Moda Sporter S 250 Review: A Bold Entry into the Maxi Scooter Market  

The locally assembled Moda Sporter S 250 brings modern features, European design flair, and solid performance at an affordable price.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!

The recent launch of the Moda Sporter S 250 maxi scooter has shaken up the motorcycle scene. If you’re wondering who Moda is, they’re a local brand under Mdua Motor Sdn. Bhd., which is part of AFY Mobility Industries (AMI)—the same company that exclusively distributes Suzuki motorcycles in Malaysia.  

What makes this launch exciting? Well, the Sporter S 250 is Moda’s first-ever bike, and they’re kicking things off with a 250cc scooter, which is a pretty bold move. With more riders turning to scooters for daily commuting, this move makes a lot of sense.  

But the big question is, does the Sporter S 250 bring enough to the table in terms of features and pricing? That’s what’s got people talking. Luckily, we got to put it to the test at Sepang Circuit during a media ride session. So, how did it stack up? Stick around to find out.

Design and Appearance 

The first thing we all notice about a bike is its looks—because let’s be honest, first impressions matter. At first glance, the Sporter S 250, especially in red, gives off serious Panigale vibes at the front, while the rear has a Diavel-inspired touch. It’s the kind of design that immediately grabs your attention.

Well, that’s no coincidence. The bike’s styling comes from the French design studio Yacouba, giving it a distinct European flair. Unlike most maxi scooters that stick to a traditional and practical look, the Sporter S 250 exudes a sporty, fresh, and youthful energy that truly stands out.

Weighing 186 kg (dry), the Sporter S 250 may look solid and bulky, but it’s surprisingly nimble and comfortable to ride. However, when stationary, it does feel quite heavy, making it a bit of a challenge to get on or off the double stand—especially for shorter or less physically strong riders.

It comes equipped with a 13-litre fuel tank and generous under-seat storage, spacious enough for two helmets, making it a practical choice for both daily commutes and longer rides. Additionally, rolling on 15-inch front wheels and 14-inch rear wheels, it features 120/70 (front) and 140/60 (rear) tyres from TimSun. 

Power and Speed

Let’s cut to the chase, everyone’s favourite question: Is the power output reliable, and how does it perform? Well, let’s break it down with the engine specs.

The Sporter S 250 is powered by a 244cc, single-cylinder engine, producing 24.8hp and 22.5Nm of torque. As expected from a maxi scooter, it runs on a belt-driven CVT transmission, delivering most of its power in the 6,000 to 8,500rpm range.

Now, for the real test, I managed to push it to a top speed of 154km/h. Pretty solid, right? But here’s the catch, how long it takes to get there matters just as much. The Sporter S 250 climbs to top speed fairly efficiently, but I did notice a slight front-end wobble at higher speeds. 

That said, this could vary depending on the rider’s weight, as other publications have reported a more stable front end but slight wobbling at the rear. So, in the end, it comes down to personal preference, but we’ll dive deeper into handling and performance later on.

Speaking of speed, the initial acceleration feels a bit sluggish, but the power really kicks in at mid and high RPMs. That makes it great for city riding and heavy traffic, where you don’t need an instant burst but rather a smooth and predictable power delivery.  

Performances on Road 

Now, let’s talk about this Sporter S 250’s performance. In terms of fuel consumption, there’s no official data yet, but during my 32km test ride around the Sepang-KLIA area, cruising at an average speed of 110km/h, the fuel bar remained unchanged throughout the ride. That’s a promising sign for efficiency. 

For suspension, the Sporter S 250 comes equipped with USD forks (80mm travel) up front and dual adjustable shocks (66mm travel) at the rear. However, with short suspension travel, the ride can feel harsh on bigger bumps, pointing out that instead of absorbing them, the scooter tends to crash into them, which might throw you off the seat slightly. Cornering is so much fun and enjoyable, except, it feels wobble and shaky-ish too. 

Thankfully, the Traction Control System (TCS) adds a layer of safety, helping maintain stability. That said, at higher speeds (135km/h and above), wobbling can occur, depending on road conditions and wind factors, so it’s always best to ride within safe limits.

Braking duties are handled by twin 260mm discs up front and a single 240mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS as standard. The best part? ABS can be switched off via a dedicated button on the dash, giving riders more control when needed.

On the road, the Sporter S 250 feels relaxed and comfortable, making it a great option for long-distance travel. Just as you would expect a scooter to ride. It is smooth, power delivery is good, and it is easy to manoeuvre in traffic. Whether you’re the rider or the pillion, comfort is guaranteed. This bike I can say it’s designed to remove your fatigues and just feed you an enjoyable ride experience. 

Technology & Features

One of the standout features of the Sporter S 250 is its meter panel, which automatically adjusts brightness based on the time of day, a handy touch. However, some of the essential readings, like the fuel gauge and trip meter, are quite small, which could be a challenge if you rely on reading glasses.

Technology is a key highlight of this scooter. It comes packed with Matrix LED lights, a 6.2-inch TFT display, and Bluetooth connectivity via the Moda Car Bit Ride app, which includes navigation functions. 

Other notable features include a keyless start system, tyre pressure monitoring, remote-controlled fuel and seat opening, backlit handlebar switches, and a USB charging port, making it a well-equipped modern ride.

As for the body-mounted rearview mirrors, they’ve sparked some debate. While they limit customization options, they have a clear advantage as they don’t vibrate as much at high speeds and fold neatly against the body, making lane-splitting through tight traffic much easier without worrying about scraping them.

Pros and Cons

Let’s break it down—there are definitely pros and cons to this bike. On the plus side, we appreciate the adjustable windshield or wind deflector, though it requires quite a bit of force to adjust. It’s tight and can be a bit of a hassle to move, but the adjustability makes the Sporter S ideal for highway riding.

Another highlight is the spacious rider and pillion seat, which is comfortable for all body types and perfect for long-distance rides where you’re spending hours on the saddle.

The fact that the Moda Sporter S is locally assembled (CKD) at the AMI factory in Shah Alam is also a big plus. This emphasizes quality and innovation, aligning with Malaysia’s growing demand for affordable and eco-friendly vehicles.

Now, for the cons. The suspension, especially the rear, could use an upgrade. It feels like it needs more stability, particularly at high speeds or when cornering.

Should You Buy One?

Well, it depends. Priced at RM17,888, the Sporter S is one of the most affordable “super-scooters” on the market. While there might be cheaper options out there, it’s worth noting that buying from a reputable brand like Moda is often a safer bet than opting for a lesser-known manufacturer.

The scooter comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects and is available at authorized Moda dealers nationwide. Moda is also working to expand its spare parts distribution network, ensuring that maintenance and repairs won’t leave your scooter sitting idle for too long.

What’s more, the Sporter S uses high-quality components from globally recognized brands. For instance, the radiator fan is from Panasonic, the drive belt is from Mitsuboshi, the spark plug is from NGK, and the ECU, fuel injector and EFI system are from Bosch. Even the graphic stickers are from 3M, which adds to the scooter’s overall quality and reliability.

In short, the Moda Sporter S offers great value for its price, with a few areas that could use improvement. If you’re in the market for an affordable, reliable, and decent scooter, this one’s worth considering.