Review / Comparison of Scooters in India - Part I

May the best wheels seal your deal.

TVS Scooty: Oldest and most reliable variomatic still makes a great buy.

Who is it for?: Teens. Grown up people better stay away

Pros: 2stroke/4stroke/electric,  led tail lamps, front glove box and external fuel filler (scooty streak), lightweight, mobile charger, illuminated keyhole,

Cons: outdated design, weak engines, small size, small 14 litres storage space

Engine:  90cc 4-stroke engine. 5bhp@ 6500rpm and 5.8nm@4000 rpm (95kg)

               60cc 2-stroke engine. 3.5bhp@5500rpm and 4.5nm@5000rpm (82kg)

              48v battery. 800w power. 33nm@150rpm (95kg)

http://www.scootygals.com/

Conclusion: Scooty price range 26505-36655 ex-showroom,  Scooty Streak and Scooty Electric best buy. Looks best in red and black.

Hero Pleasure: Just another scoterette in the market.

Who is it for?: 750mm seat height comfortable for Teenage girls and women looking for their daily roundabouts.

Pros:  Front storage is a bonus. 

Cons: Proven but weak engine. 15 litres storage is very small.

Engine: 102cc mill straight lift from the old Activa and the Honda Dio. Least powerful scooter with 7bhp at 7000rpm and 7.85nm at 5000 rpm.   lightweight at 104kg.

http://www.herohonda.com/Pleasure/

Conclusion: Priced 39006 ex-showroom. Looks absolutely stunning in dual tone black. Also looks good in aqua green and force silver.

Mahindra Duro:  NDTV Profit Car and Bike award 2010- Scooter of the year.

Who is it for?: 770mm seat height convinient mostly for men and tall women who need more knee space.

Pros: price, sturdy,  powerful engine, lots of knee space, 20litres illuminated storage plus front storage.

Cons: Outdated

Engine: 125cc engine makes 8bhp@7000rpm and 9nm of torque@5500rpm. 105kg lightweight

http://mahindra2wheelers.com/

Conclusion: Priced 39799 ex-showrooms.  Kinetic Nova redeveloped with technical and design inputs from Engines Engineering from Italy Looks best in white. No nonsense commuter.

Honda Dio:  Designed for tomorrow.

Who is it for?: College going teens and those who follow Gucci and Prada. saddle height 765mm.

Pros: Looks, Brand name

Cons: proven but weak engine, expensive spares.

Engine: 102cc engine makes 7bhp at 7000rpm and 7.75nm at 8000rpm. 110kgs is heavier than most scooters.

http://www.honda2wheelersindia.com/

Conclusion:  Priced 40275 ex-showroom. Only if you need a stylish scooter. Looks good in metallic blue and green.

Mahindra Rodeo: Starwars contender

Who is it for? Both men and women, 760mm seat height

Pros:  22litres underseat storage, mobile charging facility, digital display, front fuel filler

Cons: premium price for unnecessary features.

Engine:  125cc engine making 8bhp@7000rpm and 9nm@5500rpm. 106kg lightweight

http://mahindra2wheelers.com/

Conclusion: Priced 43399 ex-showroom.  redeveloped with technical and design inputs from Engines Engineering from Italy. You are paying extra for the style and jazz. Looks good in black, blue and green.

 

Honda Activa: The scooter that redefined scooters.

Who is it for: Both men and women. seat height 765mm.

Pros: refreshed design, front storage space

Cons: 18litres storage space smaller than competition, 

Engine: New 110cc engine makes 8bhp at 7500rpm and 8.5nm of torque at 5500rpm. 110kg heavier than industry average.
htttp://www.honda2wheelersindia.com/

Conclusion: priced 44456 ex-showroom. A well built scooter that will last well. Sunbeam white and grey metallic look good.

Honda Aviator: Honda's premium scooter

Who is it for: Men  will find it comfortable on the 790mm high seat.

Pros:  Front disc brake, 12-inch front wheel, alloy wheels, 20 litres storage

Cons: expensive to buy, pricey spares,  looks

Engine: 110cc engine makes 8bhp at 7000rpm and 8.5nm@5500rpm

http://www.honda2wheelersindia.com/

Conclusion: priced 50705 ex-showroom. Looks are not appealing. Black and red look good.

Part 2 here:
http://boyracer.blogspot.com/2010/04/twelve-scooters-to-spoil-your-choice_07.html