Yamaha PG-1 Review: A Chill Trail Bike That’s Seriously Fun

It may not be fast, but after a day with the PG-1, I didn’t care, this little explorer is all about good vibes.

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Sometimes, the most fun you can have on two wheels isn’t with a superbike or a big 1000cc naked bike but with a small, simple bike that can handle both on-road and off-road with ease. That’s exactly how I felt after joining the PG-1 Trail Xperience at Most Fun Gym (MFG) in Sungai Penchala recently.

The event was awesome as three of Yamaha’s biggest dealers, Boon Hua Motor, GT-Max, and Berjaya Mega Motor, teamed up to bring media and riding communities together for a full day of activities. There were trail rides, laughs, plenty of photo moments, and most importantly, the chance to test out two of Yamaha’s off-road machines: the Tenere 700 and our star of the day, the Yamaha PG-1.

Yamaha PG-1 – Simple Specs, Big Personality

Yamaha calls the PG-1 an “Explorer Bike” so basically, it’s a 114cc moped designed for city riding and light trail adventures. It runs the same proven 115cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine from the Lagenda 115Z, producing 9.0 PS @ 7,000 rpm and 9.5 Nm @ 5,500 rpm.

It’s paired with a 4-speed centrifugal clutch gearbox, rides on chunky 90/100 knobby tyres with 16-inch wheels front and rear, weighs just 107 kg, and has a seat height of 780 mm. There are two colour options; Casual Beige and Forest Green, both giving off a rugged, outdoorsy vibe.

Trail Riding = Pure Fun

Track A at Most Fun Gym wasn’t anything too crazy, just a fun little loop with gentle hills, a few small jumps, and mostly left-hand turns. Thanks to the PG-1’s low seat height, pretty much anyone could ride it with confidence, even female riders or beginners, since both feet could easily touch the ground. Throughout the course, second gear was more than enough. The torque delivery was smooth and manageable, making it super friendly for new riders but still fun enough to keep things interesting.

Once you hit the tarmac though, the story changes a bit. At full throttle, you’ll max out around 80 km/h, maybe a tad more if you’re lucky with a downhill stretch and the wind at your back. Clearly, this isn’t the kind of bike meant for highways. Instead, it’s happiest cruising around town, exploring kampung roads, or enjoying a relaxed weekend ride at your own pace.

Handling & Feel

The throttle response is impressively lively for a small-capacity bike like this. There’s barely any vibration unless you’re wringing it out at full throttle and high RPM. The handlebars feel noticeably wider than your typical road-going moped, which actually makes sense as it likely helps with grip and provides better control when riding off-road.

When it comes to cornering, the PG-1 holds its line well with consistent grip, even on slightly wet surfaces. However, if you’re planning to upgrade the tyres, especially with premium ones for those 16-inch wheels, you might need to do a bit of searching. As for the suspension, both front and rear setups lean more towards comfort, they soak up bumps nicely but aren’t really designed for serious airtime or aggressive trail riding.

Comfort & Braking 

The split seat with hipster-style brown faux leather looks great, but after a longer distances ride, you’ll start feeling it. If you plan on going long distance, thicker pants or some added padding would help.

Braking is handled by a front disc and a rear drum, which are more than enough for a bike like this. The front brake offers good feedback, while the rear does the job for daily riding and also the trail uses for a bit of sliding.

Can It Go Off-Road?

Yes absolutely, just don’t expect motocross performance. The PG-1 is happy on dirt roads, gravel paths, or farm tracks. If things get slippery, dropping tyre pressure helps the knobbies dig in and grip better. Also, pull out one leg on corner turns for better stabilization.

Verdict

The Yamaha PG-1 isn’t about speed, it’s about fun, simplicity, and versatility. It’s perfect for riders who want something different, something they can take both to the cafe and down a dirt road. With a price of RM6,998, it’s a solid buy if you’re into relaxed riding with a touch of adventure.   

For weekend trail rides or casual city cruising, the PG-1 is a bike that puts a smile on your face every time you twist the throttle.