Hooligan vs Zuma 125

[bigmike7801]

I've pretty much narrowed down my search to the Hooligan or the 2015 Zuma 125 or 2016 Zuma 125.

There's a few things about the new 2016 Zuma 125 I like that the 2015 didn't have such as the digital speedometer and tach. Rear disk brake and a front storage compartment. None of these are an advantage over the Hooligan because it has all of those except it has an analog tach (not a big deal).

I really liked the way the Hooligan drove as well as the 2015 Zuma. I haven't rode the 2016 Zuma yet, but the seat wasn't quite as comfortable as the previous model for me.

I can get each scoot for the following prices in my area:

Hooligan: $3,399 +($395-$595 for freight and setup. I don't know the actual price yet. Unfortunately Portland Vespa doesn't seem to wave the freight and setup cost like some other dealers do.)
2016 Zuma: $3,399
2015 Zuma: $2,899


One thing I like about the Zuma is that there's a ton of groups, videos, and articles on how to work on it. Where as the Hooligan just doesn't have that much at all.

One of the biggest benefits for the Hooligan though is the 12v plugin as well as the Genuine 2 year warranty and roadside assistance program.

So all that being said, does anybody have anything to add to my ever growing dilemma?

Thanks!

[Dooglas]

Well, not very hard to wire in a 12V outlet on any bike so don't base your decision on that feature.

[Syd]

One thing I like about the Zuma is that there's a ton of groups, videos, and articles on how to work on it. Where as the Hooligan just doesn't have that much at all.?

Thanks!

The Hooligan doesn't need a ton of groups for support. You can find it all right here!

[RoaringTodd]

I haven't ridden either, but I would imagine the Hoolie would be quicker and more powerful as there is about a 50cc difference in displacement?

For me, it's all about the ergos. I like many scooters but won't buy because they just don't fit.

Have you had a look at the Lance Cabo? It's a very good scoot ( I rode one for 4 days and 1,000 miles) for a thousand less. I think I heard a rumor that the 2017 models will be bigger displacement and EFI.

[dasscooter]

Exposed handlebars get me every time, so the Zuma wins in that category.

[DeeDee]

The fuel injection system on the Zuma is extremely reliable. Parts are easy to get and fairly cheap, boats.net or partzilla. Around me you can pick up a 4 year old Zuma 125 with low miles for under $2,000. Guess you have to ride both and decide which one to spend your hard earned money on. Can't loose either way.

[sc00ter]

What do you plan to do with the scooter? If you plan on keeping the motor stock and just enjoy it as it came, it comes down to comfort and fit-as both are good options. If you have plans to hot rod the motor and do crazy body mods than the Zuma is your best bet. I owned a early Zuma 125 and did the bbk and full transmission mods. It had decent build quality overall but not as good as my Buddy 125. Needless to say, I no longer own the Zuma and still own the Buddy. The Lance is a hidden option (great build quality) but after owning a SYM (Lance and SYM are the same importers) and dealing with their poor "parts system" I will not go near their products again. No fun waiting FOREVER for a part that you need and getting the wrong part! That being said, the Zuma and Hooligan are both solid and supported choices.

[bigmike7801]

Exposed handlebars get me every time, so the Zuma wins in that category.

Ah yes, I too prefer the naked handle bars. I really wish the Ruckus came stock with 125cc or larger engine because that would have been the clear winner for me. I love the option to be able to customize -IF- I want to.

[skully93]

I've ridden older Zuma125's and rode the Hooligan once, so I can't give you an in-depth review, but:

The Zuma 125 is fairly heavy for it's size. The seat is plush, but it would do better with a bigger engine. the Hooligan was nice and quick. I didn't care for the dashboard but it was a smooth ride.

On the other hand, Yamaha makes really high quality stuff.

[paracer]

Exposed handlebars get me every time, so the Zuma wins in that category.

Ah yes, I too prefer the naked handle bars. I really wish the Ruckus came stock with 1125cc or larger engine because that would have been the clear winner for me. I love the option to be able to customize -IF- I want to.

Agreed, but I would be happy with just a 125. An 1125 would be a real thumper.

[skipper20]

I've pretty much narrowed down my search to the Hooligan or the 2015 Zuma 125 or 2016 Zuma 125.

There's a few things about the new 2016 Zuma 125 I like that the 2015 didn't have such as the digital speedometer and tach. Rear disk brake and a front storage compartment. None of these are an advantage over the Hooligan because it has all of those except it has an analog tach (not a big deal).

I really liked the way the Hooligan drove as well as the 2015 Zuma. I haven't rode the 2016 Zuma yet, but the seat wasn't quite as comfortable as the previous model for me.

I can get each scoot for the following prices in my area:

Hooligan: $3,399 +($395-$595 for freight and setup. I don't know the actual price yet. Unfortunately Portland Vespa doesn't seem to wave the freight and setup cost like some other dealers do.)
2016 Zuma: $3,399
2015 Zuma: $2,899


One thing I like about the Zuma is that there's a ton of groups, videos, and articles on how to work on it. Where as the Hooligan just doesn't have that much at all.

