[Overseas New Motorcycle Model] A scooter that's strong even on flooded roads! Yamaha Vietnam announces the new "GEAR 125 HYBRID"

Yamaha Motor Vietnam's local subsidiary has announced the new scooter model "GEAR 125 Hybrid." Featuring a tough design with 135mm of ground clearance and a 125cc hybrid engine, it offers high running performance even on flooded roads during the rainy season. This article introduces the features of this model and provides guidance on how to properly handle motorcycle submersion and flooding during rainy weather.

New "GEAR 125 Hybrid" Strong on Flooded Roads

Yamaha Motor Vietnam announced the new scooter model "GEAR 125 Hybrid" in Ho Chi Minh City on June 18, 2026. This model features a high-floor design with 135mm of ground clearance to cope with severe flooding and heavy rain in urban areas.

The vehicle weighs a light 95kg for the standard model and 96kg for the higher-spec DX model, with a low seat height of 750mm, making it easy to handle on rough roads or in traffic jams. The engine is equipped with FI and features a Euro 3 compliant air-cooled 125cc single-cylinder "Blue Core Hybrid" unit.

This power unit has a function where the electric motor assists with driving force for up to 3 seconds during startup and acceleration, providing powerful performance even on flooded roads or inclines. Furthermore, the DX specification includes an SCCU (Smart Control Communication Unit) that can be linked with the smartphone app "Y-On," which automatically notifies the rider of maintenance timing. The price starts from 30,437,000 Vietnamese Dong (approximately 190,000 JPY).

What's interesting about the GEAR 125 Hybrid is that it also touches upon precautions for riding on flooded roads and emergency measures in case of submersion, given that Vietnam has a rainy season with frequent heavy rains and flooding. Below is an excerpt from Yamaha Vietnam's precautions.

A Vietnamese Specialty? "How to Protect Your Engine During Flooding and Submersion"

Recent heavy rains and severe urban flooding have caused significant disruptions to transportation in major cities. Under such adverse weather conditions, the most common issue is a motorcycle stalling due to submersion. This not only hinders riding but also poses a risk of serious damage to internal engine components if the rider takes improper action.

If your vehicle is submerged in deep water and suddenly stalls, the most important thing to do is to absolutely **not** attempt to restart the engine. Trying to start the engine with water in the air filter or combustion chamber can cause hydro-lock, leading to bent connecting rods, cracked cylinder walls, or damage to the engine block.

If the vehicle has been submerged, it should be taken to a repair center. However, the following steps can help temporarily resolve the issue:

Dry the ignition system: Remove the spark plug, wipe away moisture from the ignition electrode with a dry cloth, and dry the area around the spark plug socket.

Inspect and handle the air filter: Remove the air filter cover and check for water ingress. If the filter membrane is completely soaked, you may need to remove it temporarily to ensure airflow for intake. If water is found to have passed through the filter membrane into the combustion chamber, do not attempt to restart the engine.

Drain water from the exhaust pipe: Lift the motorcycle onto its side stand and lift the front of the vehicle to completely drain any water accumulated in the exhaust pipe.

These are basic troubleshooting steps for a motorcycle that won't start due to external water ingress. After performing the above steps and attempting to restart the engine, the rider should carefully observe the color of the exhaust gas from the muffler to identify any internal issues.

If white smoke is emitted: This is caused by engine oil leaking into the combustion chamber due to worn parts such as piston rings or valve seals. To accurately determine if water has entered the engine after riding through a flooded area, regularly check the oil level gauge. If the engine oil has turned a milky coffee color, it indicates that water has entered, discolored the oil, and significantly reduced its lubricating performance. At this point, engine flushing, engine oil change, and gearbox oil change are essential to prevent damage to the cylinder walls.

If black smoke is emitted from the motorcycle: This occurs when the air filter is clogged with a mixture of rainwater and mud, reducing the amount of oxygen supplied to the combustion chamber. The lack of oxygen causes an overly rich fuel mixture, leading to incomplete combustion and the emission of black smoke. To resolve this issue, the air filter needs to be replaced.

Please note that if the water depth exceeds the seat height, it can cause serious damage to the electrical system and fuel injection system. In such cases, it is recommended to avoid attempting personal repairs and to promptly seek assistance from a specialized repair shop, such as an authorized dealer.

Yamaha Motor Vietnam Official Website: https://yamaha-motor.com.vn/

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