KYMCO Grand Dink 125 (2012-2016) Review: The Urban Commuter's Trusty Steed

Introduction

The KYMCO Grand Dink 125i represents a golden era for practical urban scooters. Produced between 2012 and 2016, this Taiwanese workhorse carved its niche as a reliable companion for city dwellers and delivery riders alike. With its blend of no-nonsense engineering and surprising refinements, it’s a scooter that prioritizes function without completely sacrificing flair. Having spent a week weaving through traffic and testing its limits, here’s why this generation remains relevant for riders valuing durability over drama.

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Design & Build Quality

The Grand Dink 125i adopts a muscular scooter aesthetic with sharp body lines and a commanding presence. Its 2090 mm length and 770 mm width give it a planted stance, while the 1360 mm height ensures ample wind protection from its curved fairing. The dual-tone color options (black/gray, blue/white, red/silver) age surprisingly well, resisting the "cheap plastic" look common in its class.

KYMCO’s tubular steel frame feels robust, supporting a 140 kg dry weight that’s neither too light for highway stability nor too heavy for parking lot maneuvers. The 760 mm seat height is accessible for riders as short as 5’4" (162 cm), though taller riders might find legroom cramped during longer rides. Practical touches abound: a flat floorboard fits grocery bags, while the 9-liter fuel tank hides neatly under the seat alongside a modest storage compartment (large enough for a half-face helmet).

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Engine & Performance

The Heart of the Matter

At its core lies a 124.6 cc air-cooled SOHC single-cylinder engine, producing 11.5 HP @ 9000 RPM and 9.8 Nm torque @ 6000 RPM. These numbers won’t set records, but they’re optimized for urban survival. The fuel-injected mill starts eagerly via electric or kick starter—even after sitting overnight in 10°C (50°F) temperatures during my test.

0-50 km/h (0-31 mph) acceleration is brisk, taking ~6 seconds—enough to outpace traffic lights. The CVT transmission delivers smooth power delivery, though steep hills expose its limitations; maintaining 70 km/h (43 mph) uphill requires patience. Top speed hovers around 95 km/h (59 mph), with vibrations becoming noticeable past 80 km/h (50 mph).

Fuel Efficiency

The Grand Dink sips fuel at 2.8-3.2 L/100 km (73-78 mpg), translating to a 280-320 km (174-199 mi) range per tank. For delivery riders clocking 100 km daily, this means refueling every 3 days—a godsend in crowded cities.

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Handling & Comfort

City Slicing

The Grand Dink’s 1450 mm wheelbase and 12-inch wheels strike a balance between agility and stability. Tight U-turns are effortless, aided by a 30.3-inch handlebar width. The telescopic front fork and rear double swing suspension handle potholes admirably, though sharp bumps at 50 km/h (31 mph) can jolt the rider.

Braking is confident for a 125cc scooter: the 200 mm wavy front disc and rear disc combo (no ABS) provide adequate stopping power. During panic braking from 50 km/h, distance averaged 14 meters (46 feet)—on par with rivals like the Honda SH125.

Ergonomics

The contoured seat initially feels firm but proves supportive during 2-hour rides. Footpegs are positioned for upright comfort, though the floorboard’s slight upward angle causes calf fatigue over time. Wind protection is minimal at speeds above 60 km/h (37 mph)—a taller aftermarket windshield from MOTOPARTS.store would benefit highway commuters.

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Features & Practicality

KYMCO kept tech simple but effective:
- Analog-digital combo dash (speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer)
- Dual utility hooks (max load 5 kg / 11 lbs each)
- 12V charging port under the seat
- LED taillight (a rarity in this segment during its era)

The underseat storage fits a full-face helmet only if compact; most riders opt for a rear rack (available at MOTOPARTS.store). The 5.5-inch ground clearance handles standard curbs but demands caution on speed bumps.

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Competition

The Grand Dink 125i faced fierce rivals during its production years:

1. Honda SH125i

• Pros: Lighter (128 kg), liquid-cooled engine, better highway stability
• Cons: Pricier maintenance, smaller storage
• Verdict: The Honda feels sportier, but the KYMCO wins on cost of ownership.

2. Yamaha NMAX 125

• Pros: Modern styling, ABS option, superior seat comfort
• Cons: Higher seat height (795 mm), weaker low-end torque
• Verdict: The NMAX caters to trend-conscious riders; the Grand Dink appeals to pragmatists.

3. Vespa Primavera 125

• Pros: Iconic design, steel monocoque frame, premium feel
• Cons: Heavier (122 kg despite smaller size), astronomical part costs
• Verdict: The Vespa is a fashion statement; the KYMCO is a tool.

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Maintenance

The Grand Dink 125i thrives on simplicity, but neglect is its kryptonite. Key considerations:

1. Oil Changes

• Interval: Every 3,000 km (1,864 mi)
• Capacity: 900 ml with filter (SAE 10W-40 recommended)
• Pro Tip: Use MOTOPARTS.store’s synthetic blend for smoother cold starts.

2. Valve Adjustments

• Intake/Exhaust Clearance: 0.12 mm (0.0047 in)
• Frequency: Every 8,000 km (4,971 mi)
• Warning: Tight valves cause hard starting—common in high-mileage units.

3. Tire Pressures

• Front: 1.8-2.0 bar (26-29 psi)
• Rear: 2.2-2.4 bar (32-35 psi)
• Upgrade: Consider Michelin City Grip 2 tires for wet weather grip.

4. Brake System

• Fluid: DOT 4 (replace every 2 years)
• Pad Check: Every 5,000 km (3,107 mi)
• MOTOPARTS Recommendation: Swap stock pads for sintered variants if riding hilly areas.

5. CVT Care

• Belt Replacement: Every 20,000 km (12,427 mi)
• Roller Inspection: Every 10,000 km (6,214 mi)
• Performance Hack: Lighter rollers (available at MOTOPARTS.store) improve acceleration.

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Conclusion

The KYMCO Grand Dink 125i isn’t about stirring souls—it’s about starting on the first click, surviving monsoons, and outlasting payment plans. Its air-cooled engine and steel frame echo an era when scooters were appliances, not accessories. While rivals flaunt tech or trends, this generation’s legacy is resilience. For riders seeking a low-drama daily companion—or a platform for customization—it remains a compelling choice.

Ready to personalize your Grand Dink? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of upgrades—from performance variators to premium shock absorbers—and transform your commute tomorrow.

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Specifications sheet

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