2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Scooter - Review

Price: £2699 (+OTR costs) | Power: 8.6bhp | Weight: 107kg | Overall BikeSocial Rating: 4/5

A quick look at Suzuki's range of late will show it distinctly lacking in 125cc scooters – often the best sellers for other manufacturers. This gap has been plugged this year through, not by one, but by three new 125cc bikes.

The Avenis, Address and Burgman 125s are all new to the UK Market for 2023 and designed to meet three specific needs in the scooter market: the Address picks up where it's smaller ancestor, the Address 110 left off, offering a classic scooter profile for those looking for timeless design; the Burgman to meet the er… more mature, less cash-conscious client looking for a stylish and slightly more luxurious way to get to work; and that leaves the Avenis which is designed to meet the needs of the younger, sportier buyer with its sharp lines and modern colourways.

So, where better to test the capabilities of the 2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 than the home of the MK Dons, concrete cows, more roundabouts than you can shake a stick at, and conveniently Suzuki UK HQ – Milton Keyes.

We spent a day with both the Address 125 (you can read our review of that bike here) and the Avenis 125 to see if they fit their respective briefs.

Review – In Detail

2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Price

While the Address is aimed at the more reserved buyer, looking for timeless classic looks, the Suzuki Avenis is aimed squarely at the trendy young buyer, looking for a quick, convenient and most of all cheap way to get to college, training or mate's houses without having to rely on the bus or mum and dad. Think of it as a pair of trainers to the Address being an Oxford Brogue. To capture that young (and mostly skint) market, the price needs to be right and at just £2699 (£2776 on-the-road), I think the Avenis has got it bang on.

It sits in the middle of the new range of bikes from Suzuki, just £200 more than the Address (so you get the bragging rights over your mates) and just £300 less than the yet to be launched Burgman.

If you need that put into pounds-per-month terms, then a typical finance package from Suzuki would be:

Don't forget too that annual VED rates for 125cc scooters are just £22 per year so there's very few cheaper ways to get on the road.

Within that low purchase price, you get Suzuki's standard bike warranty of 3 years/unlimited mileage, and service intervals (once the 600-mile run in service is done) are every 2,400 miles (or annually).

The 2023 Suzuki Avenis is available in just two colourways (the Asia only MotoGP replica sport model doesn't come to the UK) – Pearl Mirage White/Metallic Matt Fibroin Grey (A8D) and Metallic Matt Fibroin Grey/Metallic Lush Green as shown in this review. Fibroin in a protein present in silk produced by insects, but I'm not sure what relevance that has here. Anyway…

2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Power and Licence Eligibility

As with all A1 category bikes, you'll need to be at least 17 years old and have at least a provisional license and CBT to ride the Avenis 125 on public roads. You can find out much more about the CBT and learning to ride in our in-depth guide.

The new Avenis 125 develops a fair bit less power than the maximum 11kW (14.75bhp) allowable under the A1 categorisation, at 6.4kW (8.6bhp) so, on paper at least, you might expect performance to be somewhat lacklustre and for the bike to outshone by its rivals. Outright power is only half the story though and if you look at the torque curve above, you can see that the engine has been designed to perform best at lower revs and deliver maximum torque when it's most useful – pulling away from traffic or joining busy roundabouts, so you should be able to out drag your mates, over the first 250 meters at least.

On the road, this translates into making the bike perform much better than you would expect for this capacity and power.

Acceleration away from traffic lights or junctions is plenty rapid enough to make sure you're first to the next set of lights and only when flat out (an indicated 60mph) does the lack of top end power make itself apparent.

Suzuki have done a great job at matching rest of the bikes transmission system to make the most of the engine too, with the CVT rollers and variator system being specifically tuned to this engine.

The end result is near instantaneous launches from stand still with a distinct lack of hesitation from the CVT system sorting itself out, that is often seen in many lesser scooters.

2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Engine and Transmission

So how do Suzuki achieve such good performance from what on the face of it is a low-priced and impressively frugal engine? If you've already read our review of the Address 125, you can skip the next bit. If not, then here's how it's all done.

Firstly, it's worth noting that while this engine is new to the UK in Euro5 format, it is a tried and trusted base unit which has sold by the million in the east and sub-continent – in fact the Avenis has been available in Asia for a couple of years now. Nothing in it is ground-breaking or novel, just the epitome of good technology, bought together into a single package.

Suzuki have christened the engine the SEP, or Suzuki Eco-Performance, and this name reflects the ultimate aims of the design brief – performance with economy.

