The Modena 125 is a retro-style 125cc scooter that blends classic Italian-inspired design with easy, twist-and-go practicality. If you love old-school looks but still want modern reliability, the Modena 125 can be a very tempting choice for city riders and casual weekend users.
What Type of Bike Is This?
The Modena 125 is technically a scooter, but it behaves like a lightweight urban runabout built for comfort and style rather than speed. It is ideal for short commutes, college runs, local errands and relaxed coastal or city cruising.
Retro scooter with modern touches
- Classic Vespa-style body with round headlamp, chrome detailing and curvy panels.
- Modern underpinnings like fuel injection, automatic CVT gearbox and combined braking system (CBS) on recent models.
- Learner-legal in many markets, designed for new riders and returning riders who want an easy machine.
Specifications
Here is a quick look at the key technical specs of the Modena 125.
Mechanical specs
| Spec | Modena 125 value |
| Engine type | 4‑stroke, forced air‑cooled single-cylinder |
| Displacement | 124–125 cc (market dependent) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Max power | 5.3 kW (about 7.1 hp) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Max torque | 7.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT “twist and go” automatic |
| Starter | Electric and kick starter |
| Emission standard | Linked disc / drum or disc/disc with CBS |
| Brakes | Linked disc/drum or disc/disc with CBS |
| Wheels/tyres | 10-inch: 3.50-10 front & rear |
| Fuel system | Delphi electronic fuel injection |
| Fuel tank capacity | 4.6 litres |
| Kerb/unladen weight | Around 95 kg |
| Max laden mass | Up to 249 kg including rider, pillion & luggage |
| Seat height | 735 mm (very accessible) |
| Claimed top speed | About 55 mph (≈ 88 km/h) |
Engine Performance
The Modena 125 is not about raw power; it is about smooth, user-friendly performance for everyday use.
Real-world power and acceleration
- The 125cc air‑cooled engine produces around 7 hp, which is enough for city speeds and peri‑urban roads up to about 60–70 km/h comfortably.
- Twist-and-go CVT makes it extremely easy to ride in traffic; just roll on the throttle and the Modena 125 moves off cleanly.
- 0–55 mph performance is adequate for a light scooter, but the Modena 125 feels happiest at 40–50 mph rather than flat-out riding.
City-focused tuning
- The engine character is tuned for low and mid-range torque, giving good response at traffic-light starts and in stop-go situations.
- Air‑cooled construction helps keep things mechanically simple and affordable to maintain, as there are fewer parts than a liquid‑cooled motor.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
For many buyers, the Modena 125 mileage is a major selling point.
Claimed and Practical Mileage
- Official fuel consumption figure is around 2.8 L per 100 km, roughly equal to about 99–100 mpg UK.
- In real-world use, riders typically see 35–40 km/l in mixed riding if ridden sensibly, which is excellent for daily commuting.
Riding Range and Tank Size
- With a 4.6‑litre tank and efficient fuel burn, the Modena 125 can realistically offer 150+ km between fills in normal use.
- This makes the Modena 125 very pocket-friendly for students and city commuters who want low running costs.
Features
Despite its retro look, the Modena 125 packs a decent list of practical features for everyday usability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- Stylish retro bodywork with chrome mirrors and trim.
- Automatic CVT transmission with a combined braking system for safer stopping.
- Electric and kick starter, useful if the battery is weak.
- 10‑inch wheels that aid low-speed agility in tight streets.
- Under-seat storage and luggage racks on many versions, especially two-tone models with front and rear racks.
- LED or halogen lighting, depending on variant and dealer specification.
Comfort and Handling
The Modena 125 is built to be friendly and confidence-inspiring, especially for shorter or new riders.
Seating, Ergonomics and Ride Comfort
- Low 735 mm seat height makes it easy to flat-foot the scooter, which is great in stop-and-go traffic.
- Wide, well-padded seat supports both rider and pillion for shorter to medium city trips.
- Upright riding posture, swept-back handlebars and floorboard layout give a relaxed stance suited to urban riding.
Handling Dynamics
- Light 95 kg kerb weight makes the Modena 125 very nimble and easy to manoeuvre in narrow lanes and parking spots.
