About Scooters

150cc scooter - UFO0150 from Global Automobiles

2008-02-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

Global Automobiles, a part of the Kolkata-based Xenitis group, on Thursday launched a 150 cc scooter called UFO0150 priced at Rs 34,990.

Global auto a JV of Xentis Group and China’s Guangzhou Automobile Industry.

This scooter was there at the Auto Expo 2008.

Honda’s brand new PS125 – (PS stands for Perfect Scooter)

2007-12-13T02:08:00.000-08:00

Honda’s brand new PS125 – the PS stands for Perfect Scooter, a wishy-washy green version came only as one option, with more sophisticated grey, blue-grey and black colour schemes to choose from too. The PS has a distinctive, classy look about it, with plenty of original details such as the vents on the nicely rounded front fairing and the stylish, pointy rear. But best of all, it looks solid, with the typical superb Honda finish. This is no flimsy scooter.

The PS gets a fuel injected, super-clean and economical four-stroke engine, supported by Showa suspension and stopped by Honda’s combined braking system. The underseat storage is built to hold a full-faced helmet, and is easily opened by turning the key in the ignition. Climb on board and the large, super-comfortable seat leaves stacks of room for a pillion. There’s even a grabrail that doubles up as a rack for the 35-litre top box available as optional equipment. The cubbyholes at the front are handy for storing bits and pieces, and the handbag hook is present. Hooray!

A doddle to handle on the twisties, with enough power to overtake the slow coaches. As we hit the Genovese traffic, we glide effortlessly through the gaps to take pole position at the front of the traffic lights. The brakes are brilliant – progressive with loads of feel, and it’s only a scooter. And as for the suspension…

Electric Scooters From Hero Motors and Ultra

2007-11-23T04:49:00.000-08:00

HERO EXPORTS Private Limited (HE), an affiliate of Hero Cycles Ltd has entered into a Joint Venture with Ultra Motor Company (UMC), a global electric vehicle company based in UK. Under the aegis of the new venture, two new models 'Velociti'- an Electric Scooter with extra speed, and 'Optima'- an Electric Scooter with extra range have been developed.

Velociti is based on the patented impulse inertia technology that gives it a higher speed of 40 km per hour and a better torque to help scale gradients. It comes with a powerful motor of 500 watts that delivers a peak motor output of 1000 watts and a range of 50 km per charge, under standard test conditions. Velociti has a powerful 48V/ 24 AH sealed lead acid battery, hydraulic disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear wheel, and is supported by the telescopic suspension system.

Priced at Rs. 34,000/- (ex-showroom Delhi) Velociti will be available across select showrooms in north, west and south India initially. Targeted largely at the 28 year plus, evolved commuter, Velociti will be available in two colour options - Silver and Burgundy.

'Optima' is a new addition to the already existing range of seven models of basic electric scooters of Hero Ultra. The largest selling model Maxi, rated as the Best Electric Two Wheeler by Bike India, a leading two-wheeler magazine, contributes to about 80 per cent of the sales for the company. Hence keeping in mind the same performance parameters and to give a new variant to the consumer 'Optima' has been launched with new looks and design. The 'Optima' delivers a range of 70 km per charge and a maximum speed of 25 km per hour.

Kymco’s new 700cc scooter Myroad 700i

2007-11-20T22:27:00.000-08:00

Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco is getting ready to stamp some serious presence on the scooter market with a brand new 700cc super-scooter unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Myroad 700i features plenty of neat gadgets such as inbuilt tyre pressure gauges, electronically adjustable suspension, keyless ignition, ABS and an alarm, as well as a 170kmh+ top speed to make it the up-and-coming company’s technology flagship for 2008.

Already established in Europe, America, and Africa as well as Asia and Oceania (sometimes branded as Bug scooters), Kymco looks set to mount a challenge for a serious slice of the scooter market as it pours resources into quality programmes and hi-tech componentry.

The Myroad 700i, which we’ve just clapped our eyes on at the Tokyo Motor Show, will be the company’s flagship for this year, with an impressive feature list surrounding the liquid-cooled 699cc 4-stroke parallel twin engine, which is good for around 45Kw (~55hp) at 7250rpm.