To achieve these aims, a number of simple features each contribute a little to ensure that every drop of power is obtained from a little fuel as possible. Curved intake manifolds and fuel injection start the process by delivering the fuel/air mixture to the engine as well mixed and vapourised as possible. Much like the water on the outside of a river bend travels faster, the curved manifold creates faster airflow on the outside of the curve. Faster airflow lowers the pressure (much like the top surface of a wing) and helps with both fuel atomisation and mixing while also helping direct the flow into the cylinder bore with precision.

Once inside the cylinder block, the turbulence of air (which ensures good combustion) is continued by the use of what Suzuki call M-Squish.

Areas of the cylinder head overlap the top of the cylinder bore (the resultant shape looks a bit like a letter M – hence the name) and as the piston rises, create high(er) pressure areas. These areas direct the air/fuel in the bore towards the spark plug, maximising ignition and creating max power per bang while ensuring maximum lean burn and minimising emissions (unburnt fuel).

As if that wasn't enough, all engine and gearbox components have a coating (such as Nikasil) which reduces friction throughout the whole power plant – again, maximising power and minimising waste.

Combine all this good tech with a longer than normal stroke engine (the PCX125 has a stroke of 55.5mm for example, against the Address's 57.4mm) and you get an engine that, while down on top-end power (a result of revving slightly slower thanks to the longer stroke) but that develops more torque than normal and is cleaner with less emissions.

As mentioned in the section above, the final piece of the puzzle is the CVT system which has been 'tuned' to match the characteristics of the engine, ensuring that drive is engaged at maximum torque to give the most 'thrust'.

All of this is quite an achievement at any price, but even more so at this price point and on what will be seen by many as an entry level product.

2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Economy and Storage

As with the identically-engined Address 125, all that clean burn technology, low friction and matched transmission explained above means that Suzuki quote a claimed economy of 148.67mpg.

Combine that with a slightly larger 5.2 litre (1.14 UK Gallon) tank and you get a theoretical max range of 169.5 miles – slightly more than the Address and plenty enough to make filling up a weekly rather than daily event.

As we all know, claimed mpg figures and real-world figures can vary greatly and we didn't see figures quite this high. 113 was the most I saw (strangely slightly lower than Address) but, as with Address, we swapped bikes a lot for the photo shoots and there was lot of stop start riding.

In the real world of daily urban commutes, I would expect to see figures over 120mpg quite easily and, at around £7.50 for a full tank, this won't exactly break the bank.

It's great to see the lockable, race styled fuel filler cap in a prominent position on the rear of the bodywork – this time unlocked via a keyhole in the side of the bodywork. Easy to reach and no chance of fuel splashing inside the storage compartment (Vespa owners will understand).

Despite its funky sporty looks, the Avenis still delivers practicality though with an impressive 21.5 litres of storage under the seat – plenty for gym kit, college bags or the odd spot of shopping. Sadly, the depth is insufficient to fit a full-face helmet (by quite a way) so you will be limited to jet or open face helmets. It’s a shame, but understandable when you consider the majority of these bikes will be used in (hot and humid) developing countries where helmet use is minimal and full-face lids are unheard of.

Along with the underseat storage (opened by turning the ignition key the other way), there is a large, covered cubby in left side of the leg guard which is more than big enough for even the chunkiest of smart phones and is equipped with a USB A socket for charging on the go. An open cubby on the right gives room for a water bottle.

Additional storage hooks on the front of the seat squab and the leg guard let you hang takeaway bags, smelly used gym kit or muddy boots with out fear of messing up the underseat area.

2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Handling, Wheels and Weight

Like it's Address sibling, the Avenis 125 is a light bike. 90% fuelled and ready to ride, the scooter comes in at a claimed 107Kg making it the ideal bike for first time rider or the nervous.

Despite this lack of weight, the size of the bike makes it feel substantial and gives it great road presence. The quality of the plastics is very good with nothing feeling fragile.

On the road, the handling is reassuring rather than flighty, absorbing bumps and potholes well and giving plenty of feedback about the road surface. The riding position differs from the Address with a more forward leaning position lending it an aggressive stance.

The Avenis is fitted with 12" front and 10" back wheels which offer a great compromise between a harsh ride of smaller wheels and agile handling of the larger wheel and also maximises tyre choices from the major brands while maintaining budget prices.

When it comes to braking, this is, for me, the only place the Avenis shows its budget nature. While we get a single 190mm disc and single pot Nissin caliper up front (more than enough for bike of this weight and size), at the back we get 120mm drum. Brakes are linked so that using the left (normally back) brake lever applies both the back and front brakes, but overall braking was a bit lacking. This may be intentional - grabby brakes can be a learner's worst enemy, especially when the Avenis 125 has no ABS – but overall, it just felt a bit of a let-down.

