I think Yamaha really missed out on a huge opportunity when it refused to bring the Yamaha Zuma 125 over to the Philippines.
And now there’s a new kid in town that looks so very much like the Zuma and may even perform better than the scooter that inspired its looks
I’m talking about the FKM Ranger 150.
And just to get this out of the way, this scooter is only Php 78,000.00 ! That’s definitely less than what you would normally pay for if you’re buying a 150cc machine with EFI and twin discs.
Yeah.
What Kind of Bike is This?
Think of the FKM Ranger 150 as a crossover — a scooter-styled machine that flirts with scrambler vibes.
Call it a dual-purpose bike for the urban rider who wants the freedom to go light off-road. It’s not a full enduro, but it’s not a pure city scooter either.
It sits in that sweet middle ground.
Let’s Talk About Its Tech Specs
Because I don’t have good image editing skills… here’s a pic I took from Street Moto on FB with a very detailed depiction of the Ranger 150. They deserve a follow so go ahead and click that picture and find them on Facebook and follow them.
Thank you Street Moto FB!
Engine & Drivetrain — the Heart of the Ranger
- Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, 150cc.
- Fuel System: EFI (electronic fuel injection) — means easier cold starts, cleaner running, and usually better fuel economy versus a carb.
- Clutch / Transmission: Automatic clutch with CVT belt driven — super friendly for riders who want to focus on the road, not the gear lever.
EFI + CVT = a user-friendly combo.
For someone who’s not deeply technical (like me), that means less fiddling and more riding.
The engine is tuned for usable torque (12.2 N·m at 6500 rpm), so you get decent shove from low revs — great when you need to overtake in traffic or short steep climbs.
Chassis, Suspension, and Ride Feel
- Front suspension: Telescopic fork
- Rear: Hydraulic shock — adjustable? The spec doesn’t say, so assume basic but competent. If it’s anything like the standard shocks I had on my YTX, there should be a notch at the bottom that you can adjust.
- Seat height: 75 cm — approachable for most riders.
- Ground clearance: 14 cm — not massive, but enough for potholes and soft ruts.
Curb weight is 122 kg — light enough to toss around in the city, stable enough at cruising speeds.
And with a wheelbase of 131 cm, this scooter gives you more confidence with its solid, planted feel.
Last but not least, the tires are 120/70-12 front and 130/70-12 rear — a slightly chunky profile that helps when the road gets a little loose.
Brakes and Safety
Like I said in the beginning of this article, this has dual disc brakes up front and at the rear.
Front and rear disc brakes.
On a sub eighty thousand scooter.
That’s a real plus.
For wet Filipino roads, that stopping power matters.
It doesn’t seem to have ABS though…
I don’t know.
Maybe that’s too much to ask for?
You know what, you’re old enough to make wise decisions so please ride smart and put safety above all else when you’re on the road.
Comparing the FKM Ranger 150 Against the Honda ADV 150, Kymco Dollar 150, and Yamaha Yuma 125
To date, I’ve lusted after these adventure scooters.
I’m constantly trying to weigh the pros and cons of these bikes and make sure I pick the right one for what I intend to use it for.
Oh, who am I kidding.
If I had the money, I’d buy them all!
I wonder if I can grow my Atome credit score high enough to afford them all…
Anyway, here’s my comparison between the four.