One of the biggest benefits for the Hooligan though is the 12v plugin as well as the Genuine 2 year warranty and roadside assistance program.

So all that being said, does anybody have anything to add to my ever growing dilemma?

Yes. Go with the Hooligan. I owned a Zuma 125. Now I own 2 Hooligans. One in Tucson and one in Seattle. And I've owned Buddy 125s, a Buddy 150 and a Buddy 170i all VERY good scooters. But the Hooligan trumps them all. That's why I own 2 of them. So buy the Hooligan. You won't regret it. I guarantee it.

Bill in Seattle
'14 170i Hooligan Matte Green
'15 170i Hooligan Titanium (AZ scoot)

Thanks!

[bigmike7801]

Exposed handlebars get me every time, so the Zuma wins in that category.

Ah yes, I too prefer the naked handle bars. I really wish the Ruckus came stock with 1125cc or larger engine because that would have been the clear winner for me. I love the option to be able to customize -IF- I want to.

Agreed, but I would be happy with just a 125. An 1125 would be a real thumper.

Good catch

Fixed it.

[bigmike7801]

Yes. Go with the Hooligan. I owned a Zuma 125. Now I own 2 Hooligans. One in Tucson and one in Seattle. And I've owned Buddy 125s, a Buddy 150 and a Buddy 170i all VERY good scooters. But the Hooligan trumps them all. That's why I own 2 of them. So buy the Hooligan. You won't regret it. I guarantee it.

Do you have examples of why you say the Hooligan trumps them?

[skipper20]

Yes. Go with the Hooligan. I owned a Zuma 125. Now I own 2 Hooligans. One in Tucson and one in Seattle. And I've owned Buddy 125s, a Buddy 150 and a Buddy 170i all VERY good scooters. But the Hooligan trumps them all. That's why I own 2 of them. So buy the Hooligan. You won't regret it. I guarantee it.

Do you have examples of why you say the Hooligan trumps them?

The Hooli trumps the Zuma 125 on the basis of top end speed. The extra 44 cc engine displacement gives you about 5 mph more top end. The advantage over the Buddys is the larger frame, dual rear shocks, disk brakes front and rear and larger 12" wheels and tires.

Bill in Seattle

[bigmike7801]

I just tested a 2016 Honda PCX 150. I really liked it. It felt as good as the Hooligan did and is just $100 more. I think I'm leaning towards the PCX at this point.

[skipper20]

I just tested a 2016 Honda PCX 150. I really liked it. It felt as good as the Hooligan did and is just $100 more. I think I'm leaning towards the PCX at this point.

I was told by a Tucson dealer that the PCX 150 engine was restricted. He had one for sale that I was semi-interested in but after he told me about the restriction I lost interest.

Bill in Seattle
'14 170i Hooligan Matte Green
'15 170i Hooligan Titanium (AZ scoot)

[iwannascoot]

Perhaps you should look at a Yamaha Smax.

Billy

[Dooglas]

I was told by a Tucson dealer that the PCX 150 engine was restricted. He had one for sale that I was semi-interested in but after he told me about the restriction I lost interest.

I give. What would be the point of restricting a 150cc scooter? My bet is that is nonsense.

[bigmike7801]

I was told by a Tucson dealer that the PCX 150 engine was restricted. He had one for sale that I was semi-interested in but after he told me about the restriction I lost interest.

Well if what I tested had a restricted engine, then it would be scary to see what the unrestricted could do!

[bigmike7801]

Perhaps you should look at a Yamaha Smax.

Billy

I actually did look at one and it was too small for me. I'm 6'3 and the way the seat sits, the handlebars are practically touching my knees.

[skipper20]

I was told by a Tucson dealer that the PCX 150 engine was restricted. He had one for sale that I was semi-interested in but after he told me about the restriction I lost interest.

I give. What would be the point of restricting a 150cc scooter? My bet is that is nonsense.

You may be right. He was NOT a Honda dealer!

Bill in Seattle

[az_slynch]

I just tested a 2016 Honda PCX 150. I really liked it. It felt as good as the Hooligan did and is just $100 more. I think I'm leaning towards the PCX at this point.

I was told by a Tucson dealer that the PCX 150 engine was restricted. He had one for sale that I was semi-interested in but after he told me about the restriction I lost interest.

Bill in Seattle
'14 170i Hooligan Matte Green
'15 170i Hooligan Titanium (AZ scoot)

You're talking about the black PCX150 over at ScootOver. It's electronically governed by the PGM-FI fuel injection system, which is present on the PCX125 and PCX150 models. The PCX125 is limited to 62mph and the PCX150 is limited to 68mph. With those available speeds, it's not exactly nerfed.

If you really want something to complain about, the valve adjustments are time-consuming and need to be done every 4K miles or so.

[thumper650]

I'd go with the hooligan. I had a Buddy 170i and the only reason I sold it was because the little wheels made the ride harsh and squirrelly. The engine was the same though and it was a pretty powerful scooter, so I think you'd be happy with it.

