll have to invest in accessories like a baggage rack and top case if you’re looking for any useful storage space, though. You can stash an open-face helmet under the seat, but that’s about it. PGO also offers an optional wicker basket you can snap to the handlebars. Rest assured, the accessories don’t cramp this scooters style in the least. Quite the contrary, tasteful and nicely coordinated, they prove rather decorative.

At the helm

The seat height and the placement of the handlebars create a nice riding position. The instrument cluster, made up of handsome dials, is complete and easy to read. The Metro 125 is also a breeze to park thanks to a centre kickstand and fairly reasonable curb weight. Access to the controls and brake levers proves natural.

However, if you want to enjoy the ride you’ll have to add a wind deflector, as the wind unpleasantly whips you directly in the face at 90 km/h, and the deflector becomes a must in case of rain. I would have preferred larger rear-view mirrors for a scooter of this size as well. These ones force you to physically turn your head to make sure the coast is clear.

On the mechanical front
Thanks to the 125-cc mill, the scooter takes off smoothly and quickly and offers good throttle response. Though noisy, the engine easily maintains the pace at 90 to 100 km/h, allowing you to travel on main thoroughfares like Decarie Boulevard or the Metropolitan Highway in Montreal without impeding circulation and melt effortlessly into the sea of cars.

On the flip side, whether stopped at a light or cruising down the street, you can feel the engine vibrating. PGO should rethink the engine mounts to reduce the effect. The 125 proves powerful enough to cart a passenger around without overly hampering performance.

Handling
The Metro 125 enjoys good, progressive and biting brakes. The suspension is very stiff, and you have to really hang on to the handlebars on rough roads. Is the frame too small for an engine of this size? This is something PGO will have to work on. The Metro 50 was flawless in this regard.

A charming throwback to the Mod era, the Metro 125 is gutsy enough to hold its own in traffic. However, the stiff suspension is felt in the handlebars and mars the riding experience. That’s unfortunate, because otherwise this scooter shows real potential.

Though noisy, the engine easily maintains the pace at 90 to 100 km/h, allowing you to travel on main thoroughfares. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)

Plus

Style
Riding position
Instruments
Performance

Minus
Noisy engine
Very stiff suspension
Engine vibration