A plethora of choices combining style, performance, and comfort presented in a wide array of packages to suit every possible rider need and taste from the Yamaha Mio series of AT motorcycles have made it a powerhouse in the local small displacement market. Capturing the hearts of so many riders, it has now cultivated its own culture within its sub-groups and has been recognized as the number one series in the segment. Choosing between each model in the Yamaha Mio series line-up can leave those of us who are in the market for a cost-effective yet snazzy run-around in a quandary. I mean, committing to buying from a reputable brand like Yamaha is one thing, but then the variety of options within practically the same price range is another. So if you find yourself in this situation, let me make a case for Yamaha’s Mio Gear. 

Yamaha Mio Gear in Matte Grey.

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On paper, it has pretty much the same basic specifications as its pricier siblings the Mio Soul i (PHP 79,900) and Mio Gravis (PhP89,900) under the skin. At PHPP 77,400, the Mio Gear is not only more obtainable, but it also has features that aren’t available on the more expensive Mio Soul i like the SMG (Smart Motor Generator) that does away with the conventional starter motor in place of one that doubles as the stator. The SMG system contributes to less weight which leads to better acceleration and fuel economy like in the Mio Gravis and Mio Aerox. It also has a built-in USB charger that dispenses the need for a separate cigarette lighter charger unlike in the Mio Soul i. 

Compared to its bigger siblings, the Mio Gear is almost as compact as the Mio Sporty making it easy to maneuver in bar-end-to-door-skin situations saving you time and money by being able to freely filter through obstructing vehicles. With the same peppy 125 cc engine as the one in the bigger Mio Gravis, in the Mio Gear package, it feels even more alive and free to spin out power enabling you to make swift overtakes without much drama. A LED headlight as standard keeps night riding visibility at par with its more expensive siblings. 

A very slim profile makes the Mio Gear easy to maneuver in tight traffic situations.

Having ridden the Yamaha Mio Gear around Cebu City and the northern half of the province, made me realize how much better its suspension damping is compared to the OE suspension on the Mio Aerox as it was able to cope with bumps at high speed even while cornering. The disc front and drum rear brake combination is at the spot between being just enough and needing a tad bit more bite if you like riding swiftly although enough to anchor the bike in normal riding situations. The rear brake lever lock is also a welcome feature when stopped or parked on an incline. 

The levers appear to be the same as the ones on the bigger Mio Aerox or at least have the same features.

The Mio Gear’s step-through flat floor design and rider side back step make it so practical allowing it to haul big loads even a sack of rice if you really must. The low seat height of 750 mm makes it very easy to handle even for the more vertically challenged among us. The upright riding position and well-padded seat make riding on it comfortable even for several hours on the saddle. Pillion riders will find the low yet wide-ish backseat very easy to perch on. 

That flat floor makes it so convenient to load bigger objects that wouldn’t fit in the under-seat compartment.

In the looks department, if you’re one like me who’s attracted to soft, subtle, and smooth-flowing lines paired with a tough and rugged exterior, compared to its siblings, the Mio i 125 and the Mio Soul i, the Mio Gear is the better choice as opposed to the heavier stylized variants that feature sharp jagged edges that look very busy.  

A big under-seat compartment will let you carry an assortment of things conveniently concealed from plain sight.

The short wheelbase and 14-inch wheels paired with the well-damped suspension give the Mio Gear a very nimble and lively handling characteristic with enough poise through corners so as not to rob you of your confidence while riding spiritedly. Riding from Cebu City to Durham White Beach with my Bluetooth communicator, GPS, and Music on would’ve drained my phone’s battery. Thankfully the built-in USB charger kept it going with the cubby hole keeping my phone secure even on rougher sections of the highway. As we rode through the Cebu Transcentral Highway and the twisty roads of Sogod then to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, I found myself thinking I couldn’t possibly need anything more than what the Mio Gear offers. 

The cubby hole conveniently secures your device while charging from the built-in USB charger.

With a fuel economy of above 50 kilometers to a liter on a mix of city traffic, mountain twisties, and highway blasts, the Yamaha Mio Gear is just enough for any casual rider who would need something for daily commutes, weekend blasts, long-distance tours or even for use as a workhorse. 

Yamaha Mio Gear is available in Off White and Matte Grey in the base variant, and Matte Blue, and Matte Black in S trim.  Priced at PHP 82,400, Mio Gear S is equipped with additional features like the stop-start system which saves fuel by shutting off the engine while stopped on idle then seamlessly starts it back up once the throttle is actuated. It is also equipped with an answer-back remote to help you find your Mio Gear S in a sea of similar-looking scooters by sounding off and flashing hazard lights once the remote button is pressed. 

Smooth flowing lines paired with a tough and rugged exterior, make the Mio Gear quite pleasant to the eyes despite being a macho, do-it-all, and go-anywhere machine.

The Mio Gear may be overshadowed by its more popular siblings, but the truth of the matter is that it performs just as well if not even better, and really just about covers all your essential daily rider needs without you having to break the bank.