Yamaha PG-1

The Yamaha PG-1 was launched in 2024 in the Philippines. It is one of the most budget-friendly motorcycles in the Philippines from the Japanese two-wheeler maker. It is available in a single variant, ie, Yamaha PG-1 Standard. It is equipped with a 114 cc engine, and its powertrain is mated to a 4-speed gearbox. Its kerb weight is 107 kg, and the seating height is 795 mm. In its styling, it has the essence of a scrambler. Its main competitors include the Raider R150 Carb and RFS 150I. It is offered in 6 colour options, including Black, Orange, Blue, Gold, Green, and Sand.

How many variants are there in the Yamaha PG-1?

The Yamaha PG-1 is a one-of-its-kind moped offering in the Yamaha lineup in the Philippines, and it is being offered in a single standard variant. This moped is a completely different model from the usual lineup of scooters and motorcycles. It is primarily designed for short city commutes on which one can load his luggage over the pillion seat. 

How much is the price of the Yamaha PG-1 in the Philippines?

Yamaha has priced this entry-level-styled moped, the PG-1, at PHP 96,400. At this price, the Yamaha PG-1 is priced at a premium over other 100-110cc scooters in the market right now.

Which is the most value-for-money variant of the Yamaha PG-1?

Given that the Yamaha PG-1 is being offered in a single Standard variant, that becomes the variant to be preferred in the default mode. This particular variant of the Yamaha PG-1 can be equipped with different accessories to make it look more purposeful and stylish for the end user.

What features does the Yamaha PG-1 get?

As a conventional-looking, retro-themed moped, the Yamaha PG-1 has a very simple appearance, with some of its elements inspired by the Yamaha XSR 155 neo-retro street bike. Things like a rounded halogen headlamp, clear lens blinkers and the satin silver triangular panel below the central spine will make you of the XSR 155. The rounded theme for the halogen headlamp and tail lamp will make you of the heritage models of Yamaha from the past.

The Yamaha PG-1 also gets rounded front and rear fenders and a black-themed finish for the spoke wheels, engine, lower side body panels, and the long exhaust pipe. Besides the angular central spine, the bodywork of the Yamaha PG-1 also comprises the large trapezoidal side panels, above which the rider’s seat of the moped is placed. The fuel tank of the PG-1 is placed below the rider’s seat, and one has to lift it to gain access to the fuel tank lid. The rider’s seat, along with the pillion seat, combine to form a split seat arrangement and is finished in a theme of dark brown. 

The Yamaha PG-1 has an asymmetric instrument console, which has a rounded pod with an analogue speedometer, odometer and warning lights on the left and a horizontal pod with a curved outer part and a fuel gauge within it. The rubber gaiters for the front telescopic fork and block-patterned tyres give the Yamaha PG-1 a rugged appeal. 

How spacious is it?

The Yamaha PG-1 is a compact-sized moped, with it measuring 1,980 mm long, 805 mm wide, and 1,050 mm tall. The moped has a tall ground clearance of 190 mm while having decent dimensions to accommodate two full-sized adults. The pillion seat, however, is smaller in comparison to the rider’s seat. 

What engine and transmission options are available?

The entry-level Yamaha PG-1 moped uses a four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 114cc engine to source its power. Paired with an old-school 4-speed transmission unit, this refined small-capacity engine delivers a maximum power output of 9 PS and a maximum torque output of 9.5 Nm, making it one of the most powerful 115cc engines in the current times. 

What’s the mileage of the Yamaha PG-1?

Yamaha has not revealed the official fuel efficiency figures for the PG-1 moped. However, the users have reported fuel efficiency figures in the range of 55-60 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient Yamaha products on sale in the Philippines. This makes the PG-1 an ideal companion for the daily grind of commutes. 

How safe is the Yamaha PG-1?

Being an entry-level, cost-effective moped, the Yamaha PG-1 is not equipped with fancy features or technically advanced safety features. It even misses out on the essentials like ABS or combined braking system to keep the costs in check. However, for a safe braking experience, the Yamaha PG-1 comes equipped with a modern braking system comprising a disc brake at the front.

How many colour options are there?

The latest version of the Yamaha PG-1 is being offered in a single colour option of Matte Brown. While the previous version of this moped was available in more and different colour options, this time, Yamaha has chosen to make the PG-1 available in a single colour option. The matte finish does make the bodywork of the PG-1 look premium.

Should you buy the 2024 Yamaha PG-1?

Mopeds are generally perceived as utilitarian modes of transport and are preferably used for transporting small-sized goods from one part of the city to another. The Yamaha PG-1 does these tasks effortlessly, while also having premium fit and finish levels and sturdy mechanicals. The premium paint finish makes it look upmarket over conventional mopeds, while the performance and fuel efficiency of the 114cc engine are assuring enough to make it economical and reliable in the long run. However, for the premium pricing it carries, it should be looked at only by those who seek mopeds for their basic purpose of carrying goods, for there are more practical scooters available at lower prices than the PG-1. 

What are my alternatives?

The most direct and only rival to the Yamaha PG-1 in the 100-110cc moped category, the TVS XL 100 is priced much lower than the former. However, it offers a much lesser premium experience and performance than the PG-1. In terms of pricing, the Yamaha PG-1 goes against other Asian mopeds in the market, such as the Honda XRM125 DSX, Suzuki Raider R150, and Motorstar Nicess 110.  

Other things to consider

The category of mopeds, to which the Yamaha PG-1 belongs, is a very niche space, which is generally preferred only by those buyers who seek practicality and load-carrying capacity. The Yamaha PG-1 is reliable and durable in that sense but also carries a premium pricing, which might encourage many people to prefer 100-110cc scooters, most of which are priced below the PG-1. The scooters have the added convenience of an under-seat storage compartment, but miss out on anchorage points for carrying load at the back.