[TheARUN]

Originally Posted by WorkingGuru

Hi guys Kind of need your help.

I want to buy a gearless scooter. The family wants to explore used Nano offers. They feel its safer than a scooter.

Budget : Available
Primary use : Mainly office commute. Often return at late night (10p.m. ish).

Has anyone had this confusion? What were the parameters considered ? Or chosen just based on whatever felt ok.

The economics of a Nano and a gearless scooter are poles apart. Though the acquisition cost might seem comparable, on a scooter you are paying 1.5 Rs per kilometre for fuel but in a Nano that goes to Rs.5 per kilometre, just this does not justify the Nano decision

Its still easier to find parking for a Scooter than a Nano, if you are paying toll, then factor in those rates too

The things in favour of the Nano is that it can carry more than two
Can do so in the rains too,
and coming home at night will become safe for you :-)

[WorkingGuru]

Originally Posted by zulfi hansi

I feel they are right, especially since you return late, or unless you are a biker at heart, a used Duke 200 would be perfect. Otherwise on a late rainy night, scooter is a no.

Thanks, my friend has a Nano with and says he's thanked himself umpteen times for choosing it. I even TD'd the Alto(!) but found it too cramped. So the nod is there.

Originally Posted by TheARUN

The economics of a Nano and a gearless scooter are poles apart. Though the acquisition cost might seem comparable, on a scooter you are paying 1.5 Rs per kilometre for fuel but in a Nano that goes to Rs.5 per kilometre, just this does not justify the Nano decision

Its still easier to find parking for a Scooter than a Nano, if you are paying toll, then factor in those rates too

The things in favour of the Nano is that it can carry more than two
Can do so in the rains too,
and coming home at night will become safe for you :-)

Thanks. The decision was kindof made final today. We didn't bother of the economics when we realised it could be occasionally used by regular guests since driving the Twist in city was easy & enjoyable.

How I wish I could get a Duke 200! Would absolutely be the right choice! Anyway, back to reality.

Acquisition costs of Nano's isn't high for used Nano's since there are many STD versions avbl for ~90k. Just that I'm buying new coz budget isn't an issue & PS was fab (additionally, my usual 'guest' would like it).

My neighbour just bought a Jupiter & says he gets 40kmpl at best, so given even if Nano manages 20+, I'll be >happy.

Thanks for helping guys.

[omar]

Originally Posted by desdemona

Boss, the Vespa is worth the money, if you think about its heritage both globally and in India, its distinction of styling. If you can i'd urge you to stretch and buy a new one. The matt black Vespa S with red front shocker may well be the coolest thing on the road!

Remember most people keep Vespas for very long, often 'for ever' (as it were'). I certainly will mine.

I've had mine (VX, yellow) for about 8 months: no issues at all, the dealer's good, the service here at least is good. It's well made, and should be reliable and last the distance. And it does have the GO to almost match the SHOW.

Are they still offering the 'first nine services free' scheme?

cheers man

Yeah I am considering it. Vespa was my first pick up when I decided to get a gearless scooter.

Aren't other scooters as durable as Vespas? Thought all scooters today are more or less decent quality.

Wasn't told anything about the first free services at the dealership. It may have been an introductory offer?

[jaaz]

Originally Posted by WorkingGuru

Hi guys Kind of need your help.

I want to buy a gearless scooter. The family wants to explore used Nano offers. They feel its safer than a scooter.

Budget : Available
Primary use : Mainly office commute. Often return at late night (10p.m. ish).

Has anyone had this confusion? What were the parameters considered ? Or chosen just based on whatever felt ok.

It's the Four Wheeler - On any Day. We Bangaloreans are forced upon the Scooters because of the Traffic, Narrow Roads, Parking etc., Or else, there's not much of a difference in the maintenance too. And automatic Scooters give a mileage in between 30-40 kms only. But Cars have improved a lot given in between 15-20 kms.

Highest No. of Activa's are sold in Bangalore than in any other City in India, due to the above reasons only.

Since your commute is after 9 pm, you shouldn't have any problem with the peak hour traffic. And you don't have to deal with erratic Auto drivers in the weekend family outings.

[S_U_N]

Originally Posted by ghodlur

Amaron is the best choice. Comes with 3 yrs warranty and 2 yr pro warranty. Just check whether the size fits prefectly in the battery slot.

Originally Posted by vigsom

You can go for the Amaron Pro bike rider 5Ah - should fit in the slot comfortably.

When you open the battery compartment cover please use the star type screwdriver (an odd tool) and ensure that you fix the circulation air intake hose after replacing the battery.

I got the Amaron pro bike rider (or similar sounding named) battery which is a direct replacement for the stock Exide.
The battery specialist fixed the battery for me and took the old one. It comes with 2 year free replacement battery (and 2 year discount on pro-rata basis).
Price paid: Rs. 1250.

The air intake was not disconnected for replacing the battery. The full plastic assembly was just moved sideways to facilitate the battery replacement.

[audioholic]

SOS!!

I am not able to open the underseat compartment of my dio suddenly. And this happened after I let the seat slam down and lock by itself in the afternoon. Now in the evening there is no action of unlocking if I put in the key and turn it. Any idea how to sort this or should I visit a mechanic?