The new Gilera Fuoco 500 looks crazy but is surprisingly practical.

2007-11-20T22:11:00.000-08:00

It looks like something from a Mad Max film, but forget the Australian outback – as this is an ideal companion on Britain’s city streets and motorways.

Meet the new Gilera Fuoco 500. It follows on from parent firm Piaggio’s three-wheeled MP3. The difference is, the Gilera has a larger 500cc engine.

The unit is a bigger, slightly modified version of the motor in the Piaggio X9, and allows the Fuoco to keep up with motorway traffic easily. It claims a maximum speed of around 90mph, although once you’re cruising along motorways and A-roads, there is buffeting and pressure on the rider’s arms. Still, this isn’t an issue at slower speeds – and it’s in town that those two front wheels really come into their own, making the bike incredibly stable.

We also like the locking front fork, which prevents riders having to put their foot down when they stop – a real benefit for motorists looking to switch from their car, but who aren’t sure about two wheels.

The Fuoco returns 48mpg, and its luggage compartment will take a full-face helmet. Our only criticisms are the cramped seating position, especially for tall riders, and the transmission judder as you pull away. It’s expensive, too, especially as drivers would not only need to do a day’s Compulsory Basic Training, but also a full Direct Access course, given the 500cc capacity.

Yamaha Vino125

2007-11-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

Yamaha Stratoliner S the Ultimate Big Bike

2007-11-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

Add a windshield, saddlebags and a passenger backrest to the Yamaha Star Roadliner and you've got the Yamaha Star Stratoliner one of the latest entry in Yamaha's cruiser lineup.

Spend an hour on a Roadliner and you've sure to start thinking about traveling. The air-cooled 1854cc pushrod V-twin pounds out a relaxed cadence on the highway where it's running in the meaty part of its powerband, so shiftless passes happen quickly. With 171.45cm between its axles, the big Star is the roomiest bike on the road, and Yamaha has shaped the saddle to allow even tall riders some wiggle room.

This ergonomic flexibility extends to the floorboards, which are long enough to give my larger sized a choice of positions. Thoroughly muted vibration, civilized suspension, stiffer on the Liner, and respectable fuel kilometer-covering all ratify the idea this bike was build to go places.

The Yamaha Star Stratoliner's additional equipment adds just over 22.60 kilograms and matches the topshelf finish of the Yamaha Star Roadliner, with comparable windswept shapes and chrome everywhere you look. Following the lead of last year's Royal Star Tour Deluxe, the windshield and backrest can be removed in seconds without tools.

To ensure you're the only one detaching them, both pieces have locks. I was pleased to find the windshield was just low enough to see over when I pulled my body in a upright riding position, more than handy when I rode into the setting sun with a misty rain clouding things. The shield deflected air effectively from edge-shaped to prevent a strong up-flow coming under it or buffeting over the top - was similarly helpful, making the space behind it quiet, still and warm.

The additional equipment doesn't faze the Yamaha Stratoliner's chassis, which still rides well, tracks confidently and brakes hard and controllably with the windshield and saddlebag bolted up. Even at upward of 180km/h there was no hint of any aerodynamic instability.

Gap and Vespa Team Up to Introduce the 2007 Limited Edition Vespa LX 50

2007-11-06T23:17:00.000-08:00

This holiday, for the first time, Gap and Vespa have partnered to design the ultimate gift for that special someone on your list -- the 2007 Limited Edition Vespa LX 50 in a custom "Crazy Stripe" design by Gap.

This collaboration is a first for Gap and brings together two brands known for classic style, Vespa as a symbol of Italian style and elegance and Gap as the brand known for classic, casual American design.

"To celebrate Gap's iconic crazy stripe this holiday, we wanted to create a unique gift for the person on your list who has everything," said Marka Hansen, president, Gap North America. "Our partnership with Vespa presented the perfect opportunity to surprise our customers with a special, unexpected gift idea for this special time of year."