2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Comfort and Protection

The riding position is quite upright compared to the more laid-back Address but the large frontal area does a great job of deflecting the worst of the bad weather and wind blast. The two-tone, stepped seat is quite high – all adding to the aggressive stance – and well-padded. Being a short arse at just 5'6" I found the Avenis a little less approachable than the Address which has a 10mm lower seat height, but the bike never felt too tall or precarious.

There's plenty of pillion room, though the stepped seat will elevate your pillion a bit, but the seat is long and wide and there are two side mounted grab rails for when things get a bit lairy.

On the road, the sportier aggressive riding position instantly puts in the mood for swifter riding (don't forget we've still only got 8.6bhp, so this is no rocket ship) and the more upright riding position gives you great visibility to see over traffic and through bends. On the out of town roads we rode on the day, the handling of the Avenis really impressed with light and precise steering and the snappy engine all adding to the fun. I'm not sure how well the Avenis would cope with longer journeys, but that’s not really its intended purpose. On quick cross town blasts it excels.

Rider aids and accessories

As you expect on a sub three-grand scooter, rider aids are not top of the agenda, but the Avenis does have some nice and, most of all, useful features, many over and above its sister bike, the Address.

Suzuki has included their 'Easy Start' feature which I personally think is a really nice feature – just press the start button once and the bike will start, there's no need to hold it down. It sounds a bit simple and admittedly works better on bigger bikes, especially when you need to hold in a brake lever for the scooter to start, but it just adds a little taste of luxury to the bike.

Speaking of brakes, I was excited to see a brake lock on the Avenis. This is an additional lever in front of the brake lever which interlocks and holds the brake on when on uneven roads or parked on slopes. Operation didn’t quite live up to expectations as it was a bit fiddly to apply all too easy to forget about when departing. I nice idea, but not quite there yet.

As I've mentioned already, there's a USB A socket and covered cubby up front and while not lockable, this provides an easy to access place for your gadgets and a charging point for your phone or satnav.

A hangover perhaps of its sub-continent roots, the Avenis 125 comes with a kick-start. Not something I would put at the top of my list of must haves, but useful none the less, especially if you have a habit of leaving parking lights on and coming back to a flat battery (don't ask!). A centre stand also comes as standard.

In keeping with its sportier looks and younger market appeal, the clocks on the Avenis are all digital with a large and easy to read LCD display, accompanied by a mini computer readout giving dual trips, and average mpg for both readings. I was disappointed at the lack of an ambient air temperature though as this is often useful at this time of year, especially on morning rides.

The accessories catalogue is a bit sparce for the Avenis at the moment with just hand guards listed but I'm sure that there will be more to come.

2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Rivals

Rivals to the new Suzuki Avenis? How long have we got? It seems like every week we see more and more scooters announced by barely known Chinese manufacturers – many are mass produced, outdated models from companies such as Znen, and then rebadged to suit, but some, such at the Lexmoto Aura, stand out as being modern in design, packed with features, and coming in at great price. Combine that with an ever-growing dealer network and they start to stack up against models from the more established brands. Here's out pick of the closest rivals though:

Lexmoto Aura 125 | Price: £2739

A great looking bike with an impressive price and even more impressive spec with front and rear disc brakes with ABS, keyless ignition and an 8-litre tank. But would the extra weight and Chinese built quality put you off?

Power/Torque: 9.6bhp (7.2kW) @ 8000rpm/10.7Nm@6000rpm | Weight: 134Kg

SYM Jet 14 | Price: £2799

Sharp angular looks give this Chinese bike a sporty look and at 10bhp, it's not lacking in power. 14" wheels limit tyre choices and give it a dated look but dealer proximity may rule this one out for many.

Power/Torque: 10.0bhp (7.5kW)@8500rpm/9.2Nm@7000rpm | Weight: 128Kg

Suzuki Address 125 | Price: £2499

Less sporty looking and more of a relaxed ride, the Address shares many components with the Avenis and has the same 3 year warranty. Slightly cheaper, holds less fuel but just as much fun, despite the frumpier looks.

Power/Torque: 8.6bhp (6.4kW)@6750rpm/10Nm@550rpm | Weight: 107Kg

2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Verdict

In an increasingly more competitive market, and facing a barrage of ever better bikes from the far east the Suzuki Avenis has its work cut out making a mark for itself in front of buyers. The unfavourable memes and jokes about its looks have bought awareness of the bike to many but may also have damaged its image – something that is massively important for younger buyers.

Technologically, the 2023 Suzuki Avenis has everything it needs to complete in this segment – a strong and lively engine, great handling, impressive road presence and all back up by trusted dealer service. It delivers a great package that punches well above its weight, all at an impressively low price and would be my first choice above the others.

2023 Suzuki Avenis 125 Technical Specification

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