[anjan_c2007]

LML has recently done a low key launch of its Euro Star Automatic, a gearless 150 cc scooter. I was in the local LML showroom at Nagpur, and had a good look at the newbie.

The engine displacement is 150.82 cc and it generates 9.4 plus minus 0.33 BHP @ 8000 RPM plus minus 200 RPM. and maximum torque of 9.2 plus minus 0.20 Nm at 6500 plus minus 200 RPM. The brochure claims that it delivers 55 kmpl.

The scooter appears attractive by LML standards and has the gearbox layout/ cv transmission to the left, like its Japanese counterparts, with a kick starter. The switchgear and fit and finish are quite OK. Badging is excessive on all sides of the scooter. It has a digital speedo which is gear and cable actuated, like the conventional two wheelers (no speed sensors).

Rubber footmat on the footboard, two rear view mirrors on the handlebar and glove box below the handlebar are all standard equipment with the scooter.

Some other intriguing points are that its name Euro Star is misleading. Our pollution norms used to be Euro I and so on earlier. During that phase around 2002/03, most of Europe switched over to the currency they call the Euro. Euro could have been simply deleted. The company has named it LML Star Euro 150 Automatic. Compare this to the names Hero Pleasure or Maestro, Honda Activa, Activa i, Suzuki Access and so on. A name should be simple to remember and grasp by the public, from the marketing point of view.

The scooter's on-road cost is Rs 75 K. Believe that's on the higher side compared to the competition, but the fact is that this is a 150 cc scooter. The most intriguing point is that the scooter is yet to catch up with buyers. Publicity by LML is almost unheard of. A googly LML are the attractive shades. The young white and the young black shades (please see brochure) are being launched for the first time in our market.

[anjan_c2007]

The LML Star comes with an optional front disc brake, though drums are commonly sold.

The LML Star is also being sold in the U.K., as they have a U.K. specific website. But its is not clear as to how many units they export, as these figures have never been seen in the media at least by me.

http://lml-scooters.co.uk/

[Blow Horn Ok]

Sure there is excessive use of badges and that too with tasteless fonts and size. Also, the speedometer looks like a kids watch. They should have managed with the classic old instrument cluster of the NV. The chrome surrounds around the indicators and the horn grill looks horrible to look and I feel they will turn black in no time. They should have gone for glossy/matt black or brushed aluminum finish. Also, the rubber around the storage box is already turning white. Overall it reminds of the 90's in a good way and it will surely stand apart in the sea of activa look-alike scooters of the current gen.

LML was very ahead in terms of looks and performance during its golden days of NV/STAR/ SELECT. Today, In order to succeed and fight with Current crop of scooters such as activa, access, vespa, Jupiter etc, LML would have to iron out the rough edges and market it aggressively with down to earth pricing and good after sales experience along with developing a classic/heritage kind of image just like the vespa and Royal Enfield.

[RAPTOR-XUV]

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

The LML Star comes with an optional front disc brake, though drums are commonly sold.

The LML Star is also being sold in the U.K., as they have a U.K. specific website. But its is not clear as to how many units they export, as these figures have never been seen in the media at least by me.

http://lml-scooters.co.uk/

The retro looks of the scooter take me back to my childhood. Always use to admire the LML Vespa's scooters my Dad had. I had the privilege of riding a LML A1 and then a LML Select that we had. LML scooters used to be very refined when compared to the Chekat's. Nevertheless, nice to see them coming out with a gearless 150cc retro looking scooter again. :thumbs Should check out the availability at my place.

[autorahul]

Wow, I didn't even know that LML are still selling in India.

And what is meant by "Gearless for men"? I doubt there are many who thinks of an Activa as something unmanly, and those who do, would not change their mind just cos its a 150cc scooter.

This is not the scooter to make a comeback with. They should learn from Piaggio, how they came back, how they positioned themselves.

Difficult to make a case for this over Vespa or even an Aprillia SR 150.

[anjan_c2007]

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

LML has recently done a low key launch of its Euro Star Automatic, a gearless 150 cc scooter. I was in the local LML showroom at Nagpur, and had a good look at the newbie.

The company website says this was launched in 2012 and that the NV 4S was launched in 2008.

So low key happenings in an once high profile company !

[SmartCat]

I thought anjan_c2007 found an old restored 1980s Scooter. Even the brochure (ad) looks straight out of 1980s. That's why I was very impressed when I saw the pic of instrumentation cluster (wow! digital in 1980s, and an automatic too!)

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by smartcat

I thought anjan_c2007 found an old restored 1980s Scooter. Even the brochure (ad) looks straight out of 1980s.

I scrolled back up two twice to confirm the date, first after seeing the scooter and then the brochure. Looks straight out of the 80s for sure.

Trying to cash in one the Vespa popularity using the old model production licenses?