Yamaha Motors plans to enter automatic scooters segment of INDIA

2007-10-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

Yamaha Motor India (YMI), a fully-owned subsidiary of the $12-billion Japanese auto major Yamaha Motor Company, plans to foray into the fast growing automatic scooter segment. Yamaha, which has several scooter models, ranging from 110 cc to 400 cc, is evaluating the right segment to foray into the Indian market. YMI managing director and CEO Tomotaka Ishikawa told ET, “We will enter the scooter market but are yet to finalise the segment and the products.

Once we introduce our new range of bikes in early 2008, we will concentrate on the right kind of scooter for the Indian market. We plan to hit the premium segment first and target customers who prefer to go for style and power rather than use scooters for their commuting needs.”

The company is likely to introduce its automatic range of scooters with dual disc brakes and twin-shock chassis with high-powered liquid cooled engines in the premium segment. It may also hit the entry-level segment with its fuel-injected 125 cc four-stroke engine and compact-sized urban scooters. YMI has already commissioned a market survey to determine different volume generating scooter segments in India.

“We will have India-specific products, though our high-powered range in Europe and sub-150 cc Asian models could also be considered. We will bring new and better features in our scooters with comfortable suspension which will meet high safety standards,” Mr Ishikawa said.

As part of its Rs 1,000-crore restructuring plan, YMI will increase its portfolio from the current three bikes it sells in the domestic market. While its high powered 150 cc to 250 cc scooters will hit the urban markets, the 100 cc to 125 cc scooters will target smaller cities and towns.

With a slew of launches in different segments, Yamaha is aiming to dent the scooter market which has remained positive despite the slump in two wheeler sales. While motorcycle sales, which forms 85% of the market, has fallen by 15%, scooters sales grew by 20% to 5.30 lakh units in the first half of this fiscal.

YMI will compete with Japanese arch-rival Honda Motorcycle & Scooter, which commands a 50% marketshare while TVS Motors and Hero Honda also sell a significant number. Recently Suzuki Motorcycles India and Kinetic Motor Company have also joined the fray by launching new scooters in the 125 cc segment while the Ludhania-based Hero Cycles has also introduced a wide range of electric scooters in technical collaboration of Ultra Motors of UK.

The 2008 Yamaha Spark 135i, with Fuel Injection

2007-10-29T07:58:00.001-07:00

The Yamaha Spark 135i, or Yamaha T135 as the experts call the motorcycle. To be honest the Yamaha Spark 135 has many names in the Philippines the Spark is known as the Yamaha Sniper and in Indonesia as the Yamaha Jupiter MX and some parts of the world the Yamaha Spark 135i is known by the simple name of just Yamaha 135LC.

The Yamaha Spark 135i is a small underbone bodied motorcycle which is also the motorcycle with the second-largest displacement in its class. The Yamaha Spark 135i is powered by a SOHC 4-valve 4-stroke liquid-cooled forward-inclined single DiASil cylinder 134.9cc engine. With a 54mm bore and 58.7mm stroke, producing a compression ratio of 10.9:1. Yamaha uses for the Spark 135 a Die-cast aluminum cylinder (DiASil), which offers better heat conductance to dissipate excessive heat more easily. The light forged piston can normally be found in high performance race engines.

The Yamaha engine is capable to push this motorcycle, with its close to 16 horsepowers, to a maximum speed of 165km/h. The Yamaha Spark 135i uses a electronic fuel injection system equipped with throttle position and environmental sensor for more precise ignition timing, increasing the engine's efficiency, and also an accelerator pump for better acceleration and instant throttle response. The Yamaha Spark 135, in order to achieve fine-tuned performance that can't be expressed simply in specs, you just need to test ride this bike to know what it is all about.

The 4-speed gear, constant mesh, transmission with wet, multiple-disk and centrifugal automatic looked a bit outdated, but the gear ratio are good and we have nothing to complain about the gear box.