PCX is great, I've ridden one, but as someone mentioned the too complicated valve adjustment would turn me off since I like to do it myself.

If you want to go cheap and love naked handlebars, check out the new Kymco Super 8 150. It's carbed and I think maybe you want EFI

Every scooter you've mentioned sounds good, so I think you'll be pleased no matter what you get.

[smithbaltimore]

I have owned a Buddy 125 for ten years, and I just sold it today. I live in Baltimore MD and all the local scooter dealers are folding. Motostrada closed. The Vespa Dealer is going fold up its operations. That leaves just the motorcycle dealers and the Yamaha Zuma 125 as a bike I can get locally serviced.

Pet Peeve #1: I can't do a test drive of the scooter.

Peeve #2: The motorcycle sales men are scooter illiterate. They don't even know the differences between the 2015 models and revamped 2016 models.

Peeve#3: The best price I've been able to negotiate is $4,300.00 out the door.

I can get a Buddy 125 from a dealer 30 miles away for about $1K less or I can get a Buddy i170.

I am so torn about what to do, and IMO the reviews of ZUMAs are not particularly revealing or expository. My sense is that the Buddy is faster and more fun to drive, but the ZUMA is probably a smoother more plush ride with Yamaha dealer support behind it.

I like the 2016 redesign of the Zuma. I honestly don't know how to choose.

Last thing. The nearest scooter dealer, College Scooters, has better sales staff and understand their product lines. But getting a scooter to and from them for service will be somewhat difficult in comparison to the local Motorcycle Dealers.

Part of me just wants to change up from the Buddy, and hence try-out the ZUMA. But, I'm afraid of buyer's remorse.

[RoaringTodd]

How far are you from Carlisle PA? The owner used to have a shop in Baltimore and opened a new one in Carlisle. He not only carries the Genuine line but also Lance and SYM. The new Lances are now 168cc's and fuel injected and less than $3,000. Give Carlisle Cycle and Scooter a look.
On

[smithbaltimore]

College Scooters looks like a great operation in College Park, and it carries LANCE and Genuine Scooters. Whoever survives this downturn should be well positioned to control the Scooter Market.

College Scooters can market itself to BALTO, DC, Annapolis, and all the massive suburbs in between.

[smithbaltimore]

I just made this decision without test driving either scooter. I read reviews and looked at forum feedback and decided on the 2016 ZUMA 125.

My impression is that I will be sacrificing top end speed and whip fast acceleration for a YAMAHA plush ride and dealer support.

Bottom line: I made a conservative decision.

[RoaringTodd]

Speed over comfort for me. They're not that hard to service.


Regardless. Congrats.

[bigmike7801]

I ended up settling on the 2016 Honda PCX150.



So far so good! I've put about 75 miles on it thus far. Very smooth ride. Turns heads and great under the seat storage.

[smithbaltimore]

I ended up settling on the 2016 Honda PCX150.

So far so good! I've put about 75 miles on it thus far. Very smooth ride. Turns heads and great under the seat storage.

The salesman who sold me my ZUMA drives a PCX150 and he showed it to me. He said the disassembly to work on the bike is quite time consuming. For me the PCX150 was simply too big and boaty for my urban riding needs. The ZUMA 125 is smaller than the PCX but bigger than the Buddy 125 -- just about right for what I need.

[bigmike7801]

I ended up settling on the 2016 Honda PCX150.

So far so good! I've put about 75 miles on it thus far. Very smooth ride. Turns heads and great under the seat storage.

The salesman who sold me my ZUMA drives a PCX150 and he showed it to me. He said the disassembly to work on the bike is quite time consuming. For me the PCX150 was simply too big and boaty for my urban riding needs. The ZUMA 125 is smaller than the PCX but bigger than the Buddy 125 -- just about right for what I need.

If I had found the seat for the new Zuma 125 to be more comfortable, I probably would have gotten it before even test driving the PCX150.

Me being a bigger guy, I liked the idea of a bigger scooter. I may eventually want to join the "big boys" and get a full fledged motorcycle and I figured this was a good starter point for me.

[smithbaltimore]

If I had found the seat for the new Zuma 125 to be more comfortable, I probably would have gotten it before even test driving the PCX150.

Me being a bigger guy, I liked the idea of a bigger scooter. I may eventually want to join the "big boys" and get a full fledged motorcycle and I figured this was a good starter point for me.

-----------

^^^ The seat is my least favorite feature of the bike. My only quibbles are the seat and off-the-line acceleration. The Buddy was simply a rocket off the line, but I still haven't broken in the Zuma's engine --- so its hard for me to tell what it does under full throttle.

[Dooglas]

That leaves just the motorcycle dealers and the Yamaha Zuma 125 as a bike I can get locally serviced.

If you can get a Zuma serviced locally, you can get an Smax serviced locally. All the reviews I have read of the Smax have been very positive. Yamaha is clearly targeting the PCX as the competition for this model.