Modenas Karisma 125S

It's all about a sporty design on the Modenas Karisma 125S. At first glance from the front, you can sense muscularity and sharpness. Although the angular handlebar cowl is a simple body panel, it looks captivating, owing to the presence of a tinted black visor. Much of the front apron is covered by the V-shaped, split-type, dual headlamps, with the turn indicators positioned on its upper corners. The instrument panel is still an analogue unit with an LCD digital fuel gauge that displays the fuel gauge. A USB charging port is situated inside the front cowl for charging the rider's electronics. Moving to the side, you'll see that the scooter gets edgy body panels with 'Karisma 125S' graphics, a single-piece seat, sharp rear grab handles, and an upswept exhaust. Towards the rear, the scooter gets lean and deploys a boomerang-shaped LED tail light. A 14-litre under the seat storage compartment is operated by a remote switch next to the ignition lock. The 2022 version of the maxi-style scooter is available in three colour schemes - Aqua Blue, Mystic Red and Duchess Gold.

Weighing in at 108 kg, the Modenas Karisma 125S allows effective handling across the city streets. It is 1,890 mm long, 670 mm wide, and 1,120 mm high, with a ground clearance of 120 mm. A stepped-up single-piece seat with a pillion grab rail allows comfortable seating for both the rider and pillion and adds to the riding experience. For suspension, the Karisma 125S comes with conventional telescopic forks in front and a single shock absorber at the back, adjustable for spring preload.

Propelling the Modenas Karisma 125S is a four-stroke, 124.8cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine fed by EFI; the engine is now Euro 4 compliant. It produces max power of 9.38 hp at 7,500 rpm and peak torque of 10 Nm at 6,000 rpm, which is transmitted to the ground through an automatic gearbox and belt final drive, as is typical of scooters in this class. The fuel tank can store a maximum of 5.1 litres of fuel, and it comes with both an electric and kick-start ignition system. 

Although the Karisma 125S is positioned as a premium 125cc scooter, it misses out on safety features like ABS or even a CBS, which are commonly available on other scooters in this category. A single hydraulic disc on the front wheel and a mechanical drum brake at the rear perform braking duties on the Karisma 125S. The front tyre is 80/90-14M/C 40 R, and the rear one is 90/90-14M/C 46P.

The Modenas Karisma 125 is a perfect fit for all those riders who want to upgrade themselves from the mopeds of the manufacturer in a quest to get their hands on something bigger and more practical. It features a very sporty design and ticks almost all the boxes on the practicality front. The lack of safety features like ABS and CBS can be a turn-off but not a real deal-breaker. One of the only two options offered by Modenas in Malaysia, the Karisma 125 is the more affordable one.