Suzuki Avenis & Address 125s: UK Launch | FIRST RIDE

In 2019 Suzuki dropped the popular Address 110, leaving them with just the Burgman 125 and 400 models in their UK scooter range.

That gap in their scooter lineup has just been filled with two new models and a third is coming this spring. Those two new models are an all-new Suzuki Avenis 125 and the Address has been reborn and increased to a much more useful 125cc.

New Burgman 125

We’re going to concentrate on the Avenis and Address here but don’t forget that the new Burgman Street 125 EX is due to arrive in dealerships in May and orders are already being taken. It will share the same engine as the other two and will be priced competitively at £2999. We’ll be riding that as soon as it arrives.

Avenis 125

The Avenis was launched in India in 2021 but is brand new to the UK and I must say it looks pretty good. This model is priced at a very reasonable £2699 which sits it bang in the middle of the Address at £2499 and the Bugman at £2999. The new models give Suzuki quite a good spread of 125s with different styling and price tags to suit most budgets. They’ll also suit a wide range of learner licence riders.

Suzuki Eco Performance

Although the scooters may be new the engine that powers all three is well-established in the Suzuki portfolio – overseas at least. They run on the Euro 5 version of the Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) engine. The air-cooled powerplant was originally developed by Suzuki for the frugal Indian market and has sold over 5 million units. It’s reliable and very fuel efficient – giving an impressive 148mpg and only emitting 44g/km of CO2! Why are governments trying to eradicate such clean burning, economical vehicles?

The engine is a 124cc four-stroke SOHC, it makes 8.5bhp so isn’t overly powerful for a 125 but it also makes 10 Nm of torque which gives the engine enough grunt to make it accelerate well.

Long stroke

The engine is a long stroke (52.5mm x 57.4mm) with an M-shaped combustion chamber which has been designed to make the most of the incoming fuel. The piston, cylinder, rocker arms and oil pump components are coated to reduce friction. Whilst the CVT transmission has been optimised for a good mix of acceleration and fuel economy. Most commuter scooter buyers won’t be too interested in the technical aspects but all you need to know is that it’s cheap to run and performs well. It’s an ideal scooter to get you to work and back and can handle longer trips if needed.

Styling

The Avenis with its vibrant two-tone paintwork really stands out in the Metallic Fibroin Grey/Metallic Lush Green colour combination. It’s also available in Pearl Mirage White/Fibroin Grey. It also gets a dual-colour seat, which ties in nicely with the pantwork.

The styling is sharp and aggressive, it looks great and should appeal to the more fashion-conscious younger riders but will also cross over to older commuters looking for a smart scooter.

Address 125

The Address is available in the metallic Matt Bordeaux Red we were riding, plus a choice of Metallic Dark Greenish Blue or Pearl Mirage White. Styling is typical, classic-looking retro scooter. Smart but not overly flamboyant.

Instruments

The Avenis gets a full and classy-looking digital dash with the following functions…

• Eco indicator
• Speedo/odometer
• Instant/average fuel economy
• Fuel level
• Engine temp
• Dual trips
• Voltage
• Oil change reminder

The cheaper Address has an analogue speedo with a colour-changing LED surround to let you know if you’re riding economically or not. It also has a small digital screen with time/trips/odometer/fuel/voltage.

Onboard video

From a riding point of view, both scooters feel very similar, as you’d expect with them running the same engines, tyres brakes and suspension. They’re also based on pretty much the same chassis design. Minor differences to height, width, weight and seat height can be seen in the specs section further into the feature and you can hear more about how they ride in the video above..

Legroom

The footboards are different on both scooters as well, the Address has more legroom (230mm) at its narrowest point  (Avenis 206mm) and the Avenis is 3mm wider at 425mm. Not that it matters too much and both are comfortable enough without being cramped. I could easily put both feet flat on the floor (I’m 5’10”).

No gimmicks

There are no gimmicks like keyless ignition or start/stop technology on these scooters but that’s not a problem in the slightest. Simply turn the key, press the starter button and the engines fire into life quickly and quietly thanks to Suzuki’s Easy Start System. When you’re running at 148mpg stop/start isn’t really needed and just adds cost to the scooter’s price tag.

Tyres & brakes

The scooters are equipped with Dunlop Runscoot tyres, with a 90/90-12 up front and a 90/100-10 on the rear. There’s also a 190mm disc on the front and a 120mm drum brake on the rear. The brakes are linked using the left lever so a pull on that lever gives you the perfect balance of front/rear braking for most situations. You can use the front independently as well, or to provide some extra stopping power should you need it.

The brakes are actually very good with plenty of stopping power available. Those Dunlop tyres are spot on as well and never gave cause for concern on the damp roads we were riding on during our test day.

Suspension

Despite the relatively low price tag of these scooters they don’t feel or look like corners have been cut. They’re a quality product, as you’d expect from a big name like Suzuki. That quality extends to the suspension, it feels well-damped and provides a comfortable ride. It’s something that the cheaper brands often get wrong.

On the road

From a standing start, both scooters accelerate fairly well and there are no worries about beating traffic away from the lights or riding on faster A-roads. You’ll see 60mph on the clocks of both scooters, although it takes a while to build up the speed from 50mph to 60.

The minor differences between the two models can be noticed when riding them back to back, the Address felt a little more agile than the Avenis but I preferred the look and feel of the sportier model. Other minor differences might help with your choice, for instance, the Address has 21.8 litres of underseat storage space, whilst the Avenis has 21.5. Not a big difference and neither will fit a full-faced helmet under there. Personally, I don’t use that space for a lid, I stick stuff like my lock, waterproofs and layers under the seat. Both scooters get bag hooks, as is the norm for a modern scooter.

USB

Both scooters have a phone charge point, the Address has an open cubby hole near the socket whilst the Avenis has a closeable compartment. Both scooters also have an open cubby hole below the ignition switch.

Summing up

It’s great to see Suzuki filling their 125 gap so well for 2023. These scooters offer great value for money at a time when funds for many of us are pretty tight. For not a lot of cash you’re getting a scooter from a reputable brand, backed up by a three-year warranty, one-year’s breakdown cover and a nationwide network of around 80 dealers.

They may well be affordable but they certainly don’t feel like a budget scooter. The fit and finish is very good, with nicely finished details. The engine is responsive and fast enough. It stops and handles well and they both look quite pleasing on the eye.

The Address is obviously going for that timeless scooter silhouette, modern retro with a hint of chrome detailing. The Avenis on the other hand is sportier looking and quite cool in its own way. Then in May we’ll have the Burgman, which goes for the higher-end commuter who focuses on style. The choice is yours…

Available now!

Both the Avenis and Address are available in dealers right now. Find your nearest Suzuki dealer here and let them know that ScooterLab sent you.

Words: Iggy

Photos: Jason Critchell, Video Julian Clements/Ben Fish