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Moda Sporter S: the sportiest 250cc scooter? – Test Ride

Even though we’re only in the fourth month of 2025, scooter enthusiasts are already spoiled for choice with the variety of models available.

The 250cc scooter segment is particularly lively, with offerings from Japanese, Chinese, and local brands like Modenas.

One of the contenders is the Moda Sporter S.

The Moda Sporter S has been turning heads on the road.

Moda is a local brand owned by AFY Mobility Industries, the same company that holds the Suzuki motorcycle brand here.

Launched a few months ago, the Moda Sporter S aims to be the sportiest scooter option for Malaysians.

We had the opportunity to take this scooter for an extended test ride. Here are our impressions:

 

1. Appearance

The design of the Sporter S reminds us of a superbike from a well-known brand with a dedicated following.

The most obvious example is the front fascia with its twin headlight units.

From a distance, you might mistake the Sporter S for a muted superbike.

The LED headlights provide bright illumination for nighttime riding, but the rear of the scooter could use a more refined and cohesive design.

The positioning of the rear turn signals is somewhat odd, and the taillight appears dim during daylight riding.

Fortunately, the scooter is equipped with bright LED daytime running lights (DRL) and high-mounted front turn signals, making it easily visible to other road users.

The windscreen is manually adjustable for height.

The scooter’s floorboard is spacious, allowing riders to position their feet as needed.

The 6.2-inch instrument panel is clear and easy to read, with two display options: dark and light mode.

However, some important information is displayed in a small font size, making it difficult to read while riding.

Key notification icons are placed on a separate screen, preventing the digital meter from becoming too cluttered.

In Malaysia, two two-tone color options are available: red/white and gray/green.

 

2. Power

The Moda Sporter S is powered by a 244cc single-cylinder engine producing 24.8 hp at 8,500rpm and 22.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.

Among the B2 license-friendly scooters we’ve tested, the Moda Sporter S is quite agile and quick off the line.

Acceleration is smooth, noticeable, and enjoyable, perfect for riders who like to twist the throttle as soon as the light turns green.

Combined with a 13-liter fuel tank, the scooter can easily achieve a range of over 250 km.

It is undeniably a sporty scooter while offering good fuel economy.

 

3. Riding Experience

In our opinion, this scooter can be ridden casually, but it can also transform into a sporty machine.

The responsive throttle, upside-down front forks, and twin shock absorbers with preload adjustment contribute to this duality.

Based on our initial ride in Sepang, the rear suspension is quite firm.

This setup is suitable for leaning into corners but can be uncomfortable on uneven roads.

For the second ride, we adjusted the rear suspension for a more comfortable feel, especially when carrying a passenger.

Even with the softer setting, the passenger still complained of discomfort – perhaps due to being accustomed to softer suspension.

For solo riding, we found it more than adequate for enjoying a fun ride on winding roads while absorbing bumps to protect the rider’s back.

Speaking of the seat, we appreciate that Moda offers ample cushioning for moderately long rides.

Finally, the Moda Sporter S comes with twin 260 mm front rotors and 240 mm rear disc brake.

The braking system on the Sporter S is well-suited for Malaysian roads, especially in emergency situations.

Assisted by a two-channel ABS system, the standard brakes provide riders with more confidence to stop the scooter in a controlled manner.

 

4. Features We Appreciate

In addition to the above, the Moda Sporter S has advanced features that we really appreciate it.

For example, there is a built-in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), so riders will be more aware of unexpected changes during the journey.

The under-seat storage space is only 10 liters, making it suitable for storing essential items such as rain gear and important documents.

Unfortunately, a full-size helmet will not fit, and you may need to install an additional storage box at the rear.

There are also two small storage compartments in the front for storing smart devices, complete with a USB charging slot.

We appreciate the easy-to-operate function buttons, complete with lighting assistance, making the scooter look more expensive and premium.

One aspect that makes the Moda Sporter S worth considering is its relatively narrow size, making it suitable for use in busy cities like Kuala Lumpur.

Thanks to the higher-positioned side mirrors, we also didn’t have to worry about scratching other cars while weaving through traffic.

They can also be folded to facilitate entry into motorcycle parking areas in shopping malls, which are generally small and narrow.

The standard Timsun tires provide the necessary grip on both straight roads and winding routes.

Performance on wet roads is also not disappointing, and we believe aggressive riding on the track would not be a problem.

 

5. Shortcomings

There are several things that Moda could improve on the Sporter S scooter.

The first is the vibration of the side mirrors, even at speeds below 100 km/h, making it difficult for us to see vehicles coming from behind.

In addition, the adjustment angle of the mirrors is not very large.

Secondly, despite having a wide footrest, it is not balanced by a more comfortable front foot placement angle.

It feels too upright, making it difficult to achieve a more comfortable riding position, especially for those who like to ride long distances.

Thirdly, the scooter can certainly go faster, but at speeds exceeding the national highway limit, we felt unstable due to the handlebars feeling light.

 

Conclusion

The Moda Sporter S is the sportiest scooter currently available on the market.

With a selling price starting from just RM17,888, it offers a near-perfect package for fans of stylish and fast scooters without significantly impacting the monthly budget.

Congratulations to Moda Malaysia for producing a product that makes us smile.

TEST DRIVE

Moda Sporter S, our first impression – Test Ride

7 Comments

This month alone, we have been presented with several interesting scooter models for the local market.

One of them is the Moda Sporter S, a scooter that features a design inspired by renowned superbikes.

Priced at RM17,888, the Moda Sporter S is powered by a single-cylinder 250 cc engine that produces 24.8 hp and 22.5 Nm of torque.

In mid-January, we were invited by Moda Malaysia to experience the ride on the Moda Sporter S maxi scooter.

The route, spanning over 30 km around the Sepang International Circuit and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), provided ample space for us to assess the performance of this locally manufactured scooter.

Is it worth purchasing and owning?

From the first impression, the Moda Sporter S indeed boasts a sportier look compared to its competitors in the market, enhanced by elements inspired by the coveted Italian superbike brand.

Just look at its dual LED headlights, followed by the dual disc brakes on the front wheels, an aggressive racing livery, and the sharply designed rear end.

It comes with a 6.2-inch TFT display screen that is easy to read under bright sunlight, while the seat is cushioned for added comfort.

The windscreen can also be adjusted manually for height.

As we began our journey, the 250 cc single-cylinder engine performed without any issues, delivering power smoothly in response to the throttle twist, which was particularly satisfying for those who like to push the limits.

The riding position is also quite comfortable, with ample foot space that allows riders to adjust their foot positioning as needed.

Some media colleagues complained that the seat material felt a bit slippery, but I did not encounter that issue—perhaps the type of pants worn contributed to preventing any slipping.

In addition to the gripping tires, the suspension setup is excellent, allowing us to enjoy a more aggressive ride, especially on winding roads.

However, one must be patient when traversing bumpy roads filled with potholes, due to the sportier suspension tuning.

Some media colleagues reported achieving an average speed exceeding the national speed limit, and I must admit that this holds true.

What concerns me is that the handlebar feels somewhat light, and the ride feels unstable when reaching triple-digit speeds, even though this scooter is relatively heavy.

At high speeds, the side mirrors vibrated quite significantly, making it difficult for those of us who prioritize safety to see vehicles approaching from behind.

One positive aspect that I must emphasize is the strong operation of the dual front disc brake system, which ensures the scooter stops safely.

Additionally, this scooter comes standard with safety features such as a two-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS).

We will share a more in-depth riding review if given the chance to take this scooter home for an extended period.