| Feature | FKM Ranger 150 | Yamaha Zuma 125 | Honda ADV 150 | Kymco Dollar 150 |
| Engine | 150cc, air-cooled, automatic. | 125cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, Blue Core engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). | 149cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, eSP engine. | 150.1cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, SOHC. |
| Performance | Performance is generally considered entry-level for its engine size, though it is praised for its off-road capability relative to its price. | Torquey acceleration in the low-to-mid range due to VVA, but a lower top speed compared to the ADV 150. Slower off the line than the ADV 150. | Strong torque and acceleration, particularly in the lower ranges. Smooth and powerful highway performance. | Designed for practicality and cargo rather than speed, but offers solid performance for daily use. |
| Suspension | Designed for off-road use, but specs are limited. Not as refined as the more expensive models. | Firm suspension suited for rough pavement and gravel roads. | Long-travel suspension and twin Showa shocks with sub-tanks give a comfortable, adventure-ready ride. | Offers stability and comfort with a focus on ride quality for urban and varied terrain. |
| Brakes | Rear disc brake is available, offering better stopping power. | Single front disc brake and rear drum brake. | Front disc brake with ABS, rear disc brake without ABS. | Front disc brake and rear drum brake, deemed adequate for its intended use. |
| Features | Includes a digital instrument panel, LED lighting, and off-road tires. Focuses on providing essential off-road features at a budget price. | Features a fully digital LCD display, USB charging port, and adjustable headlights. | All-LED lighting, adjustable windscreen, digital meter panel, underseat storage, and a power socket. | Spacious flat floorboard, underseat compartment, LED lighting, digital dashboard, Type-C charging port, and a unique “back seat flip tech” for extra cargo. |
| Best For | Budget-conscious riders who want an affordable adventure-style scooter. Ideal for light off-road trails and daily commuting on rough roads. | Urban and rural riding on rough roads. Great for riders who prioritize unique styling, character, and agility over outright speed. | “Urban adventurer” riders who want a premium, high-tech scooter for city commutes and light trail riding. Best for those with a higher budget. | Entrepreneurs and riders who need a versatile, utilitarian workhorse for daily deliveries and hauling cargo. Excellent value for its practicality. |
How it Stacks Up vs the Kymco Dollar (and why I like the Ranger better)
I’ll be blunt: the FKM Ranger 150 is aimed at someone who wants a little more adventure.
Compared to the Kymco Dollar 150, the Ranger’s combination of EFI, twin discs, and a higher ground clearance (14 cm) makes it better suited for rough roads and occasional unpaved shortcuts.
The Ranger’s tire profile and suspension setup seem tuned for bumps, while many city-focused scooters prioritize thin tires and plush urban suspension.
So, if you sometimes take the backroad shortcut, or you like the idea of a scooter that can handle a farm lane, I’d pick the Ranger. It’s more of a do-it-all, while the Kymco Dollar keeps things strictly urban.
I do have to admit that the main reason why I was attracted to the Kymco Dollar 150 in the first place was because it looked so much like the Yamaha Zuma 125.
And Since I Talk so Much About the Yamaha Zuma 125…
The Yamaha Zuma is a well-loved 125 — nimble, light, and perfect for the city.
But not in Davao City.
Why?
Because Yamaha chose not to bring the Zuma over to the Philippines.
Now on paper, the FKM Ranger 150 brings more displacement, has EFI, and is equipped with dual discs.
That generally translates to stronger acceleration and better composure over rougher surfaces. If you do hill towns, coastal roads, or want a bike that can take weekend trail jaunts without feeling fragile, the Ranger might give you that extra confidence edge over the Yamaha Zuma 125.
If there was a Yamaha Zuma 125 in the Philippines…
So, Here’s My Final Verdict…
- For the budget-conscious adventurer: The FKM Ranger 150 offers the adventure-style look and some off-road capability for a significantly lower price point, though you may sacrifice refinement and performance compared to the premium brands.
- For the urban rider with a touch of character: The Yamaha Zuma 125 is a quirky and fun-to-ride option with decent off-road chops for gravel and rough pavement. Its liquid-cooled, VVA engine makes it peppy for city traffic. Note that its availability in the Philippines is not confirmed. Maybe someone rich enough has imported some… DPWH?
- For the premium all-rounder: The Honda ADV 150 is the best choice for a rider who wants a premium, feature-rich scooter that can handle both city roads and light trails with confidence. Its excellent suspension and modern tech justify its higher price.
- For the practical, utilitarian rider: The Kymco Dollar 150 is the most practical choice, built to be a reliable workhorse for carrying cargo and navigating city streets. Its focus on utility and storage makes it a great “business partner”.
Final Thoughts — Who Should Buy This?
If you want a practical daily ride that can also handle the occasional dirt shortcut or poorly maintained provincial road, the FKM Ranger 150 is worth a look.
It’s a user-friendly machine for riders who like simple tech (EFI + CVT) but also want a bit of grit. If you’re after pure sport or hardcore trail, look elsewhere. But for an everyday rider who dreams of weekend detours?
This is it.
Me?
If the couple in hot water because of DPWH discrepancies chose the Rolls Royce Cullinan because of its umbrella, the FKM Ranger 150’s number one selling point for me is this:
Yeah, the front basket.
You might have noticed I really like bikes that look like this.
It’s too bad that there isn’t any Davao dealer for the FKM Ranger yet, but Zurc Moto did call out for those who might be interested. If you’re in the south and waiting for stock, PM Zurc Moto or local groups — sometimes dealers import small batches once there’s enough demand.
