Yamaha India rocked the Auto Expo 2012 with the launch two
special edition bikes, unveiled all-new global scooter 'Ray 'and displayed 2012
model of Yamaha YZF-R1. Yamaha Xeon 125, Mio and Fino scooters were also on
display. The company is planning to increase its production capacity in the
country from the current 6.5 lakh units to 10 lakh units by 2013. Yamaha, which
already has two plants in India, is also planning to come up with a third
plant. Yamaha kept its promise by unveiling all-new global scooter 'Ray' at the
auto show, it was unleashed by none other than John Abraham. The shade on
display was striking purple in combination with jet black. The gearless scooter
is aimed squarely at girls and the production version of the Ray Concept has
been launched today (14th September, 2012) in Indian market.
AUTO REWEIW of Yamaha
Ray
At a press conference in July 2012, the India Yamaha Motor
Company announced the release of a brand new scooter model - Yamaha Ray. In a
showcase at the Auto Expo 2012, the world got a closer look at this new entry
into the Indian scooter market, aimed at female drivers between the ages of 16
and 24. The company has certainly set its sights high, aiming to capture 10
percent of the scooter market by the year 2016 – so will the Yamaha Ray help it
on its way to domination, or is it just another scooter in an already saturated
market?
Yamaha Ray Exterior
The design of the bike is intended to be attractive to
female drivers, with vivid, eye-catching curves and edges, and it’s certainly
something different in a market that is all too prone to generic design. The
sharp lines of the bike’s body are bold, almost aggressive, but its lights and
clear-lens indicators are softer and more feminine. The main body of the bike
is painted in the body color with striking black accents. The headlight
fixtures are strong and nicely shaped, and the bike includes a silver tone back
mirror. Overall, the body of the bike is expected to weigh 104 kilograms,
placing it in the low to medium range of scooters. The scooter is certainly far
more compact than many of its rivals, in keeping with its aim of attracting
female drivers.
AVAILABLE - only one variant
MILAGE- 62.1 kmpl
TOPSPEED- 85 kmph
SHADES - Six varients
TARGETED - For girls
5 free services and customers can avail free pick-up and drop facility
LAUNCHED - 14th September 2012
POWERED- 113cc petrol engine
MAX POWER- 7 bhp at 7500 rpm
MAX TORQUE - 8.1 nm at 5500 rpm
FEATURE AT - analogue instrument cluster
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front): Telescopic
Suspension(Rear): Unit
Swing
Brakes: 130mm drum
Brakes(Rear): 130mm
drum
Stand Alarm:
CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT
Fuel Guage: Analogue
Self Start: YES
Tacho Meter: NO
Alloys: NO
Warranty: 2
year/24,000 kms
Speedometer: Analogue
Passenger Footrest: YES
Passenger Backrest: NO
Step-up Seat: YES
Pass-light: YES
Low Fuel Indicator: YES
Low Oil Indicator: YES
Low Battery Indicator: YES
High Oil Temp. Indicator: NO
Choked Air Filter Indicator:NO
Instrument Console of Yamaha Ray
The Ray’s smart analogue instrument console is eye-catching
and visually appealing. It features a twin pod speedometer cluster, accompanied
by low fuel, low oil and low battery indicators, and a number of other modern
features that will help to set it apart from the analogue consoles of its
rivals. All of the dials and displays are clear and striking, easy to read both
in bright sunlight and in night conditions.
Engine and Gearbox
The Yamaha Ray is powered by a 113cc four-stroke,
air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It claims a top power output of 7 Bhp at
7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 8.1 Nm at 5500 rpm. This kind of power should
be adequate for the average female driver, but it’s a distinctly underwhelming
entry into a market dominated by scooters with 125 cc engines, and many drivers
may choose to pass up on the Ray for this reason.
Yamaha claims that the Ray will have an average fuel consumption of 45 kilometres per litre, which would put it roughly on a level with many of its competitors. However, in the past Yamaha’s estimates have been found to be somewhat generous, so it will return around 40 and 45 kilometres per litre for inner city driving, pushing to 50 kilometres per litre for flat out highway driving. As per the company claims, the highest mileage you can get is 62.1 kmpl.
Yamaha has established itself as a manufacturer of scooters
that are pleasant and comfortable to drive, and the Ray looks set to continue
this. Its seat is well proportioned and spacious, with plenty of room for both
driver and pillion, including ample foot room. The seat is of good quality and
its upright position will ensure comfort over long journeys.
Yamaha has revealed the detailed specs of the bike, it is certainly not as powerful as its 125 cc rivals, offering a less impressive pick-up and slower acceleration. However, given that the bike weighs just 104 kilograms, we can expect that it should still be relatively nippy and responsive.
Storage Space
With the Ray, Yamaha has clearly decided to make storage a
top priority, as this is likely to appeal most to its target audience of female
drivers. In particular, the under-seat storage is capacious, offering more than
20 litres of storage space – enough to stow a bag or helmet as necessary.
Yamaha Ray Suspension
The Yamaha Ray features telescopic fork front suspension,
similar to many of its competitors. Yamaha bikes generally offer well-built
suspension that performs well on a range of road surfaces and on off-track
drives.
Yamaha Ray Brakes
The Yamaha Ray was expected to be available in two variants,
one of which will feature drum brakes on the front and rear, and one of which
will feature disc brakes at the front and drum brakes the rear. It’s somewhat
disappointing that Yamaha didn’t opt for the more capable disc brakes on front,
Ray is available in only variant featuring drum brakes at front and rear.
Ride and Handling
Early reports of the Yamaha are complimentary about its
handling and capability. Yamaha bikes are well known for offering a smooth,
silent ride, and with the strong suspension on this model drivers can expect a
pleasant driving experience on a bike that copes well with tight corners,
suited to moving swiftly through city traffic.
Tyre Size
Yamaha Ray sports 10 inch tyres both at front and rear. With
the Ray, Yamaha has opted for wider, tubeless tires that are far more puncture-resistant
than the standard tubed tires of previous models.
Shades Available
The shade on display at the Expo was a vivid purple combined
with jet-black. The production version of Yamaha Ray is available in six seven
eye-catching shades: White (NEW), Pink, Purple, Blue, Burgundy, Grey and Black .
Yamaha Ray Variants
Yamaha Ray was expected to be available in a standard and
deluxe variant, with the deluxe variant offering plenty of added extras and a
more capable braking system. But for now, Yamaha India has decided to sell Ray
in only one variant featuring drum brakes at front and rear.
Distinctive Features of Yamaha Ray
In order to make it as appealing as possible to women
drivers, Yamaha has packed the Ray with a number of enticing features to help
to set it apart from its rivals. These include tubeless tyres, a sporty
half-chain case, a maintenance-free battery, a viscous air filter, and a
premium key.
Reasons to Buy and Value for Money
The Ray is a comfortable ride with some good features and
nice handling, aiming to cater to the needs of the modern female driver. The
Yamaha Ray is priced at Rs. 46000 (ex-showroom New Delhi), making it a strong
competitor in that price bracket.
Verdict
Many customers were eagerly awaiting the Yamaha Ray, as it
promises to be an intriguing yet practical addition to Yamaha’s scooter line,
with plenty of storage space. Its lack of power is more than made up for by its
modern features and snappy design. Lot of custemers are coming up with this new range of yamaha product and has got up many appreciation from auto experts.
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