- Short wheelbase of about 1,360 mm further boosts agility, though high-speed stability is naturally limited compared to bigger wheels.
- A combined braking system improves stability during emergency stops by spreading braking forces.
Build Quality and Design
The Modena 125 focuses on retro aesthetics backed by simple, durable construction.
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Design and Finish
- Italian-inspired design makes the Modena 125 stand out; it visually mimics classic Lambretta/Vespa-era scooters.
- Colour options often include single tones with black tyres and two-tone models with whitewall tyres and extra racks.
Durability and Components
- Bodywork uses practical plastics designed to be tough enough for daily use, with chrome embellishments adding style.
- Simple air-cooled engine, basic suspension and proven fuel-injection hardware help durability if serviced on time.
Price in India
The Modena 125 is primarily a UK/European-market scooter, but it is useful to understand its price in Indian terms.
- Typical UK on-road price for a new Modena 125 Euro 5 model is around £2,295–£2,499, depending on dealer and extras.
- Converting roughly at a broad 1 GBP ≈ ₹105–110 range, a similar price would fall around ₹2.4–2.7 lakh if directly imported, before duties and local taxes.
This means that if the Modena 125 came to India as a CBU/low-volume import, it would sit in a premium niche price band, not in the usual 125cc commuter scooter price bracket.
Modena 125 and The Nomad Spirit
Interestingly, the Modena 125, though a scooter, shares a common philosophy with vehicles like the Ariel Nomad: fun, lightness and simple mechanicals designed to maximise enjoyment. The Nomad uses lightweight engineering and a tough structure to turn any terrain into a playground; in its own way, the Modena 125 turns daily urban streets into a relaxed, stylish playground for the rider.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very stylish retro design that stands out in traffic.
- Lightweight and low seat height make it extremely beginner-friendly.
- Excellent fuel efficiency and low running costs.
- Smooth twist-and-go CVT with fuel injection for easy, reliable starting.
- Practical racks and storage on many versions for daily errands.
Cons
- Small 10‑inch wheels can feel less planted on rough roads at higher speeds.
- Top speed and power are modest; not ideal for fast highways.
- Primarily sold in the UK/Europe, so availability, service and price would be challenging in India.
- Basic suspension and equipment compared to some modern premium scooters.
Competitor Scooters
In markets where it is sold, the Modena 125 competes mainly with other 125cc retro or classic-look scooters.
Modena 125 vs Typical 125cc Retro Scooters
| Aspect | Modena 125 | Typical 125cc retro scooter (generic) |
| Engine power | ~7.1 hp air-cooled 4‑stroke | 8–10 hp air/liquid-cooled (varies) |
| Transmission | CVT twist-and-go | Mostly CVT |
| Kerb weight | ~95 kg (very light) | 110–130 kg typically |
| Fuel tank | 4.6 L | 5–7 L |
| Estimated mileage | ~35–40 km/l real world | 30–40 km/l typical |
| Seat height | 735 mm | 760–800 mm often |
| Wheels | 10-inch front & rear | 10–12 inch |
| Price (UK) | ~£2,295–£2,499 | Comparable or slightly higher |
The Modena 125 usually wins on low seat height, light weight and pure retro styling, while rivals may offer more power or larger wheels.
Who Should Buy the Modena 125?
The Modena 125 is best for riders who care more about style, simplicity and everyday practicality than outright performance.
You should consider the Modena 125 if:
- You are a new rider wanting a friendly, low, light scooter to build confidence.
- You prefer the classic Modena 125 look over aggressive modern scooter styling.
- Your riding is mostly within the city, with occasional short outer-ring trips at moderate speeds.
- You want good fuel efficiency and simple maintenance from a 125cc scooter.
If the Modena 125 ever officially came to India, it would attract enthusiasts who value retro design and brand character more than pure value-for-money numbers.
The Modena 125 is a charming retro scooter that delivers what it promises: relaxed performance, light handling and serious style. It may not be the quickest or most feature-loaded 125, but for riders who want an accessible, economical, and characterful scooter, the Modena 125 makes a strong emotional appeal.