With fuel prices rocketing and everything else for that matter, isn’t it about time to get something that doesn’t cost a fortune to run? If you’ve answered yes, this new scooter from Suzuki could be what you’re looking for.
I’ve had the pleasure of having the ‘all-new from the ground up’ Suzuki Avenis in my garage for a month, and it’ll be a sad day when it goes back to Suzuki.
The main reason for the forthcoming depression is the outrageous fuel consumption. No matter how hard I rode the funky new scooter I never saw below 35km/litre. If you ride ‘sensibly’ though you’ll be rewarded with over 40km/litre. And with a 5.3 litre fuel tank that equates to 200km +/- for around R100, impressive to say the least!However the pleasure of this lightweight scooter (106kg) doesn’t end there. It has an uncanny smoothness from the engine, which I’ve never felt on any 125cc scooter I’ve ridden in the past. Zero vibration and splendid build quality increase the refreshing riding experience on all counts. Yes, it all sounds a bit ‘gushy’ and ‘over promoted’ but I’ll stand by my words, and everyone one who also rode the Suzuki Avenis agreed, so there.
In case you’re wondering it’s made in India, one of the largest scooter markets in the world, so they certainly know how to build them. The 124.3cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve engine has one major attribute that ‘others’ do not, it’s fuel–injected. This is probably the reason for the fuel figures and smoothness of the ride. 9hp@, 6,750rpm is what you get and the best I saw on the digital instrument display was 109km/h, not forgetting we’re at 1500m of altitude here, so coastal bikes will be a bit quicker and faster I’m sure.Off the line the acceleration is surprisingly brisk and not once did it stall, where ‘others’ tend to sometimes when carb’ fed, and it speedily gets to 100km/h. As I mentioned this is relayed on, yes, digital clocks that are easier to read than many bikes costing well north of 250k, very nice and refreshing once again. You get trip meters, consumption features, clock, voltage, and an eco green light that’s fun to play with to keep it in that economy zone. Then you get bored and ride flat out again after a while, but comprehensive instruments all the same from Suzuki. There’s also a handy USB charging port for your phone or the like inside the left hand storage compartment.
Indeed the storage under the seat is good and there’s two luggage hooks for even more shopping nirvana. Talking of the seat, once again it’s tremendous. Super soft, good padding, and better than many large capacity motorbikes I’ve ridden, good to carry a pillion too.
Suspension and brakes are above average and again better than most in this competitive class. The wheels though are a strange combination of 12-inch front and 10-inch rear, for whatever reason, and I did find the front tyre to be a bit ‘twitchy’ sometimes, or that could just be my vigorous riding.Anyway, no matter what press bike I had in the garage, of any size, I always chose the Suzuki Avenis for local riding. It’s just such a nice place to be on all counts, and riding around in shorts and t-shirt in hot weather is divine. Yes I know I should be ‘correctly’ dressed, whatever…
It does look quite sporty as well, and if you don’t like this clean white colour there are also red, metallic silver and a rather nice grey/green, check out their website to see the options. There could also be a GP inspired paint job to come in the near future, but not confirmed as of yet, hopefully so.
So, it’s light and certainly a refreshing new scooter, but what about the price with all these modern new features? I first thought it’d be in the high 30k range, and justifiably so. Well I was wrong; it costs a mere R29,200, an absolute bargain in the stupidly expensive world we’re in today.Quite simply it’s the best 125cc scooter on the market and I’m extremely close to buying one, need I say more! It’s not just school transport for your kids either, it’s a necessary addition in anyone’s garage who’s sick and tired of escalating running costs, and I’ll guarantee you’ll adore it at much as I did.
Visit: www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for more technical information and colour options.