2023 WMoto Gemma 125 Review

Blending Retro Style with Modern Comfort, Is the Gemma 125 the Best Value Scooter on the Market Right Now?

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Scooters are often praised as the perfect ride for city commutes, especially during rush hour—and honestly, that’s pretty true. They’re more fun than mopeds or geared motorcycles because you don’t have to worry about shifting gears.

Just last week, I got my hands on the WMoto Gemma 125, which was introduced at last year’s Malaysia Autoshow 2023 at MAEPS Serdang. When it comes to WMoto, most people are familiar with the brand. But their Gemma 125 scooter? Not so much. That’s why I figured, what better way to kick off my first-ever bike review than with this under-the-radar model?

So, in this article, I’ll share my insights after a few days of testing the WMoto Gemma 125, including my feedback and what others think about the bike. Let’s dive in and see if it lives up to the hype.

Brand Overview: WMoto Gemma 125

Let’s kick things off with the brand. WMoto isn’t a small player anymore in the motorcycle industry. With a diverse lineup of motorcycle models, especially scooters, WMoto is definitely making waves.

Supported by Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd., which has been the official manufacturer and distributor since 2018, WMoto continues to roll out impressive bikes that mix futuristic tech with everyday convenience.

Now, here’s a little twist: the Gemma 125 scooter actually hails from China. It’s an urban commuter model from the Chinese brand ARIIC, part of the Jinlang group. Although it was first unveiled at the 2019 Milan show, its mass production was delayed due to the pandemic.

MForce rebranded the model and introduced it to the Malaysian market in 2023. According to my research, this scooter is also available in other countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Spain, Italy, and Russia.

Overall, the bike hasn’t changed much from its international versions. It still sports a simple European-style look, with stylish colour combinations and a modern classic-retro vibe that makes it stand out.

Performance on the Road: City Commuting Made Easy

Let’s get into the specs of the Gemma 125. This scooter runs on an air-cooled single-cylinder engine with a 117.3 cc displacement, powered by EFI, and equipped with a CVT transmission and belt drive. It delivers a claimed 8.31 HP at 7,500 RPM and a maximum torque of 9.8 Nm at 6,000 RPM.

But what really matters is how it performs on the road. I picked up the Gemma 125 from MForce Segambut on a sunny afternoon, with KL traffic in full swing. Riding it back to Petaling Jaya via the Federal route, I was impressed by how smoothly the scooter handled.

Navigating through heavy traffic was a breeze, and the ride was so enjoyable I couldn’t help but smile. The Gemma 125 is nimble and light, making it perfect for lane-splitting during rush hour.

Compared to my SYM VF3i and Z250, which demand constant gear shifting, the Gemma 125 was a revelation. The twist-and-go throttle lets you focus on the ride without the hassle of changing gears.

Comfort is another area where the Gemma 125 shines. Whether you’re cruising short distances or embarking on longer rides, this scooter offers a smooth and enjoyable experience, enhanced by its comfy leather seat.

Modern Features and Specifications: A Futuristic Ride

The Gemma 125 comes packed with modern features that make it stand out in its class. LED lighting is used for both the headlamp and stop lamp, providing bright and efficient illumination.

The 3.5-inch TFT-LCD meter displays all the essential riding information and adapts to both day and night modes. The simple, colourful display shows the tachometer, mileage, and even the time and date at the top.

For added convenience, there’s a small storage compartment on the front panel, located beneath the left handlebar, which includes a USB socket inside. Additionally, a large storage space under the seat can accommodate a standard-sized helmet and other small items.

Another cool feature is the automatic idling speed switch. Similar to the start-stop systems found in cars like the Myvi and Axia, this feature allows the bike’s engine to turn off when you stop at a traffic light and instantly restart when you twist the throttle. It’s a great way to save fuel during city commutes.

The Gemma 125 uses non-adjustable telescopic forks in the front and a single shock absorber in the rear. Braking is handled by a single hydraulic disc at the front and a mechanical drum brake at the rear, while the fuel tank holds 4.5 litres.

In terms of accessories, this scooter can be customized with a rear box and other add-ons, all of which can be easily purchased online.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the WMoto Gemma 125 doesn’t cut corners. The scooter is equipped with a smart lock system that can automatically activate or deactivate the bike. According to the manual, it features an anti-theft alarm and continuously scans for the key every 5 seconds to 10 minutes.

One neat feature I discovered is the ability to locate your parked bike using the key. When activated, the electronic buzzer will sound twice, and the indicator lights will flash, making it easier to find your scooter in a crowded parking lot.

Another essential safety feature is the side stand safety mechanism. Like most scooters, the Gemma 125 won’t start unless the side stand is up, preventing any accidental take-offs.

Additionally, the Gemma 125 comes with a parking safety mechanism. The left brake lever has a smaller, half-sized lever behind it that you can pull together to hold the bike steady, especially on uneven surfaces. I haven’t had the chance to fully use this feature yet, but it seems like a handy addition to those tricky parking spots.

Built for Comfort, Not for Speed

One thing that stands out about the Gemma 125 is that it prioritizes comfort over speed. With a 117.3cc engine, you’re not going to break any speed records, and that’s okay. I managed to cruise at a top speed of 106 km/h, which is more than enough for a scooter designed for urban commuting.

However, where the Gemma 125 really shines is in its torque and acceleration. The bike delivers quick, responsive acceleration, just as you’d expect from a good scooter. This makes it ideal for zipping through city traffic and handling those frequent stop-and-go situations with ease.

Areas for Improvement: Where the Gemma 125 Falls Short

As much as there’s a lot to like about the Gemma 125, there are some areas where it falls short—at least for me. Keep in mind that these are personal preferences, but they’re worth mentioning.

One issue I noticed is that the bike feels a bit shaky when turning corners. The Gemma 125 rides on 12-inch wheels with a 100/90 tyre in the front and a 110/90 tyre in the back, and I did feel a bit of wobble at times.

This could be partly due to my riding style, as I’m not entirely used to scooters, but I think a larger tyre or rim size might help. Or, you know, just riding a bit more cautiously might be the safer bet (sarcasm intended).

Another drawback is that the Gemma 125 isn’t great for extreme lane splitting. It’s a bit slow, which can make squeezing through tight traffic lanes feel a little risky.

I also found it frustrating that there’s no pillion handlebar at the back. Plus, the braking system isn’t as responsive as I’d like—it requires a firm press on both brakes for effective stopping power. 

On top of that, the horn and signal buttons are placed too close together, leading to a couple of awkward moments in heavy traffic where I honked when I meant to switch off the signal.

Final Verdict: Is the WMoto Gemma 125 Worth It?

Definitely! With the Gemma 125, WMOTO has proven that classic retro style can be combined with modern technology, creating a better and more satisfying riding experience. This automatic scooter is not only suitable for those who want to look different on the streets but also for those who want the perfect combination of style, comfort, and performance.

All I can say is that this bike is super comfy and reliable. It is surely a great choice for students, beginners, and anyone looking for a practical and stylish scooter for short-distance rides. The WMoto Gemma 125 is a perfect blend of retro-modern classic aesthetics with an attractive personality and enhanced futuristic features that make it worth every cent.

For a scooter of this size and price, offering all this technology is pretty impressive. And the best part? The WMoto Gemma 125 comes at a reasonable price of RM6,988, excluding road tax, insurance, and registration. It’s a great value for what you’re getting.

Plus, it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of two years or 20,000 km travel distance (whichever comes first).