Over the years, scooters have been getting more popular. In Europe, they’re as much a part of the city as cobblestone streets and sidewalk cafes. In Asia, they rule the roads, slipping through traffic like it’s nothing. Even in the US, scooters are starting to catch on, thanks to how easy they are to ride, how little they cost to run, and the boom of delivery services like DoorDash making them a go-to for both work and play.
SYM knows this world better than most. Based in Taiwan, it’s one of the biggest scooter makers out there, and unlike brands that just dabble in the category, SYM’s pretty much dedicated its entire existence to perfecting scooters.
The SYM Fugue 125 (pronounced fyooj) is the latest proof of that focus, and it’s clearly eyeing the same space every stylish scooter dreams about: Vespa territory. It’s retro, charming, and seriously practical; the kind of ride that can turn your daily commute into something you could actually get excited for. And while looks matter just as much as specs in this segment, the Fugue brings both to the table without hitting you with the kind of price tag that comes with Italy’s most famous scooter.
It’s built on the tried-and-true Fiddle platform, but SYM’s tweaked it for modern riders. The 124.6cc air-cooled, fuel-injected single puts out 10.7 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 7.4 pound-feet of torque at 6,250 rpm, hooked up to a CVT so it’s just twist and go. You get front and rear disc brakes with either ABS or CBS, a telescopic fork up front, twin shocks in the back, and 12-inch alloy wheels. There’s also a 27-liter underseat storage space, a USB charging port, a built-in top box, and a 5.7-liter gas tank so you’re not stopping for fuel every other day.
But let’s be real, with scooters like this, it’s the style that wins you over first. The Fugue’s got a sharp LED headlight and clean bodywork that give it a sporty edge, but it still keeps enough curves to please anyone who loves the retro aesthetic. And as you probably know by now, retro never really goes out of style, and on two wheels, it just might be the coolest it’s ever been.
That’s what makes the Fugue work so well: all the charm of a classic scooter, but with modern practicality and a price that’s way easier to justify than a Vespa.
Honestly, I’d ride one of these every day without thinking twice. It’s cool enough to park with pride, agile enough to handle city traffic, and practical enough to haul groceries or a backpack without a problem. What about you? Would you take a retro-inspired scooter like this on your daily commute?
Source: SYM
