[Castro Gunner]

Disclaimer:
"These are purely my take on the scooter which is relative to my motorcycling experience.
My total mileage with scooters are- Activa- 1500kms, Ola S1- 0.5Kms. And mileage with motorcycles- Yamaha crux- 10k kms, Yamaha Saluto 125- 28K kms, RE Bullet 350- 7k kms, Gixxer SF 250- 52k kms and n number of borrowed rides"

Backstory:

I own a Gixxer SF 250 for the past 4.5 years clocking 50000+ kms. While there is no problem with the motorcycle I believe that it will start showing its age from now on (Bore piston kit changed at 35k kms under warranty). True to that for the past 4 months I am observing a drop in fuel economy(from 35kmpl earlier to 32kmpl now) without any issue with the bike itself. With my current situation continuing, I want to keep the bike for at least 5 more years without an upgrade.



The Solution:

I should give my SF 250 a rest(plan to use it only for touring{if any}/weekend ride) to prolong its life. Now considering cost as a main factor, EV came into the picture. And being a recent father, scooter made more sense.

Requirements:

Should be reliable, decent top speed, with a minimum true range of 60kms, On road price 1.2L max

Expectations:

The observations of my research was that any EV motorcycle will have niggles and when it fails it is going to take some time for the repair. It was common with all the brands. So mind was groomed to brace any problems if may come

The selection:


In a pursuit of relishing a hassle free ownership, shortlisted only the major manufacturers.
i.e., Ola, Ather, TVS, Bajaj and Hero"

Ola: Ola S1X seemed perfect. It had everything I wanted at a cheap price.
But the user reviews were horrible. I have never seen a product selling this much and has these many issues. With my friends it was either hit or miss, just as good as tossing a coin. And one more thing that I observed was that the probability of issues were higher on S1X compared to S1pro.
So, rejected."

Ather Rizta: The perfect scooter with a price on it.
Hands down the best scooter brand from what I understood of the reviews. But 1.4L on road. So rejected"

Chetak: The top speed is 65kmph. That's it, rejected.

Vida: Perfect for my need and the niggles reported by owners were okay for me but pricing it equal to ather was a bummer. Rejected.

i Qube: This one is a perfect family scooter. But 1.46L on road, so rejected.

So, finally the plan was put off, may be after an year. But then I've received a brochure from a Hero Dealer about an offer in flipkart. The Hero V1 Plus was available at 97000/- incl road tax and registration. Considering the credit card- cash back, the on road price was 1L. Immediately I've booked the scooter.

Delivery:

The vehicle with HSRP number plate was delivered in a week from the date of booking. Throughout the process, the representatives were very helpful and considerate

The vehicle was delivered in a decorated background with a photo session and a patiently explained tutorial and PDI. This was so special, because this was the first time I'm getting this experience in buying a motorcycle. Ironically this was my cheapest (inflation adjusted) motorcycle purchase.



The package:

1 scooter, 1 portable charger, 1 medical kit, 1 Tool kit, 1 Helmet, 2 Mechanical keys(For under storage), 1 Electronic key


The freebies:

1 Vida waterproof bag of good quality, few key chains





Experience with the scooter so far:

New addition




Meanwhile, preparing for less usage

The positives:

1. "FEEL": The biggest fear I had about EV is their "lifelessness". And I am pleasantly surprised in the way they ride.
This motor driven vehicle gives a slight buzz to feel the "life" and combined with the regen, there is a good fee back between the rider and the ""engine"""

2. Engine/Motor- Absolute strength of the vehicle. This made me to miss my petrol engine less.

3. Performance- I've never expected this much performance from a commuting scooter. Honestly at speeds less than 50kmph this is more fun than my SF 250.
In sports mode on an offroad surface, whack open the throttle and a wheel spin is guaranteed!! If it were front heavy like a sports bike I'm sure even Asphalt roads will struggle for grip.

4. Riding modes- There are 3 modes- Eco, Ride, Sport- And all of them are useful.
Eco- First and foremost this mode is ""useable"". I remember in Ola it is absolutely useless. Top speed limited to 47kmph and has enough torque to make short(in traffic) commutes enjoyable
Ride: This is the GO-TO mode for me. Gives enough range, peppy. Top speed limited to 70kmph
Sport: The UTOPIA mode.

5. Throttle response- When I say E scooter, the thing that comes to my mind is the "Bounce" scooters which were available in Bangalore till 2 years ago.
These are basically the "Yulu scooter" of that time, and that throttle response- ughh. I still remember that vividly because of its irritability.
With such memories, this modern EV gave me a pleasant surprise! And it is not just relatively good, but is as good as a premium sports bike.

6. Value for money- Considering my main requirement as reliability, this is definitely a value for money purchase at 1 L on road

7. Handling- Again I never thought that a scooter could handle this well (I have not ridden Ather).

The Negatives:

1(a). Built quality: Actually most of the vehicle is well built but there are areas like around dash board, above foot board, below the rear seat... It is an absolute college product.
I have absoultely no clue how a listed firm had the guts to do such thing in a production model."
The plastic in this area is very good and the paint quality is superior.

The gaps and the poor plastic








1(b). Switch gears: Pathetic it is. Starting from the power button, multiple presses are required.

2. App: One word- useless. Most of the day it doesn’t even open

3. Electronics & attention to detail- In relative to the competition this department lacks

4. Service network:- No! The vehicle will not be serviced in every Hero showroom! There is a cold war between the sub dealers and the main dealers/company.
So either sales or service, most of the showroom is not interested to hear the name Vida.
Even in Bangalore I have to travel 15 kms to service my vehicle.

