Jul 01, 2008 06:52 PM
4453 Views
(Updated Jul 02, 2008 12:56 PM)
How did it all happen!
As our anniversary approached, I started looking for a new scooter for my wife who has been riding on a faithful (but really old) 92 model Kinetic Honda.
Like most of us on Mouthshut, I visited websites, showrooms and took test rides of most of the offerings in the ungeared scooter segment. You are right! I considered the Hondas (Activa, Aviator and Dio), the Suzukis (Access), the Hero Hondas (Pleasure), the TVSs (Scooty), the Bajajs (Crystal) and of course the Kinetics (4S, Nova). At the end of it all, I bought a black Kinetic SYM (Sang Yung Motors International) Flyte for my wife. Thanks to my b-i-l for the last minute change in color from silver to black. Black is cheaper by Rs.500 and looks stunning.
Before I share my views on Flyte, I'll quickly share why I did not buy one of the other scooters.
First, the Activa. The engine is proven; no issues about it. However, I was alerted by our MS friends about poor service by Honda staff and my visits to their showrooms more than confirmed it. Added to that was the 45-day waiting period. I can understand if its a new scooter and the company did not know how the demand would be BUT how can a company be so incompetent NOT TO meet production targets against demand, even after knowing the demand graph for the past 7 plus years. Lets say I'm ready to put-up with all these nakhraas. Now, the most serious of the reasons that deterred me from buying an Activa was 'its long record of bad front suspensions' and the resultant BACK PAIN to the rider. As it is, women are more prone to backpains and I didn't want to add to it by buying the Activa for my wife. So, I said a big NO to Activa.
'Ditto' for Dio. However, when it came to the Aviator, I felt it's design was more masculie and also personally unappealing. Thankfully, the Dio and the Aviator did not have waiting period (in Hyderabad).
Suzuki Access is a great scooter but height (good for people above 5ft 6in) and price (49k with accessories in Hyd) were the downside. So, if you are taller than 5 ft 6 in, and don't mind shelling an extra 5K, go for the Access.
Hero Honda Pleasure the engine is kinda of carbon copy of Activa/Dio/Aviator. But my wife was not very happy with the rear looks. Also, HeroHonda hiked the price in May by about Rs. 2000. It was a cheeky move. And as all of us know, maintainance is high.
Scooty - an experienced and respected mechanic said that Scooty starts developing electrical snags after a year or so. Also, it's power isn't great. 78cc and 5 bhp.
Bajaj Crystal hasn't clicked since the time it was launched.
Kinetic 4S - was very unrefined when we test rode it and Nova wasn't on our minds at any time.
Flyte's positives:
1)** The looks are feminine and refreshingly new despite resemblin Scooty in someways. The number of heads Flyte turned was proof enough.
2) The 125 cc Powerhouse is superbly refined and powerful. It lugs 2 adults+1child (weighing 170 kg) without any sign of a difficulty.
3) Price is another attraction. At 44k on road with accessories like full-body protection, seat cover and buzzer, its a steal.
4)The front suspensions are excellent and thus enhances the ride comfort.
5)Other little things like the 'LED-light that comes on automatically'when you open storage area under the seat, front fuelling etc.
6) Service is not bad.
*The not so goods:
1) **Low ground clearance because of the fuel tank under the foot rest area.
2) I have tested it 3 times using the 'full tank to full tank' technique. The mileage hovered around 35 kmpl before the first servicing. I don't expect to see more than 3-4 km improvement after the servicing.
3) Unfriendly and unhelpful fuel indicator. I think they should replace it on all the pieces sold until date.
The final word
I'd recommend it from an overall performance and value for money point of view.
Now the ball's in your court. Good luck!
