Yamaha Motor Co. has launched a new variant in the Cygnus Alpha scooter lineup, which now comes with a front disc brake. The Yamaha Cygnus Alpha with disc brake costs Rs. 52,556 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new Cygnus Alpha variant will come with two new colours: Radiant Cyan and Marvel Black, and will be available for sale from mid-June 2016, at all Yamaha dealerships across the country.

The Cygnus Alpha features calligraphy designs that are detailed in contrasting colours and are located on the side body panels. The Cygnus Alpha is based on the same chassis that underpins the Yamaha Ray scooter, but the Alpha is a bit more matured design, while the Ray is squarely aimed at young riders.

Powering the Cygnus Alpha is a 113 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that develops 7 BHP at 7,500 rpm, and a peak torque of 8.1 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. This engine is mated to a CVT gearbox.

Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer has updated its scooter range in India for 2015. The Alpha, Ray Z and Ray will now be available with the company's "Blue Core" technology. All scooters feature the same 113 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine. Yamaha has made some minor changes to the engine including the introduction of a nickel spark plug, new muffler setting and new carburettor and TPS setting.

Yamaha claims that the Blue Core technology helps in increasing combustion efficiency, increasing cooling efficiency and reducing power loss. The updated scooters are now said to be capable of returning a fuel average of 66 kmpl as opposed to the 62 kpl of the old models.

Additionally, the updated scooter range gets new colours and graphics. The Alpha will now be available in gleaming gold, while the Ray Z will be available in cyan splash. There is no addition to the colour pallete of the Ray.

At present, Yamaha controls a market share of 5% in the scooter segment. It is planning to increase this share to 10% this year. Scooters account for about 40% of the company's yearly sales.

Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

• Alpha - Rs. 49,939
• Ray Z - Rs. 48,936
• Ray - Rs. 47,805

Thank you to BHPian MunnabhaiMBBS for sharing this information with other enthusiasts!

Yamaha Motor India has issued a recall for the Alpha scooter to replace its engine cylinder head O-ring. Some of the vehicles are believed to have an oil leakage issue.

Yamaha is sending out text messages to owners of the Alpha intimating them of the issue. At the same time, dealers are also contacting owners by telephone. The replacement of the cylinder head O-ring should take approximately three hours.

If you are the owner of a Yamaha Alpha, it will be advisable to get your scooter checked at the nearest Yamaha dealership or authorised workshop at the earliest.

Yamaha looks set to increase its scooter range in India. Motorbeam has obtained a picture of a new scooter from the Japanese two-wheeler giant, which is rumoured to be unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo.

The picture which shows the scooter undisguised, suggests that it will be called the Cygnus Alpha. The new scooter is said to be built on the same chassis as the Ray, but has been styled differently. Apart from different body panels, the Alpha’s headlamp is mounted in the handlebar rather than on the front apron like the Ray’s and there is a new grab rail. There is s telescopic fork suspension at the front and drum brakes all-round.

While the technical details of the Cygnus Alpha are not known, it is speculated that the scooter will be powered by the Ray’s 113 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, engine, which produces 7.1 PS and 8.1 Nm of torque.