Additional Ground Clearance. Review on Kinetic Nova

Hi folks,

On my 2nd service, I released my frustration about ground clearance. While riding pillion, Nova almost touched every stone/brick etc. lying on road. Bend it lightly and the centre-stand gave out a thud.

I expressed my view, if possible I would want its centre-stand to break, so that I could either remove it in full, or if possible, fit in a Vespa/Bajaj style stand, to get some increased ground clearance.

To my surprise, the mechanic asked me to calm down. And for almost nothing, he increased my ground clearance by almost an INCH.

It appears that (silently) Kinetic has acknowledged this as a problem, and (silently) makes the modification, which I got. The mechanic replaced my centre-stand & inserted an Shocker-Adjustor (a bolt-type thing) which increased the height of the seat, and in consequence of the centre-stand also.

Though the mechanic charged me Rs 100/- (under the table) saying, he would do some hera-pheri in store records. It did not matter since I am comfortably jumping over speed breakers.

Information is money, and since the mechanic had it, earned it rightly. It is sad, that unlike other motor companies like the Tata/Maruti, Kinetic has withheld this info from customers.

Fellow Users: In this scenario, use caution before you get a similar ''upgrade''. Get details of the money being charged.

P.S.

The centre-stand has to be changed if you get the shocker-adjuster.

I purchased a Nova in June for my wife. The ground clearance, dipper light, is bad compared to scooty. Even when both of us rode Scooty, no problem taking sharp corners. But Nova keeps touching the ground every now and then. I would definitely ask you to take a test ride.

When I brought the Dlx Nova home, was surprised to see the absence of the Rear Brake Lock. The dealer said, ''some scooters come with it and some don't'', the company replied to my email as ''it is an accessory and pay Rs 30/- to get it''. However, the booklet provided by the company mentions about it as the standard fitment.

The horn is weak, and Nova comes without a buzzer for turn-indications, what a lousy omission?

The seat, though generous, is in an inclined position which pulls the rider towards front. Same for pillion.

Right now I am about to get my 1st service done, so have no comments on the engine etc.