Yamaha "Cygnus X" Revival! Japan debut of 125cc model with new frame and sporty flat floor for a higher grade of performance [Osaka Motorcycle Show] (Japanese only)

Yamaha's Cygnus X 125cc sports scooter, the model announced for Taiwan in 2025, will be released in Japan and was on display at the Osaka Motorcycle Show. The new Cygnus X, with its flat floor type, high practicality, and refined running performance, is attracting a great deal of attention.

⚫︎ Photo: Eiji Ishimura

An excellent 125cc scooter that combines practicality and sportiness

Yamaha's 125cc class scooter lineup is quite impressive with the Cygnus Glyphus, NMAX, Axis Z, Jog 125, and the recently launched Fazzio. The new Cygnus X will be introduced in Japan as a model change of the Cygnus Griffas. The design has been significantly changed, with a dynamic, streamlined side view designed based on aerodynamics. The distinctive three-lens LED headlights, with two on each side set to low beam and one in the center set to high beam, are 180% brighter than the previous generation. The taillights and blinkers also use LEDs, and are stylishly designed to follow the body lines.

The new Cygnus X is designed to be a scooter with a more sporty character, while still being easy to handle and practical.

The side view of this flat-floor scooter features edgy, streamlined body lines.

The headlights are three-lens type LEDs, with two low beams on each side and one high beam in the center.

The tail lamps have an elongated design that takes advantage of LED characteristics. The blinkers are also built into the body of the vehicle, smartly integrating the rear view.

A 170cm tall, 70kg rider straddles the bike. Heels are a little loose even with one foot on the bike, but there are no complaints about the footing.

Perhaps because the tank is under the floor, the feet seem to lift a bit. When both feet are on the ground, the driver is almost standing on tiptoes.

The Cygnus X with an air-cooled engine was replaced by the Cygnus Glyphus with a water-cooled engine, and its name was dropped from the lineup. The bigger and more luxurious Cygnus Glyphus was well received, but some felt that it strayed a bit from the Cygnus identity as a "compact sport scooter. In order to regain such Cygnus identity, the new Cygnus X has been newly designed and shaped from the frame up. The new frame is 15 to 19% stiffer than the previous generation, allowing more room for suspension, and the suspension settings with a longer stroke and slightly lower damping force have improved ride comfort. The suspension is set up to follow the road surface firmly but not too rigidly, and the ride quality is as if the car has been upgraded by one notch. The wheel size is the same as the Griffas, 12 inches, but the wheels are newly designed 2.5 J. The wheels are lighter and the front tire size has been reduced from 120/70-12 to 110/70-12. Brakes are disc type front and rear, with a large 267mm disc on the front. The brake levers have been adjusted accordingly to provide powerful and controllable braking.

Wheel size is 12 inches, with 110/70-12 tires, which are thinner than the Griffas. Brakes are front and rear discs, and ABS is also included.

The power unit is the Blue Core engine, a carryover from the Cygnus Glyphus, a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 124 cc and a SMG (smart motor generator) that combines the starting motor and generator into one unit, The generator is also used as the starting motor, eliminating the need for a starting motor and reduction gear. The engine is lightweight and compact, yet quiet to start, and produces maximum output of 12.2 PS at 8000 rpm and maximum torque of 11 Nm at 6000 rpm in Taiwan specifications. The CVT transmission that is mated to this engine is set to emphasize the dash for a more lively driving experience.

The power unit is a Blue Core engine with VVA and SMG technologies, and combined with a specially set CVT, it delivers high driving performance.

The new Cygnus X has also evolved significantly in terms of utility. The luggage space under the seat has a capacity of 28 liters, the same as the Cygnus Griffas, but by reviewing the depth of the space, the XL size SHOEI X-Fourteen can now be accommodated without difficulty. This is in consideration of the fact that Cygnus X is often used as a second bike by large bike users, creating the advantage of being able to use the full face used on the large bike without modification. The USB Type-C charging port is a QC3.0 fast-charging type, and the meter with color LCD has an automatic dimming system for improved visibility. Other details include a tandem step positioned 60 mm to the rear for increased passenger comfort.

The seat is simple in design and shaped for easy tandem use. The grab bar design is sharp and blends in with the body design.

The luggage space under the seat has a capacity of 28 liters and is deep enough to hold a large full-face helmet.

The compact cockpit area is highly practical.

The gauges feature color LCDs and are equipped with an automatic dimming system to ensure high visibility.

The meters are set up with a VVA activation icon, and the icon is displayed when the VVA is activated.

Specifications for the domestic version of the Cygnus X have not yet been announced, but are not expected to differ significantly from the Taiwanese version. The price has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be slightly higher than the Cygnus Griffas' 374,000 yen (tax included), but hopefully under 400,000 yen (tax included). The scheduled introduction date is spring 2026 or later, which is earlier than expected, so we are waiting for further news.

Cygnus X (Taiwan specifications) main specifications (2026)

Overall Length x Width x Height: 1865 x 715 x 1125 mm - Wheelbase: 1340 mm - Seat Height: 785 mm - Weight: 126 kg - Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single cylinder 124 cc - Maximum output: 8.97 kW (12.2 PS)/8000 rpm - Maximum torque: 11 N Maximum Torque: 11 Nm (1.12 kgm)/6000 rpm - Transmission: CVT - Fuel tank capacity: 6.1 liters - Brakes: F = disc, R = disc - Tires: F = 110/70-12, R = 130/70-12 [Flash Report] Sports flat-floor scooter Cygnus X is back! The new frame provides a higher grade of performance (13)