The chassis of the Yamaha Spark 135, which original was introduced in 2005, did not changed that much. Yamaha still uses a diamond-shaped underbone steel tube frame, with standard telescopic front fork suspension with a single shock rear 'mono-shock' swingarm. The road handling of this bike is great, even with higher speeds you never have the feeling you about to lose control, its a kind of handling that doesn't stress the rider

Kinetic SYM flyte

2007-10-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

It is compact,neatly proportioned and offers generous space. Kinetic imports around 15% of spare parts to keep the Sym quality. Panel gaps are minimal and flyte make use of high quality plastic

It is powered by an 8bhp motor which produces 9.1Nm at 5500rpm. Since air filter is superficially located it makes it easy for servicing. The dash choke is also an another useful feature. The engine employs secondary air injection to cut emission. Kinetic Sym flyte makes use of CVT(continuously variable transmission) and a powerful 9Ah which assures easy starting. Flyte’s top speed is claimed to be 80kmph

Kinetic SYM flyte features front fueling sytem. Poping out fuel tank lid,
22 litre 2 level underseat double cab storage(spacious even after accommodating the helmet) which is LED illuminated.
Mobile charging point,
smart bag hook and a smart storage section are quite useful for commuting.
4- in -1 locking system - under-seat storage lock,
fuel filler lock,
ignition lock and an innovative magnetic lock.
The magnetic key system behind the key shutter the whole lock system.
Footboard is offered with integrated mat.

The new model would compete with models (100cc and below) like Scooty Pep from TVS Motors and Hero Honda Pleasure. Around 40,000 gearless scooters are sold every month in the two-wheeler market.

The second model from this JV is expected to hit the roads in the next 12 months.

The company also plans to launch a new model, Euro, from its Italjet platform in the next two months. This is one of seven models it plans to launch in alliance with Italian two-wheeler maker Italjet.

12 REASONS why Kinetic-SYM Flyte is the change you must ride.

1. Amazing engine: The Flyte features a highly refined, 125cc engine with 8 bhp power output for a good ride for you

2. Convenient front fuelling system – you wont have to get down from your seat to refuel your Flyte!

3. 4-in-1 antitheft magnetic key – for your safety and convenience, the Flyte features a very special magnetic key that starts engine, locks the handle, operates the fuel lock and prevents theft

4. Superior front telescopic suspension for a comfortable ride for you

5. Largest underseat storage (22 liters, 2 level) for easy carriage of your helmet and other belongings

6. Powerful (130mm) brakes for your safety

7. Longer (1260mm) wheelbase for better stability on the road while you are riding

8. A higher top speed of 80 kmph to quicken your commute

9. Special crash resistant mirrors that fold on impact

10. A smart internationally current style to reflect your cool personality

11. 9 Ah battery for assured, hasslefree start everyday

12. 3.5”-10” zapper pattern tyres for better grip and stability for

It is available in 5 colors.

For more information look:

1. Bike guru Dilip Bam's Review:

2. Kinentics Official Website:

Suzuki's Gearless Scooter - Access-125

2007-10-12T03:09:00.000-07:00

Going public with its foray in the Indian scooter market, Japanese bike maker Suzuki Motorcycle on Monday said it planned to capture four per cent share of the two-wheeler market here in the next three years on the strength of the sale of both motorcycles and scooters.
Suzuki Motorcycle India, which had already announced a Rs. 700-crore investment till 2010, will be launching two new two-wheeler models, including a 150 cc,in the next one year.
The company had already invested Rs. 350 crore and another Rs. 150 crore would be spent on product development and other activities over the next one year, India Managing Director, Satya Sheel, said during the media meet to mark the unveiling of its 125 cc gearless scooter ‘Access’.
He said the company was expecting to sell nearly 5,000 units a month initially and would announce the price after a pan-India rollout within two weeks.
Suzuki was targeting a four per cent share in the Indian two-wheeler market, which is expected to cross 8.5 million units by 2010.
“We plan to sell as many as 3.5 lakh units in India by 2010, which will be about four per cent of the two-wheeler market then,” he added.
“For 20 years, we have looked at motorcycles as the sole mode of semi-urban and rural transportation. We will see a paradigm shift back to the scooter market with the improvement in infrastructure,” Mr. Sheel said.
For further penetration of the Indian market, the company that now covers only 25 per cent of India through 145 dealers, would work on doubling the base over the next 18 months.
On plans to introduce its popular sports bike models, Mr. Sheel said the company would showcase the models in the next year’s Auto Expo but was categorical in admitting plans to move away from the 100 cc segment.