| Power |
Your scooter must have adequate power to easily take you, your pillion rider and any of your luggage through all kinds of roads, including slopes. The power of a scooter is indicated by the engine capacity and BHP. A higher “cc” and “bhp” will translate into superior power and pickup. |
| Technology |
There are two popular technology options : 2-stroke or 4-stroke. A 2-stroke engine will normally give you superior pick up and is easier to maintain as there are fewer moving parts. A 4-stroke engine gives reduced engine noise and vibrations. |
| Mileage |
In these days of increasing fuel costs, the mileage delivered by a vehicle has become increasingly important. But understanding the mileage delivery is not so simple but here are a few guiders:o A lower engine capacity or lower power does not necessarily mean that the vehicle gives better mileage.
- Lighter vehicle weight normally translates to higher mileage. ABS body vehicles are usually lighter than metal-body ones.
- Some scooters today come with electronic devices that can guide the user to improve his/her riding habits to get best mileage. These can be very helpful. In scooters, since gear changing is not manual, the rider often does not know whether he is riding in a way that gives him good mileage or not. These devices can educate the rider to stay in a mileage-friendly zone. Look for visual indicators (arrows etc) as well as an audio beeper since in traffic a rider cannot keep his eyes on the speedo console. A user can normally get 10 kmpl more from his vehicle simply by improving riding habits. With today’s petrol prices, assuming that you will keep your vehicle for 5 years, you will save Rs. 12,000 on mileage! That’s a big sum!
- As a general benchmark, the mileage given by today’s modern scooters ranges from 35-40 kmpl to 55-60 kmpl. Look for vehicles that give at least 50 kmpl and your wallet will be happy! It is believed that the Indian brands have paid more attention to mileage than foreign brands as in other countries, petrol costs not being so high, mileage is not a major requirement.
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| Storage space |
Your scooter should give you strong utility value in terms of underseat storage space as well as glove box. Ideally, the underseat storage should be able to hold 2 helmets as many cities now legally require both passenger and pillion to wear helmets while riding, and other cities may follow the same rule. The glove box is very handy for putting in assorted items like cellphone, books, license, registration papers, etc and should be part of the scooter.
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| Ride quality |
- Your scooter should have a smooth ride and the gearshift should be automatic and smooth
- Make sure that the seats are large and the riding posture is comfortable for you as well as your spouse. Check for the seat height and make sure that your (and your spouse) feet reach the ground comfortably when the vehicle is not on stand, as you will need to balance on your feet at the traffic signals.
- Check that the vehicle weight is ideal for you. Generally, metal body scooters are heavier
Insist for a test-ride at the dealership so you can have a first-hand feel of the vehicle.
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| Safety |
Safety is very important. Safety of a scooter can be judged by the following factors
- Street illumination at night- multifocal reflector headlamps are the best and the higher the wattage the better. Also the headlamp should turn with the handlebar.
- Tail lamp and front as well as rear indicators should be large and prominently visible to ensure visibility at night to other riders and avoid accidents
- Battery should be lockable, preferably underseat so that it cannot be stolen
- Braking should be adequate but not too powerful as it can destabilize the scooter
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| Styling |
Your vehicle should become a possession of pride for you. Make sure that you like the vehicle’s looks and they identify with your personality. Look for stylized vehicle with premium colors and special
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| Vehicle body |
Today, there are two body-type options: metal body or ABS body. Advantage of metal body is that in case of accidents, dents can be repaired easily. However, ABS body is more modern and improves the vehicle’s gloss and better finish, also body panels are rust and corrosion free and normally can be replaced quickly and very economically. This means that after 2-3 years of use, you can simply replace the body panels and have your vehicle look as good as new.
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| Maintenance |
Look for easy access to spark plug and carburetor. Also check the warranty period. |
| Price |
Finally, the price of the vehicle is a very important factor. Make sure that you do not end up comparing apples to oranges.
- Dealerships may tell you either ex-showroom price or on-road price. The on-road price includes taxes, insurance and registration charges etc which you are legally required to pay. Make sure you get the same quote from all manufacturers
- Some manufacturers will charge you extra for every accessory such as number plate, ladies foot rest, side stand, glove box etc. Accessories are normally cheaper if given as standard with the vehicle. Make sure that you factor in the additional cost of accessories that you would need to get.
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