Whenever we talk about automatic scooters in the Philippines, one name that pops up almost every time is Yamaha’s Mio lineup. In March 2017, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released a top-of-the-line variant called the Yamaha Mio Aerox 155. The Aerox is one of the most hyped and sportiest scooters ever introduced in the country. From it’s unique looks to its 155 cc engine, demand for the Aerox remains high to this day. Does it really live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
The Aerox comes in two versions: Aerox and Aerox S. The base Aerox (which is what I own) comes in at P102,900, while the Aerox S, which comes with ABS (which is still a rare feature among scooters), keyless start, and Yamaha’s Start-Stop II technology, is priced at P124,900. It has a wide range of color options such as the Vibrant Orange, Race Blue, Matte Blue, White, and the one that I own, the Black Raven.
When I first saw the Aerox, my first impression was “Wow, that would probably be an expensive scooter”. It’s sharp edges and angles make the Aerox stand out from the rest of the bunch. It’s uncommon huge tires for a scooter (110/80-14 Front, 140/70-14 Rear) and the seat height (790 mm) lives up to the “Sporty Scooter” that Yamaha called it. It has LED headlights that give the scoot a fierce look. Yamaha’s Aerox is also one of the easiest and enjoyable scooters to modify. There a wide variety of available aftermarket parts, which means you’ll never have a hard time customizing the Aerox. In only 4 months of owning the Black Raven, I’ve already replaced some fairings and many parts of the scoot! One of the things that impressed me was its huge under-seat compartment. With 25 liters of storage, it could easily fit a full-face helmet and a full rain gear.
The Aerox comes with a tagline “Lead with Speed,” and boy oh boy I am telling you; they are serious about it. With it’s liquid-cooled, 4 stroke, 4 valves, SOHC (Single Over Head Camshaft) engine, it does not disappoint. Its acceleration is amazing, and getting to higher speeds is easy thanks to Yamaha’s VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) which improves performance at higher RPMs. The highest speed I could achieve with its stock engine is 118 kph and I weigh 83 kg. The performance will, of course, depends on who’s riding it. Just be sure to go to a closed course when trying to do high-speed runs. Fuel consumption is as tipid as it gets. With Yamaha’s Blue Core Technology, I was able to get an average fuel consumption of 45 km/L in a very chill and smooth ride and 39km/L when being very aggressive with the throttle.
One of the things that set apart the Aerox from its competitors is its unique body frame. By placing the gas tank in the middle, it gives the rider a different feel while riding it. I was uneasy at first because of how tight space is for the rider’s feet, but when I got used to it, I felt very relaxed, and riding it was actually pretty smooth. The seat is wide and soft both for the rider and the passenger. Personally, I can say that this is one of the best scooters for taller Filipinos (I am 5’11). Though if there’s one thing that I am a little bit uncomfortable with, it would be that the passenger seat is really, really high.
Driving the Yamaha Mio Aerox 155 in traffic is very doable. Even with its wide and sporty body, I was still able to get through traffic as to how the smaller Mio’s could do; and if you’re the type of rider who loves driving on sharp curves, I highly recommend the Aerox because its handling is very agile and light thanks to its wide tires. The brakes on the variant that I am using are okay, but I would recommend getting the Aerox S as it has front ABS, providing better stopping power especially on wet roads. Its suspension is more on the ‘sporty’ side, but it does its job. All in all, riding the Aerox is amazing.
With all of that being said, I can confidently tell you that the Yamaha Mio Aerox 155 has lived up to its hype. From being one of the best-looking scoots in the country to its amazing performance, fuel efficiency, comfort level, and sportiness, it’s definitely a bang for the buck. There are still minor issues here and there, but knowing Yamaha, they’ll surely make continuous improvements. Yamaha has continually proved to us why they are the number one motorcycle company in the country, and as the Aerox tagline says, they lead with speed.
Pricing and Rating
Design: ★★★★☆
Features: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Acceleration: ★★★★★
Handling: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Fuel Efficiency: ★★★★☆
Value For Money: ★★★★★
Price: P102,900*
Overall: 4.4 out of 5
*Pricing is correct and accurate as of this article’s time of writing.
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