Title: Comprehensive Review of the 2025 Yamaha Cygnus Gryphus 125 and Its Competitors in Taiwan’s 125cc Scooter Market

TLDR¶

• Core Features: The 2025 Yamaha Cygnus Gryphus 125 delivers advanced technology with a liquid-cooled 125cc engine, ABS, traction control, and a full-color TFT display.
• Main Advantages: Superior acceleration, integrated safety systems (ABS & TCS), smart connectivity, and sporty yet practical design.
• User Experience: Agile handling and responsive performance in urban commutes, enhanced traction on slippery surfaces, with convenient digital instrumentation.
• Considerations: Higher price point and moderately firm suspension; seat height may challenge shorter riders.
• Purchase Recommendation: Ideal for tech-savvy riders prioritizing safety and performance; budget-conscious consumers may consider KYMCO Racing S 125 or SYM New Duke 125 for cost or economy.

Product Specifications & Ratings¶

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5.0)

Product Overview¶

The 2025 Yamaha Cygnus Gryphus 125 represents Yamaha’s latest evolution in the competitive Taiwanese 125cc scooter segment, targeting young commuters and urban riders with a focus on performance and technology integration. Building on the legacy of the Cygnus line, the 6.5th generation model features a 124cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-valve Blue Core engine, producing roughly 12.9 PS at 8,000 rpm and 11.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm. This engine configuration provides a favorable balance of spirited acceleration and fuel efficiency suited to daily city riding.

Measuring 1,935mm in length and weighing approximately 125-129 kg, the scooter’s compact dimensions, combined with a sporty stance, offer an agile feel in traffic-congested cityscapes or campus environments. Its seat height stands at about 785-790 mm, balancing accessibility and rider control for a broad demographic, although shorter riders may find it marginally tall.

In terms of safety and technology, Yamaha has integrated ABS and traction control system (TCS) for the first time in this model, leading its class in active safety measures. The cockpit features a full-color 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument panel equipped with smartphone connectivity (Y-Connect), enabling riders to access navigation, calls, and alerts conveniently while on the move. Additional features include full LED lighting, smart key keyless ignition, and USB charging port enhancing usability.

Market positioning targets university students and young urban professionals seeking a blend of sportiness, tech sophistication, and everyday practicality. The retail price around NT$106,500 places it at the premium end of the 125cc scooter market in Taiwan, reflecting the advanced features and build quality.

In-Depth Review¶

Engine and Performance¶

The Cygnus Gryphus’s 124cc Blue Core engine employs liquid cooling and SOHC with 4 valves, benefiting from Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology to optimize performance across the rev range. Peak output reaches approximately 12.9 PS at 8,000 rpm with maximum torque of 11.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm, offering brisk acceleration suitable for both stop-and-go city traffic and short highway stretches.

Performance testing demonstrates a 0-50 km/h acceleration time near 3.8 seconds, outperforming many competitors in its category. The V-belt automatic transmission ensures smooth power delivery without requiring rider input for gear changes.

Chassis, Suspension, and Handling¶

Constructed with a lightweight but rigid frame, the Cygnus Gryphus weighs about 129 kg, helping it feel nimble without sacrificing stability. The front suspension utilizes telescopic forks, while the rear features twin shock absorbers tuned toward a sporty bias. This suspension setup provides clear road feedback with sufficient compliance for typical urban surface irregularities, though some riders may find it marginally firm during extended rides or on rough terrain.

The combination of disc brakes front and rear, equipped with dual-channel ABS, delivers consistent and confident stopping power. The introduction of the traction control system further enhances rear wheel grip, especially valuable in wet or slippery conditions, providing added safety and rider confidence.

Technology and Features¶

The inclusion of a 4.3-inch full-color TFT panel is noteworthy for this segment, offering clear display of speed, rpm, fuel, and smartphone integration through Yamaha’s Y-Connect app. Riders can receive call notifications, GPS directions, and other real-time information, facilitating a connected riding experience uncommon in the 125cc class.

Additional amenities such as LED lighting for improved visibility, smart key keyless ignition, and USB charging port for mobile devices highlight Yamaha’s commitment to creating a modern urban commuter.

