VLF Mobster 135 Review: Making 125cc Feel More Powerful Than It Is

The VLF Mobster 135 is oddly named. I’m not talking about the word “mobster” in its name. That’s actually a great choice, given the bike’s distinct personality. I’m talking about the “135” in its name, despite having just a 125cc engine inside it. Turns out this is also a strategic decision to emphasise that the way this scooter has been built makes it feel more powerful than other 125cc scooters. And it also comes with a bold price tag to boot. ₹1,30,000 (ex-showroom) is not that big a leap from what you’re paying for the top models of other premium scooters. With all this in mind, I made it my daily driver for three days and here are my impressions.

Liquid Cooling Is Where It’s At

The most important technical decision VLF has made is liquid cooling. In the 125cc segment, air-cooled engines are still the norm because they are cheaper, lighter, and simpler. The Mobster breaks away from that convention. Liquid cooling allows the engine to maintain stable operating temperatures even in heavy traffic, aggressive riding, or long stints at higher revs. During a long ride to Navi Mumbai, which involved extended idling, stop-start traffic, and sustained runs on open stretches, the engine never felt heat-soaked or lethargic. Throttle response remained consistent, and there was no noticeable drop in performance. This thermal stability is a key reason why the Mobster feels eager off the line even after prolonged riding. It is not producing more power than rivals on paper, but it is able to deliver its power more reliably, more often.

Power Delivery Over Peak Numbers

At around 12 bhp and 11.7 Nm, the Mobster’s output figures are respectable but not extraordinary. What sets it apart is how that torque is delivered. The engine has been tuned for strong low- and mid-range response rather than top-end theatrics. In city riding, this translates into quick launches from traffic lights and easy overtakes. The throttle mapping feels sharp without being jerky, and the engine responds immediately to small inputs. This tuning philosophy explains why the Mobster feels quicker than many 125cc machines despite similar output figures. It is optimised for usable performance, not brochure statistics.

Refinement Through Balance

Another area where the Mobster quietly excels is refinement. Vibrations are well controlled across the rev range, especially in urban speeds where most riders will live. Handlebar buzz is minimal, footpegs remain calm, and there is no harshness creeping in as the engine spins higher. For a small-displacement engine, refinement often gets sacrificed to save costs. Here, it has clearly been prioritised. The result is a scooter that feels mechanically mature, even when pushed hard in traffic.

Why It Feels Fast

The Mobster feels fast because it delivers instant acceleration where it matters most: from zero to city speeds. Once you push beyond that comfort zone, the limits of a 125cc engine do show. Acceleration becomes linear, the mid-range flattens out, and the bike stops encouraging aggressive riding. This is not a flaw; it is an honest reflection of its engineering priorities. The Mobster is designed to dominate urban environments, not highways. Understanding this distinction is crucial to appreciating the bike. It is fast where it needs to be fast.

The Pillion Problem

Our DOP, Divesh Vyas, was my pillion rider on the way back from the aforementioned Navi Mumbai ride. After the ride, he said to me that he had never felt so uncomfortable on a pillion seat before. And then there was I as well. A 190cm tall person who only had 50 percent of this scooter’s excruciatingly small seat at his disposal. Cramps made their presence felt so much that we had to take several stops just to free our legs a bit.

However, all this cannot be described as a flaw of this scooter, because it’s never been advertised as a family commuter. The raised rear seat, high footpegs, and narrow cushioning are direct consequences of the bike’s compact rear geometry and aggressive styling. Accommodating a comfortable pillion setup would have meant altering proportions, extending the rear, and dulling the visual impact. VLF has clearly prioritised rider-centric performance and aesthetics over two-up practicality. Whether that works for you depends entirely on how you intend to use the scooter.

Tech-Led, Not Utility-Led

Instrumentation is simple, electronics are minimal, and there are no flashy riding modes or gimmicks. The Mobster 135’s technology is mechanical, not digital. It focuses on cooling efficiency, engine tuning, chassis balance, and refinement rather than software-driven features. This approach aligns with its character. It is a scooter that wants to be ridden, not configured.

Smart Engineering in a Small Package

The VLF Mobster 135 proves that displacement alone does not define performance. Through liquid cooling, intelligent engine tuning, and other refinements, it manages to feel significantly more capable than its 125cc tag suggests. It is not a practical family scooter. It is not pillion-friendly. It is not built for touring. But as a piece of tech-led urban engineering, it succeeds impressively.