[parrys]

Today, Mahindra 2 Wheelers unveiled the new Mahindra Rodeo RZ in Mumbai.

Pricing (ex-showroom):

Andhra Pradesh: Rs. 49,575
Karnataka: Rs. 48,930
Kerala: Rs. 49,410
Tamil Nadu: Rs. 50,710

Launch in other states will be later - due to logistical reasons.

What You'll Like:

• Zippy and fuel efficient 125cc Engine. Good Initial pick-up.
• Loaded with features that competitors don't offer.
• Light weight, comfortable and very nimble handling.

What You Won't:

• Nothing new to look at. Old product in new packaging.
• Body coloured rear view mirrors will highlight the scratches.
• Low brand recognition in the market.

The Rodeo RZ is virtually identical to the original Rodeo. A few stickering changes and minor tweaks are the only updates.

Now when we said that the scooter is loaded with features which the competition does not offer, here is the list :

• Most important: A 12v charging point, similar to those in cars. You can use your car charger and also charge your MP3 Player or cell phone.
• Illuminated under seat storage.
• Speedometer with 7 backlight colours to choose from.
• Tachometer.
• Acceleration Timer.
• Over Speed Alarm. Fixed at 60 kmph.
• Side Stand warning buzzer.
• Front fuel filler. Convenient, as you don't have to get off and lift the seat to re-fuel.

The Rodeo RZ will go on sale later this month. A new strategy that Mahindra 2 wheelers is adopting is that they will offer test rides to customers at the the customer's desired location (eg. Home or office).

[parrys]

The 2012 Rodeo RZ:
The Rodeo RZ uses its unique set of features to try and differentiate itself from the rest of the scooter market. Don't forget that Mahindra's negligible market share and very low brand recognition in the 2-wheeler segment are hurdles for the sales of an overall average scooter. The bike is light weight and decent to look at. Its not extra-ordinary to look at first sight, but people will not complain either.


The scooter is very small and hence gives it great handling abilities. Very essential in day-to-day traffic. After all a scooter is usually bought by those who are new to the two-wheeler market, or those who travel short intra-city commutes. So being light weight is definitely an advantage.


The rider foot-well is not too wide; a person can stand comfortably at signals. The handle-bar is high enough not to interfere with a taller rider's knees while riding / turning. The seat is soft and provides good riding comfort.




The Rodeo Sticker job on the front fascia. If you notice the stickers on the side profile under the pillion seat section and this one on the front - they are exactly the same placed at a different angle. A clever way to minimize costs.




Available in 7 colours. Few of them are really bright.

[parrys]

Ride Report: It's not just cricket which gets interrupted by the rains! While on the test ride, we had to halt to be safe, since the initial rains make the roads quite slippery.



Switch on the scooter and you'll notice the tachometer - a very unfamiliar sight in the scooter segment. Makes you feel as if you are on a bike. Definitely a point of attraction to those who are looking for something sporty.

As soon as we got on the scooter and flicked the side stand off, we noticed that the bike is very light. Now this is essential for the 1st time scooter buyers and also for young boys / girls. This light weight makes the scooter very zippy around the city. Initial acceleration is excellent for a scooter. Powered by a 125cc Z Series engine, the Rodeo RZ delivers an ARAI fuel efficiency rating of 59.38 kpl. Mahindra claims that the reason for such a good mileage is the new Dual Curve Digital Ignition System (DCDI). Definitely a plus-point at this time when the fuel prices are making a hole in our pockets. The riding position is very relaxed and even though the scooter might seem to look a little smaller as compared to its competition - it is not cramped. A feature that is a 1st to this segment is the acceleration timer. This records the highest speed you reach and in how much time you got there. (Even the TVS Apache has a similar 0-60 time recorder). Unlike the Apache, the time recorded is reset every time you switch off the scooter. The fully digital instrument panel provides ample information on the go like - time, odometer, speedometer, tachometer, acceleration timer and trip meter. You can also choose from the 7 colour options for the backlight. The digital tachometer makes you revv hard every time you look at it just because you have never seen this on the scooters.