[abhinav.s]

Originally Posted by audioholic

I am not able to open the underseat compartment of my dio suddenly. And this happened after I let the seat slam down and lock by itself in the afternoon. Now in the evening there is no action of unlocking if I put in the key and turn it. Any idea how to sort this or should I visit a mechanic?

Try to see if you are able to reach under the seat from below the left side rear cover and feel for a cable. If you are, try pulling it to see if you are able to open it. Used to work on the old model Dio. Not sure if the set up is still the same in the new one. If no go, then a visit to a local mechanic should do the job in case you are far off from the ASC.

[gsurya]

On Sunday I went to check out the Vespa:

• Vespa S : Looks terrific in matt black, but doesnt have front storage like on VX model
• Vespa VX : Same mechanicals as S model, but more retro looks, yellow looks best

I would buy the Vespa S if there was a way to fit some storage in the front, really stupid of Piaggio to leave that out or not even provide it as an accessory.

Yes its overpriced but looks brilliant. I am nostalgic about this since a Vespa was my first vehicle bought with my salary.

[nishantdlv]

Hey guys! Planning on buying a new scooter for short runs.
Considering a Yamaha RayZ, will have a test drive today. Any other options to be considered? Trying not to exceed the budget of 60k, still if it is a good buy, it can be stretched a bit.

[audioholic]

Originally Posted by abhinav.s

Try to see if you are able to reach under the seat from below the left side rear cover and feel for a cable. If you are, try pulling it to see if you are able to open it. Used to work on the old model Dio. Not sure if the set up is still the same in the new one. If no go, then a visit to a local mechanic should do the job in case you are far off from the ASC.

Thanks! The cable had sheared and got cut. Took the dio to Bosch service and now they have gone to get a new cable. It will be replaced shortly. What I dont understand is how on earth the cable got sheared so badly since it was never subject to wear and tear. Will check the installation and look if something is coming in its way.

Guys in and around Banashankari, there is a two wheeler service setup by Bosch and a franchisee. They seem to do a good job of regular maintenance. This is the second time I am visiting them and I am satisified to say the least.

[ghodlur]

Originally Posted by nishantdlv

Hey guys! Planning on buying a new scooter for short runs.
Considering a Yamaha RayZ, will have a test drive today. Any other options to be considered? Trying not to exceed the budget of 60k, still if it is a good buy, it can be stretched a bit.

Lot of options available. New Honda Activa 125, TVS Jupiter & Wego etc.

You havent made your requirements specific except for the budget, suggest to jot down the same. Based on that options can be listed.

[rohan_iitr]

Originally Posted by nishantdlv

Hey guys! Planning on buying a new scooter for short runs.
Considering a Yamaha RayZ, will have a test drive today. Any other options to be considered? Trying not to exceed the budget of 60k, still if it is a good buy, it can be stretched a bit.

For short runs, a 110 cc scooter would suffice.

Also have a look at Honda Activa-i and Suzuki Lets.

Rohan

[nishantdlv]

Took test drive of the RayZ and was a bit disappointed with the ride. Found it a little slim which in-turn compromised the comfort and handling. Not much of a bike person, correct me if I'm wrong! The dealer introduced me to the Cygnus Alpha which was quite good compared to the RayZ, a little broad and slightly stable ride and remarkably larger 'boot'.

Originally Posted by ghodlur

Lot of options available. New Honda Activa 125, TVS Jupiter & Wego etc.

You havent made your requirements specific except for the budget, suggest to jot down the same. Based on that options can be listed.

Thanks ghodlur!
Actually no special requirements as such, just the basics like good on maintenance, decent storage space, ride comfort, etc. Just no slim scoots like the Scooty Pep+ or Honda Activa-i.
I also visited a Honda dealership today. The new Activa 125 had a 4 month waiting period and was also out of my stretchable budget! Checked out the Dio, Aviator and Activa. Shortlisting the Activa as it is a proven workhorse and fits in the budget quiet well.
Also visited a local multi-company dealer where I checked out the TVS Jupiter! Took a TD and shortlisted straight away! Great handling and stability! Matte grey looks fab!

Originally Posted by rohan_iitr

For short runs, a 110 cc scooter would suffice.

Also have a look at Honda Activa-i and Suzuki Lets.

Rohan

Thanks Rohan! Did have a look at the Honda Activa-i, rejected both for slimmer body style.

[ghodlur]

Originally Posted by nishantdlv

Shortlisting the Activa as it is a proven workhorse and fits in the budget quiet well.

Nishant,

Stay miles away from Active (old). The front suspensions are too pathetic, transfers the road bumps to the handle. Opt for a scooter which has telescopic front suspensions and if possible fuel refuleing outside the storage compartment. Makes life much easier.

I would suggest Wego would be the right match, I have driven my BIL's Jupiter and found it to be bobbing up & down with the front telescopic suspensions during the ride over damaged and potholed roads. Wego in that way was steady.

I personally wouldnt suggest Vespa coz its too pricey to bargain for looks.

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by nishantdlv

Checked out the Dio, Aviator and Activa. Shortlisting the Activa as it is a proven workhorse and fits in the budget quiet well.

I would recommend looking either at TVS Wego or the Honda Aviator or Suzuki Access.

Anurag.