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TEST DRIVE

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

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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.

TEST DRIVE

Suzuki Gixxer 250, a simpler machine for fun riding – Test Ride

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The selection of an affordable streetfighter machine that resonates with one’s soul is something that should not be taken lightly.

Otherwise, you might end up having to sell the bike because it does not match your personal taste.

Fortunately for B2 license holders in Malaysia, we are presented with various models of motorcycles under 250cc displacement, from Japan, Sweden, India, and there are even motorcycles made in China!

The Suzuki Gixxer 250 entered the Malaysian market at the end of last year, with a price tag that caught attention – around RM14,500.

Although its arrival might be somewhat late, the writer believes that the Suzuki Gixxer 250 is capable of posing a strong challenge to other 250cc models out there.

The following is a brief review after spending several days with the Suzuki Gixxer 250:

1. Streetfighter with average styling

Compared to other competitors in the market, the Gixxer 250 does not have an aggressive look.

The oval-shaped LED main headlight with three-layer lighting does look modern, but it is not complemented by LED turn signal lights, only traditional bulbs.

The same goes for the rear section.

However, the lighting aspect of this motorcycle is quite bright when ridden at night.

 

2. Natural riding position

One thing the writer appreciates about any naked bike is the rider’s more back-friendly riding position.

After all, reaching the age of 30, a sporty riding position is not a choice for cross-regional journeys.

Thus, with the Gixxer 250, it offers a more natural riding posture thanks to the upright handlebar position, along with a saddle height of 795mm that is comfortable for individuals of shorter stature and a relatively wide seat dimension.

As a result, it is more comfortable for long-distance rides.

The footpeg position is also satisfying, but its proximity to the side stand makes the left foot feel obstructed when trying to kick it out.

 

3. Fun horsepower to unleash

As standard, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 is equipped with a 249cc single-cylinder engine capable of producing 26.7 hp @ 9,300 rpm and a torque of 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm.

Its sound might not be as aggressive as other competitors, but based on experience, the Gixxer 250 is capable of offering a fairly agile and powerful ride, especially when entering the mid-range of the engine revolution.

For urban use, it is not a problem at all, and the writer also enjoys riding this machine across the regions to breathe in the breeze of the Malacca Strait.

It’s a shame that it doesn’t come with a clutch assist & slipper feature, but there’s no need to worry as every gear change feels so smooth throughout the journey.

The Gixxer 250 also comes with gear shift indicators that will provide warnings to the rider.

 

4. Corner-friendly machine

There is no urge to test the highest speed of this machine, considering that the Gixxer 250 is actually more enjoyable to ride on roads away from the highways.

Even though it comes with standard conventional telescopic front fork and single shock absorber, this setup makes the Gixxer 250 suitable for the road conditions in Malaysia.

All vibrations and road irregularities are absorbed well, and it is still able to maintain stable movements when maneuvering through corners.

The standard tire size of 110/70 front and 150/60 rear also somewhat helps the Gixxer 250 to grip well on the asphalt, coupled with the dual-channel ABS braking system that enhances the bike’s stopping ability.

On paper, there may appear to be shortcomings in this machine, but not when you take it out of the garage to enjoy real routes.

 

5. Comfortable? Yes!

One thing that makes the writer satisfied with the Gixxer 250 is the effectiveness of its engine cooling system.

As standard, the Gixxer 250 comes with the Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) to ensure that both feet remain comfortable throughout the journey.

This is very different from another 250cc machine the writer has tested before, where the heat generated can make the feet feel burnt even on short journeys.

But not with the Gixxer 250, where the writer can go much further than usual without having to frequently stop just to cool down the feet.

 

6. Not many additional features

At a selling price of around RM14,500, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 indeed has some noticeable shortcomings.

Desired features such as inverted front fork, quick shifting capability, LED turn signals, color TFT display screen, and keyless start system are completely absent from this bike’s specifications list.

What you will get is a 250cc motorcycle friendly for B2 license holders that is quite simple but still suitable for enjoying commuting to work or relishing fresh air with friends on weekends heading to Lemang To’ Ki shop.

With a fuel tank capacity of 12 liters, it is sufficient to ensure you reach distances of up to 400 km before needing to stop at the next gas station.

In conclusion, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 can offer good riding and handling experience, while maintaining comfort aspects within a more affordable price range.

Should you consider buying another motorcycle? That is entirely up to personal opinion. However, this is one of the 250cc bikes that is very enjoyable to ride.

 

Specifications of the Suzuki Gixxer 250

Engine: 249 cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled
Power: 26.7 hp @ 9,300 rpm
Torque: 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Fuel tank capacity: 12 liters
Saddle height: 795 mm