Choosing a scooter is really a tough task, this becomes even tougher when you are given two new items. Suzuki has unveiled its access and Kinetic has unveiled its flyte in the new 125cc segment. Also, is it for the sake of 125cc whether you have to wither your love to the scooty, activa and pleasure. Lets check out!
Engine and powertrain:
Both the access and flyte features 125cc engines. Access has an edge over the flyte in power and torque but only by a small margin. Suzuki Access develops 8.58bhp at 7000rpm and 10N-m at 5500rpm while the flyte generates output of 8bhp at 7000rpm and 9.1Nm at 5500rpm. Since they are powered by 125cc engines both the Access and flyte is reaching 80kmph at ease where 100cc scooters used to run out of steam. The access and the flyte’s transmission is through CVT(continuously variable transmission). Kinetic flyte features powerful 9Ah battery which means less number of kicks for starting during cold season. Access returns a combined fuel efficiency/mileage of 43kpl as against 40kpl returned by flyte. Both in the performance and fuel efficiency sense there is not much difference between the two. Hence we have to look for other things to pick the best.
Design and Styling:
The design of either access or flyte is not revolutionary and hence both lacks the wow factor. While the Access inspires Hero Honda’s pleasure the flyte resembles TVS scooty.Flyte’s practical, impact resistant, body coloured mirrors add extra charm to its look. Body coloured mirrors is not even in Suzuki’s accessories list. Flyte’s plastic grab-rail also match its body colour in the access a classic black (metal) grab rail is used.
Build and quality:
Modern day scooters are build with great car to reduce the maintenance usually associated with them. Both Suzuki and Kinetic have ensured quality by importing few parts. Grips, levers, and switchgear are top notch. Kinetic has imported the telescopic front fork from sym and Suzuki has imported the footpegs. Fit and Finish has taken care well in both the access and flyte. Usage of high quality plastic minimises the gaps between the panels. Suzuki’s access is more eye-catching than flyte (a facelift/upgrade flyte with sleek graphics is needed).
Ride and handling:
Kinetic flyte and Suzuki access makes use of telescopic fork and single coilover suspension at the rear. Flyte’s ride is little bit bumpy while the access is comfy. For the access comfy ride credit should be given large and wider seats.The larger front & rear tyres and the longer 1260mm wheelbase of the kinetic flyte offers better stability and grip over suzuki’s access. Flyte’s handling is better than the access with larger 130mm drum brakes compared to the 120mm.
Features:
Both access and flyte features special ignition key which comes with shutter (first time in scooters). To activate the shutter you have to use magnetic area provided on top of the key. According to the companies, this shutter mechanism will reduce the theft. This feature will You have to get down and unlock the seat to fill fuel in the access but in the flyte because of the front fuelling you can fill like the fellow motorcycle rider.
Flyte features 22 litres of double layered underseat storage space large enough to hold small items in addition to the helmet. Access 20L storage space is limited just to hold a helmet. In addition kinetic’s flyte has a small but usable glove box with a bag hook but in suzuki’s access you have to pay extra for the glove box. Kinetic’s flyte and Suzuki’s access features choke knob at the front. Also, flyte is contemporary with features like mobile charging point. Flyte is more featuristic(usable) compared to suzuki’s access.
Verdict:
We should be happy to have two new scooters in a new segment(125cc). Similar to what is happening in motorcycle market the new 125cc segment in scooters will create new set of customers also it will give competetion for the 100cc scooter makers like TVS,Bajaj,Hero Honda and Honda. Both the scooters are build superbly and performance of both the access and flyte are definitely superior to the activa or scooty. But as of now if you can shell out extra 3000 – 4000 rupees for the sake of slighter quicker acceleration and top speed go for 125cc scooters otherwise stay with your activas and scootys
Between the Suzuki’s access and Kinetic’s flytem, access holds the edge over the flyte in performance (a little bit) and Suzuki’s brand image will help the access further. But the ‘sabke wish kare pori’ access does not satisfy the needs of all but flyte does it by being more practical with many innovative feature.