Overtaking in traffic was quite fun since the scooter is very flickable due to its light weight. The tyres provide sufficient grip. Even the brakes are up to the mark. On the first bike we took for a test, when we hit the front brakes only - the handle-bar felt a little wobbly. But then we noticed that this is only because the drum brakes are fairly new and need some time to get in sync. Just to confirm we tested another scooter and the brakes were fine. When we hit the rear brakes only, and really hard, the bike did not skid. The MRF Zappers have a good hold of the road, even on a wet surface. The Rodeo RZ does a 0-60 kmph in 9.35 seconds. Not bad for the commuter segment.

The digital fuel indicator on the speedometer console works on the segment first & patented pressure sensor for accurate fuel level indication.

Not to forget, the front suspension is telescopic and a swing arm at the rear which gives a very composed ride. We deliberately put it over some bumps and potholes to check this. The bike did not make any kind of thudding noise while doing so, and we were not unsettled during this. Another reason why the scooter does not scrape on bumps / rough terrain is the 154mm ground clearance which was achieved by making some modifications to the centre stand.

Adjusting the rear view mirrors tells you that these mirrors are there to stay and stay the way you adjust them. Unlike the others on which only the mirror glass moves, the Rodeo's RVMs are adjusted from the base of the RVM-Stalk, as its all one piece. Also the design of the RVMs gives a good range of view from multiple angles.

What can be a problem while riding at night is the super bright colour schemes on the speedometer. In situations where you are completely dependent on the scooters headlamp, the bright speedo backlit panel will be very distracting. There is no option to dim it.

[parrys]

Features:
The Fully digital speedometer with 7 colour interchangeable backlit panel. Tacho marked till 12k RPM














Next to the Speedometer, there is a small section which shows the other essentials like high beam, turn indicators and side stand engaged.


If you start the scooter without lifting up the side stand, there is a buzzer which gets activated and also you can see this illuminated warning on the console. A good safety feature.


The acceleration timer set at 0. Every time you hit the M (mode) button on the console, this timer will reset. Also, every time you switch off the bike it resets. It records the highest speed you reached and the amount of time it took you to get there from 0 kmph.


The 4-in-1 Anti-Theft Key. Use it inverted (as shown below) to access the ignition key hole. This also prevents the dust and dirt from accumulating in the ignition key-hole. When the key is slotted in, simply turn the key to the extreme left without pushing to flip open the front fuel filler cap.


To the right of the key area, you can see a 12v power outlet provided. Very essential because you are left alone on a two-wheeler when you do not have a charging point.


The front fuel filler.


Huge 22 litres of under seat storage. Mahindra also notified us that they are going to provide with heat resistant sheets in this storage space so that the luggage does not heat up. Notice that it is divided into two sections.


This storage space is also illuminated to help you find the necessary things in the dark.


Panel is neatly cut to show the chassis number.

[parrys]

The 125cc engine producing 8 BHP of power and 9Nm of torque.




Front telescopic suspension.


Foot rest for pillion.


The pillion foot rest has a zig-zag design to provide better grip.


35W Headlamp.


Tail lamp with a high rear grab rail. Should be comfortable to hold on to when you sit normally as well as sideways.


Branding indicating the alliance between SYM and Mahindra.


SYM embossed on the handle bar grip as well.


Storage space provided below the handle bar. Deep enough so that nothing falls out when riding.


Parcel hook provided on the front.


Parcel hook also provided under the rider seat.


RVM's are body coloured. Looks nice, but scratches will be more visible.


Check out the technical specifications.