Mean while me trying to get maximum savings

[yedukrishnan199]

The Vida (both V1 Pro and V1 Plus) was on my list of scooters for my cousin but was dropped after a serious issue where the wheel bearing broke off and the scooter met with a serious accident where the rider lost his life (in a case from Kerala), moreover, the scooter's trunk (under-seat storage) is absolutely useless during rains or washes as water easily seeps through from the sides and the solution they brought up is the waterproof bag you get when you buy the vehicle.

You can see the issue in detail in these videos and Facebook post (sorry they are in Malayalam and Tamil)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2187...88099832/?_rdr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdIB...BzdGFycw%3D%3D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvaW1mrhkWw

[SithDefender]

Originally Posted by Castro Gunner

Yamaha Saluto 125- 28K kms

I actually had to look the Saluto up
I don't remember seeing one on the roads!
Seems it was a revised Gladiator 125 ?

Originally Posted by Castro Gunner

Sport: The UTOPIA mode.

Ah the sheer fun of EV ! Instant torque !

Originally Posted by Castro Gunner

1(b). Switch gears: Pathetic it is. Starting from the power button, multiple presses are required.

This can get quite frustrating after a year or so. Along with the limited service centers.

[peddagunda]

You should have ridden the Ather once. It is an amazing handler.

[Castro Gunner]

Originally Posted by SithDefender

I actually had to look the Saluto up
I don't remember seeing one on the roads!
Seems it was a revised Gladiator 125 ?


Ah the sheer fun of EV ! Instant torque !


This can get quite frustrating after a year or so. Along with the limited service centers.

Lol, Saluto is such chiller, no way it could be the revised Gladiator.
Our 20 year old Yamaha Crux(100cc) is(feels and delivers) far more powerful than the Saluto. But Saluto is the smoothest bike I've ridden in my life!!.

And regarding the frustration, Yes definitely all I can do is just prepare mentally.

[HWKingInnCrysta]

Congratulations on your new purchase of the Vida V1 Plus electric scooter! This eco-friendly ride is a great choice for efficient and sustainable commuting. Wishing you many smooth, enjoyable, and energy-saving journeys ahead!

[maddy42]

Congrats on the Vida. This scooter has one of the most comfortable pillion seats and ride quality for the pillion.

[Castro Gunner]

Originally Posted by yedukrishnan199

The Vida (both V1 Pro and V1 Plus) was on my list of scooters for my cousin but was dropped after a serious issue where the wheel bearing broke off and the scooter met with a serious accident where the rider lost his life (in a case from Kerala), moreover, the scooter's trunk (under-seat storage) is absolutely useless during rains or washes as water easily seeps through from the sides and the solution they brought up is the waterproof bag you get when you buy the vehicle.

Yes , I was aware of this incident. Generally I brush off one off incidents, but God forbid that shall not happen to any one.
The following issues are universal to this model and V1 pro,

1. Water seepage inside the boot- Heavy rains and pressure water wash cause water to enter the boot (Except the compartment provided for charger).
2. Absolutely useless app- One off the best things about buying an EV is that you get so many tech as much it can be called as "Electronic vehicle", but with this app we don't get to use many of them.
3. Pathetic switches - Even the power button gets struck sometimes while switching on / off putting the vehicle into a perpetual boot cycle.
The indicators, you have to press 2/3 times to switch it off.
The other switches I never had used.

Any potential buyers should consider these before buying!.

For me personally considering the cost, these issues were okay. SO went for it.

[Avinash_R]

Congratulations Castrogunner. What’s the range you are getting on each mode? And how do you find out the nearest Visa service centre?

[Castro Gunner]

Originally Posted by Avinash_R

Congratulations Castrogunner. What’s the range you are getting on each mode? And how do you find out the nearest Visa service centre?

Thank you Avinash.
Eco-90 to 95, Ride- 75, Sports - Have not checked yet.
The App shows many ASC, where they will straight way deny. I found out just by calling each ASC and asking

[Castro Gunner]

First service update:

Odometer reading- 950 kms

Recommended service interval:






The Plan:
"When you work in a 6 day/week- 12 hours/day job, everything needs to be planned.
Add to that, the nearest ASC is 15kms away from home.
Luckily, the ASC is open on Sundays."

The service:

Reached the ASC around 9.30 am so that can collect the vehicle and reach Home by lunch.
As expected, the floor manager said they can deliver the vehicle only by 5pm.
Tried waiting till 11.30 am, with no progress tried to make use of my only day off.

The test ride:

1.5km walk away from ASC, there are- KTM, Bajaj, TVS and Aprilia showrooms!
Went to Bajaj to test the NS 400Z. The showroom guy was professional and gave me the keys after few forms.
About the ride, of course I felt the increase in power from my SF 250 but there was no "upgraded" feeling. And the buzz from tank is definitely a let off.
Eagerly went to KTM, only to be disappointed by rejection for the lack of shoes for a test ride.


The lunch:

On one side losing your valuable day off is a bummer, the other side it is time for a peaceful, solo outside lunch (My kid being a toddler, peaceful meal is a luxury nowadays ).
Found a newly opened Domino's outlet and I generally don't miss the newly inaugurated Domino's outlets as they are liberal with the "cheese they put on their pizza"
Happily, me being the only customer, the pizza was delicious and full.


The service:

Coming back to the ASC, my vehicle was yet to be taken for service!
After some whining, finally the technician took the vehicle for a test ride in a trademark "full throttle mechanic style"
Vehicle was washed and again was waiting for the technician. Took a nap and half hour later, the vehicle was ready. God knows what "servicing" they did.

Took another 30 mins for billing and finally was about to leave, instinct telling something is wrong- checked the boot to find that my charger was missing!.
5 mins later, left along with charger.

Tata bye bye, see you @ 5000 kms.