Yamaha Cygnus Alpha Review
Yamaha makes its debut in the scooter segment with the launch of Yamaha Ray, which is bounded to the feminine gender. Later, Yamaha introduced the RayZ to woo the youngsters. And now, there has been a talk that though Yamaha make its late entry in to the scooter segment among the major manufacturers, it seems to be the latest in bringing out the new model named
Cygnus Alpha that claims to be the family scooter in a way that get appealed to both the gender. Let’s see, whether it is true if so, how far it is?
Ergonomics:
Yamaha Alpha gets such a trendy, up-market and stylish look, that makes it entirely different from of its Indian scooter rivals .It underpins its base onto the Ray platform. Alpha gets curvy lines and creases rather than sharp and lean body.The saddle height measures up to
775mm.Alpha is a light weighted scooter with the kerb weight of
104kg.Presence of broader headlamps at the handle level. Instrument cluster said to comprise of all such essential prerequisites like speedometer, odometer and fuel-gauge .The console is very clear to read and has a very nice design.
Switches gives a nice feel to touch thus high quality scooter, good vision is attained with the mirrors that can be adjusted in a solid manner.
Handling grips and
nice-control levers gives us plush feeling. Switch gear quality is average but that doesn’t come up to one’s expectations from Yamaha. One thing that is to be worried is the lack of
rear brake locking clamp and the
storage cubbies under the handlebar, however there is lockable under-seat storage bay that is spacious enough .Flat and nicely textured footboard has been provided so that the riders can place their feet easily on it. Alpha that is being built with best-in-class quality gives a premium feel.
Engine and Performance:
The engine which tends to power up the Ray that is
113cc,single-cylinder,four-stroke and force air-cooled engine is set to power up the Cygnus Alpha.The engine has been built in such a manner to provide convenience while getting through the congested traffic and crowded areas. This button started, carburetor-fed, long stroke engine gets mated to the
CVT-type transmission. Maximum of
7.1PS of power at 7500 rpm and maximum torque of
8.1Nm of torque at 5000 rpm is being driven from the the engine.
Thumbing at the start button, one can accelerate at the smooth power delivery thus getting a good throttle response. But while riding at high speeds, one can feel the vibrations that are embarrassing. One can ride at the top speed of 85kmph.Alpha engine too inherits its family heritage of reliability and refreshness that can be felt in each and every move.
Riding and Handling:
The suspension system is good that gets the telescopic forks at the front and a single monoshock suspension united to the engine at the rear end.Riding dynamics are good as like that of its sibling Ray,since both share the same wheelbase. The seat has good riding posture,well positioned handlebars,well paddled saddle and well cushioned. The grab rails are nicely contoured and comfortable enough to handle for the pillion riders.
Handling is light in case of Alpha irrespective of the condition of the Indian roads. Stability is gained through the means of
grippy,MRF-made tyres. It rides on 10-inch pressed steel rims front and rear.It would be better,if alpha comes with alloy rims and front disc brake as a paid option.
The highlighting feature comes with the
130mm drum brakes, with which one can immediately halt the scooter even while riding at high speeds with nice progressive feel at the layers. The scooter feels stiff while negotiating broken roads and tends to bottom out over bumps with a well built pillion on board. Mileage would come up with the range of
40-45kpl.
Verdict:
As a good package that is an expert in terms of handling dynamics,peppy engine and comfortable ergonomics, it arrives at Rs 47,395(ex-showroom,Delhi).thus offered as a good value-for-money. Even its rivals won’t able to compete either with its good suspension system or good quality feel. Thus there prevails a hope that Yamaha will soon earn its reputation in the Indian scooter market.
