MotorStar Urban125

As a scooter, the MotorStar Urban 125 takes a unique approach to design. It is essentially the body of the bigger Elite 350 with a housing for the handlebar. This gives it a slightly wonky but original design. The maxi scooter body gives it a large dual headlight setup that covers almost the entirety of the front fascia. The front fender is carried very close to the apron that gives it a fat appearance. From the sides, the scooter is entirely covered in sleek panels and curves – even the swing arm – that gives it a bulbous appearance. The indicators are integrated into the bodywork that seem to compound the effect. The dimensions of the scooter with a length of 2175 mm, width of 840 mm and height of 1290 mm add to the presence of the bike. As do the 14” front and rear alloy wheels with fat 120/80 and 140/70 tires. But the bigger problem lies elsewhere. The MotorStar Urban 125 has spent quite some time in our markets now. And while it has gained some popularity, it has remained unchanged in its design. And it shows. There are modern touches like the LED pilot lights, but the overall appearance could use an update. There are plenty of practical touches too. The seat is in the typical maxi scooter style and very comfortable. The underseat storage space is gigantic and shaped well to accommodate helmets of any shape and comes with its own illumination. The instrumentation uses an analog tachometer and a digital display and looks very trendy. The rear grab rail can be used to mount large luggage carriers. There is, however, only one color on offer which is black.

The engine powering the MotorStar Urban 125 is a 125cc water-cooled and carbureted unit with 4 valves per cylinder mated to a CVT. It produces 14.1 hp at 9000 rpm and 11.3 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. With a dry weight of 168 kg, this power comes handy and can propel the scooter to triple digit speeds very easily. The fuel tank has a capacity of 13.5 L and the engine also delivers good fuel economy.

Braking is well sorted with 256mm discs both front and rear.

As a scooter, the MotorStar Urban 125 incorporates a lot of the features that you’d want at this price point and segment. But as a product and something to live with every day, it falls short on many aspects. Service and parts availability still needs a lot of improvement. Which worsens the fact that reliability is not the best either. And this flies in the face of its price which is reaching that of its closest competitors which are more established and reputed. Is it truly worth the hassle? Only you can decide.