Honda Dio 125 vs Yamaha Ray ZR 125: Sporty 125cc Scooters Compared

Both the Dio and the RayZR 125 are scooters that look funky and are sporty to ride. 

• The Honda Dio 125 was one of India’s earliest performance-oriented scooters.
• Yamaha’s RayZR 125, on the other hand, is probably one of India’s funkiest-looking scooters.
• The RayZR 125 also has truly exceptional fuel economy.

If you're currently searching for a 125cc scooter in the market but desire a model that stands apart from the typical commuters, it's likely that your options have boiled down to two choices: the Honda Dio 125 and the Yamaha RayZR 125. Now the question remains: which of these two scooters would be the most suitable option for you?

Honda Dio 125 vs Yamaha RayZR 125: Design & Features

The Ray ZR 125 stands out with its unique design, which might not resonate with everyone's preferences. However, its unconventional aesthetics work in its favor, setting it apart from the sea of usual designs.

Equipped with the Smart Motor Generator System, the Ray ZR 125 Fi boasts a noiseless starter. Additionally, it incorporates a Stop & Start mechanism that automatically halts the engine during traffic idles, promptly reactivating when the throttle engages. In the 2023 model, Yamaha introduced the Ray-ZR 125 Fi Hybrid, showcasing modern features like LED headlights, an LED tail light, and Bluetooth connectivity. Notably, it includes practicalities such as a side stand cut-off switch, a capacious 21-litre underseat storage, and an optional USB charger.

While maintaining the iconic and dynamic body design reminiscent of the Dio 110, the Honda Dio 125 introduces a subtly enhanced muscular style in its body panels. Notably, the grab rail and exhaust contribute to a sportier appeal, complemented by the inclusion of dual-tone colors, refreshed graphics, and updated logos, collectively infusing a sense of novelty into the scooter's appearance.

Both the Standard and Smart variants of the Dio 125 boast a fully digital console, presenting essential information such as range, average and real-time mileage, accompanied by a tripmeter, clock, side stand indicator, ECO indicator, Service Due indicator, and malfunction light. In contrast, the Smart Variant elevates the experience with the incorporation of a Smart Key, alongside features like Smart Find, Smart Unlock, Smart Safe, and Smart Start, enhancing convenience and functionality.

Honda Dio 125 vs Yamaha RayZR 125: Engines

The prominent feature of the refreshed RayZR is its upgraded engine, notably showcasing micro-hybrid technology. This innovation significantly improves both torque output and fuel efficiency. Operating with a lithium-ion battery positioned in the scooter's floorboard, this system utilizes the Smart Motor Generator (SMG). This not only ensures a noiseless scooter start but also offers electric motor support for enhanced performance.

While its performance might not be remarkable, its standout feature is undoubtedly its segment-leading fuel efficiency! In our assessment, we achieved an impressive 71kmpl, surpassing not only the already economical Fascino Hybrid but also outperforming any other scooter we've subjected to testing.

The Dio’s engine, albeit slightly larger than its previous iteration, doesn't notably augment the bike's performance. However, the enhanced capacity does contribute to a more relaxed engine performance when handling loads, resulting in reduced throttle input for similar tasks. Consequently, the bike's fuel efficiency receives a boost. 

During our urban rides, this efficiency consistently ranged from 40 to 43kmpl, a commendable figure, especially considering the bike's responsibility of carrying a rider weighing on the heavier side. That said, the 43kmpl mileage does seem kinda shabby when put against the Ray ZR’s excellent figure. So if mileage is a big concern for you, the RayZR takes the cake here, by a big margin. 

Honda Dio 125 vs Yamaha RayZR 125: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

One favorable characteristic of the RayZR is that, despite the numerous enhancements, it maintains a featherweight profile at a mere 99kg (kerb weight). This distinction positions it as the lightest scooter within the 125cc category. Consequently, the scooter boasts impressive agility, effortlessly weaving through traffic and deftly handling parking lot maneuvers. Negotiating lane changes and weaving through spaces becomes a seamless experience with the RayZR 125.

Honda has opted for a family-oriented approach with the Dio. The suspension system prioritizes comfort, effectively soaking up the majority of imperfections that our challenging road conditions present. Although the most severe bumps may occasionally transmit to the rider's back, the overall journey remains smooth and pleasant for the most part.

Honda Dio 125 vs Yamaha RayZR 125: Dimensions

The Dio proudly retains the distinct handlebar shroud without a headlight, a design legacy carried over from its predecessor. While its overall design remains reminiscent, subtle additions in the form of lines and curves contribute to its enhanced appearance. The front fender showcases a fresh design, and the revamped center panels that bridge the front to the rear exhibit a substantial transformation, featuring extended sections on each side that serve as passenger footrests. 

The side profile, rear end, and the sizeable tail light assembly with seamlessly integrated clear lens indicators, as well as the redesigned grab rail – all aspects receive a complete overhaul. To the extent that, excluding the tires and a few minor components like the switchgear and levers, there isn't a single external element that has been retained from the previous iteration of the bike.

Honda Dio 125 vs Yamaha RayZR 125: Price

The Dio comes in a pair of versions for the standard scooter, and an additional duo for the Sports Edition. With the Sports Edition, what you essentially receive is an upgraded digital console and an LED headlamp.

The Yamaha RayZR 125 starts at a base price of Rs 84,230 for the drum variant, and the versions featuring disc brakes in blue, red, and black hues come in at Rs 87,030. Opting for the Racing Blue and Yellow color options entails a cost of Rs 88,030. The MotoGP edition holds a price tag of Rs 89,030, whereas the premium Street Rally variant is available for Rs 91,030 (all prices are ex-showroom Delhi).

Verdict

So here we have the RayZR Hybrid, positioned as a mid-range scooter that, even with its enhancements, remains comfortably situated within that mid-range slot. Priced just around four thousand rupees higher than the standard RayZR, this hybrid option offers commendable value for your investment. 

However, if your priority is scooter performance, you might opt for the base model of the TVS NTorq with disc brakes, which comes at a slightly lower cost. On the other hand, if practicality takes precedence for you, the Suzuki Access could be a more suitable choice, albeit at a slightly higher price point. Nevertheless, if your primary desires encompass stylish aesthetics and impressive efficiency, the RayZR Hybrid undoubtedly emerges as an unparalleled choice.

So where does the Honda Dio fit among all these scooters? Well, the Dio is definitely a fun little scooter to ride, but with hardly any updates over the years, it does feel a bit dated. Yes, it has an affordable price tag but if price isn’t a worry for you, we’d recommend you look elsewhere, maybe among the list of scooters we mentioned above.