Comparison with Competitors¶

Yamaha clearly leads in technology integration and safety features. The Cygnus Gryphus’s engine output also stands ahead, delivering sportier performance. KYMCO Racing S provides respectable braking and a balance between price and sportiness, while SYM New Duke emphasizes exceptional fuel economy and a lighter chassis, though with fewer advanced features (ABS and TCS are absent).

Real-World Experience¶

During comprehensive road tests combining city streets and nearby suburban routes, the Cygnus Gryphus demonstrated agility and responsiveness ideal for navigating Taiwan’s urban traffic conditions. Its light frame and well-tuned suspension allow confident lane filtering and quick cornering without feeling unsettled.

The throttle response is lively but not abrupt, offering smooth power delivery that makes stoplight starts effortless. TCS notably improves traction on wet roads, reducing wheel slip during initial acceleration and braking moments, building rider confidence in rainy or slick environments.

The TFT display’s smartphone connectivity proved practical, allowing seamless reading of directions and alerts without diverting attention from the road. While the interface may require some familiarization, its responsiveness and clarity stand out compared to simpler LCD panels common in this segment.

Comfort-wise, the seat profile is sporty but firm; riders of average height felt stable, though taller riders benefited from the slightly elevated seat height for better legroom. The suspension, while leaning toward sportiness with firm damping, still alleviated typical urban bumps adequately.

Overall, the Cygnus Gryphus feels purposeful as a sporty commuter rather than just a utility scooter, combining performance, style, and useful technology in a compact footprint.

Pros and Cons Analysis¶

Pros:
– Industry-leading safety features with ABS and traction control bolstering rider confidence.
– Strong, efficient 125cc liquid-cooled engine delivering spirited acceleration.
– Advanced 4.3-inch TFT instrument panel with practical smartphone connectivity.
– Well-balanced sporty design paired with practical commuter ergonomics.

Cons:
– Higher price relative to competing 125cc scooters, potentially limiting accessibility.
– Suspension tuning favors sportiness which may cause fatigue on prolonged rides.
– Seat height around 785-790 mm may be challenging for shorter riders or those seeking lower step-in height.
– Learning curve involved with the advanced digital interface for some users.

Purchase Recommendation¶

The 2025 Yamaha Cygnus Gryphus 125 is a standout in Taiwan’s fiercely competitive 125cc scooter category, especially for riders who prioritize cutting-edge safety, connectivity, and performance in a stylish package. Its proactive ABS combined with traction control is particularly appealing for those frequently commuting in variable weather or urban environments requiring quick maneuverability and assured stopping power.

This model’s relatively higher price is justified by its comprehensive feature set, robust construction, and Yamaha’s reliable brand pedigree. It suits younger riders, students, and professionals who demand more than basic transportation—a machine that blends sport, technology, and convenience.

Conversely, budget-conscious riders or those focusing primarily on fuel economy and low-cost ownership might consider the SYM New Duke 125, which offers lighter weight and exceptional mileage, albeit without the same level of technological polish or safety features. The KYMCO Racing S 125 presents a middle ground with sporty aesthetics and braking capabilities but lacks ABS and traction control.

In summary, prospective buyers should assess their priorities regarding price, technology, and riding style. The Cygnus Gryphus excels as a premium urban scooter that integrates modern digital connectivity and safety innovations, making it a high-value proposition for tech-savvy and performance-oriented riders in the 125cc segment.

References:

[1] Cygnus Gryphus 2025, The Latest Yamaha Motor With An … – VOI
https://voi.id/en/motor/395748

[2] 2025 New Cygnus Gryphus | Attractive and Elegant Features
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[3] Test Ride: Cygnus Gryphus, with its Fun Acceleration, is the Fastest …
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[4] New Yamaha Cygnus Gryphus 125 launched in Taiwan – BikeWale
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[5] YAMAHA CYGNUS GRYPHUS 125 2022 | Specs, features, price …
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https://taiwanbigscootershop.com/collections/cygnus-gryphus

[9] Yamaha Cygnus Gryphus – Batfa Japan
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