[parrys]

Informal conversation with Mr. Viren Popli:

• Before launching all-new products, Mahindra intends to update their existing portfolio.
• This year, after the Duro DZ, Rodeo RZ and the upcoming Stallio launch - Mahindra plans to launch another motorcycle which mostly will be in the commuter segment.
• Exciting news is that the Mahindra Mojo can be seen in the market very soon. Mahindra is currently testing the bike and have assured that the bike has not got lost after all the hype that it had created.

[Rehaan]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line section. Thanks for sharing!

[theexperthand]

Thanks for the detailed report, but I fail to see what is new in the Rodeo RZ from the old Rodeo.

The old rodeo have the same features - Tachometer,12v charging point,
Illuminated under seat storage,Speedometer with 7 backlight colours etc.

I totally agree with your ride report - the Rodeo is light, nimble and easily flick-able and the brakes do a good job.

It is good that they are planning to give heat resistant sheets in the under seat storage compartment - the compartments gets really hot after some spirited ride.

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by theexperthand

Thanks for the detailed report, but I fail to see what is new in the Rodeo RZ from the old Rodeo.

The old rodeo have the same features - Tachometer,12v charging point,
Illuminated under seat storage,Speedometer with 7 backlight colours etc.

Thanks theexperthand,

I've checked with parrys and edited a line in the first post accordingly.

cya
R

[saargoga]

Thanks parry, that's awful lot of information, happy to soak in . It seems just the right kind of useful features are added to it, Loved the light in boot and hook placements, have to test ride this one. Seems just right for solo trips on hills. Only hope is that the seating is comfortable I an not at all comfortable on hondas and their lamps never seem to project light on road, hope this one does.

[sindabad.sailor]

Looks a feature rich version. Their market share is on rise. Product is not al that bad. Listing a few positives and negatives from my ownership experience of Flyte which I bought just around when Kinetic was taken over by Mahindra.

Mahindra scooters +ves:

SYM engine is buttersmooth and peppy.
125 cc means more powerful than scooty / pleasure class.
Service centres far too less crowded = more attention per vehicle.
Usually Mahindra honours warranty.

-ves:
Absoloutely shortlived electrical components like storage space lamp, headlamp and side indicator lamps including buzzer.
Gas guzzlers. My neighbour struggling to 30 kmpl on his rodeo. My flyte is still getting in range of 40.
Pathetic rear shock life. Have changed 3 times in 3 years.
Squeeks and squeals.


Would I buy one to replace ageing Spirit of dad? No.
IMO in two wheeler market follow the crowd. Access / Activa most likely. If at all I think of going by features list I would rather go for Wego.

[sachinayak]

Launched earlier today.

The RZ125 is priced at Rs 50,710 (ex-showroom Tamil Nadu), and Rs 49,575 (ex-showroom Andhra Pradesh), Rs 49,410 (ex-showroom Kerala) and Rs 48,930 (ex-showroom Karnataka).

[shiju.dba]

I bought a Rodeo RZ one month back, Bangalore OTR is on expensive side and taxes contribute to the same, 57 K OTR price.

I owned a FLYTE when I was at Pune and feel the FLYTE engine was sportier sound and performance than the Rodeo engine, both engines are same but Rodeo engine seems configured for better mileage

I remember that in the FLYTE they were using Keihin carburetor which was same as in old HH CBZ. I am trying to find which carburetor they use in the Rodeo. If someone knows about this , please revert!!!

First service is done, will come up with more inputs on my forthcoming posts.

(post edited by navin - poor grammar and formatting).

[sachinayak]

Originally Posted by shiju.dba

I bought a Rodeo RZ one month back, Bangalore OTR is on expensive side and taxes contribute to the same, 57 K OTR price.

I owned a FLYTE when I was at Pune and feel the FLYTE engine was sportier sound and performance than the Rodeo engine, both engines are same but Rodeo engine seems configured for better mileage
....

What is the mileage you are getting with your Rodeo RZ? Surprising that you have gone for your second SYM scooter (given the market reviews are not very good).

[shiju.dba]

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