The bike could be brought for its smooth engine, competitive price and great fit and finish. Overall a great buy in the segment and could be termed in the broad sense as the best.
The scooter segment in the Indian auto scene is one of the hitherto untapped markets that is being looked upon by the auto makers as one of the most lucrative ones. The reason why they find it lucrative is that this segment has a huge potential when it comes to the sales numbers. The rise of the working class women and more and more girls going to colleges has give rise to the trend where auto makers are leaving no stones unturned to get the share of the pie. The bike segment is already very competitive and a girl would more than likely avoid riding a motorcycle. But nonetheless they like riding the bikes. This gave rise to a demand void which is being identified by the bike makers.
Mahindra and Mahindra, which is comparatively a new entrant in the two wheeler market has started offering the scooter which is aimed at the college going girls as well as the working class women in the form of the new Mahindra Flyte.
Launched in 2008, Mahindra Flyte was earlier known as Kinetic Flyte. It was renamed after Mahindra’s takeover of Kinetic Motors. Flyte is one of Mahindra Two Wheelers Ltd’s stylish scooters that attract teenage girls who wish to opt for something else beyond Honda’s Activa in India. Let’s take a look at features offered by this scooter with unique design.
Engine and braking system
This gearless scooter is fitted with 124.6 cc four stroke engine that can reach maximum speed of around 80 KMPH. This engine also powers Mahindra’s Rodeo RZ and Duro DZ. It can reach 0 to 60 KMPH in 12 seconds. Continuous variable transmission makes it easy to drive. It offers mileage of 56 KMPL. The scooter offers both, electric start as well as kick start.
Flyte offers comfortable ride even while traveling on roads with pot holes. Its hydraulic suspension in the rear and telescopic suspension for front wheel easily manages to absorb shocks. Scooter’s 130 MM drum brakes in the front and rear are good enough to control this vehicle even while driving at considerably high speed.
Front re-fueling offers convenience, as there is no need to open scooter’s seat while at the petrol pump. Flyte’s 4.15 liters fuel tank is smaller than Activa’s 5 liters. But it is still good enough to stay away from petrol pumps.
Style and comfort
Scooter’s beautiful headlamp and body graphics do seem attractive. Grab rails for rear passenger ensures safety, and also play key role in scooter’s design. Pillion footrest, and specially designed large seat looks good to make long journey comfortable even for rear passenger.
Impact resistant mirrors are body colored. Flyte’s dashboard is simple, and consists of speedometer, fuel gauge, low fuel and low battery indicators. Its four in one anti-theft key system seems usual. The scooter is available in colors like pearl white, red oomph, lavender groove, and black mystique.
Large storage space below the seat can be used to keep shopping bags, or small helmet. The mobile phone charging point is also fitted in this storage space.
Comparison with others
It is obvious that Flyte will be compared with India’s best selling scooter, Activa.
Most of the user reviews suggest that this scooter is perfect for learners, and to travel short distances. Reviews also suggest that the scooter offers mileage of around 35 to 45 KMPL while travelling in city limits. Mileage depends on several factors like traffic conditions, maintenance of the vehicle, quality of fuel, etc. But 45 KMPL seems considerably less than 56 KMPL assured by Mahindra.
The scooter’s ground clearance is 130 mm that is less than Activa’s 165 MM. Users do not seem to be happy about this as well. But when it comes to price tag and over-all features, Flyte is one step ahead. Activa is available for around Rs 50,000, while Flyte is available for around Rs 42,000, plus taxes.
Tagged as Mahindra & Mahindra’s loss making division, Mahindra Two Wheelers is in process to acquire 51 per cent share in France’s Peugeot Motorcycles. Mahindra aims to use French scooter maker’s technology in developing scooters for India and abroad. This deal is expected to be completed by February.
Mahindra Two Wheelers operational chief, Viren Popli interacted with journalists and said the company plans to keep Peugeot as independent, premium brand. He also clarified that Mahindra does not plan to launch scooters that look like those offered by Peugeot.
Currently, Mahindra offers scooters like Mahindra Kinetic 71.5 cc, Mahindra Rodeo Uzo 125cc, Flyte, Duro and 110cc scooter Gusto. Out of these, Rodeo models are considered to be Mahindra’s most successful scooters.
Mahindra SYM Flyte On Road Price
| Mumbai: | Rs. 49,510 |
| Delhi: | Rs. 46,810 |
| Chennai: | Rs. 47,050 |
| Kolkata: | Rs. 48,870 |
EX-Show Room Price
| Mumbai: | Rs. 44,190 |
| Delhi: | Rs. 41,180 |
| Chennai: | Rs. 41,570 |
| Kolkata: | Rs. 42,940 |
| Bike Specification | |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Make | Mahindra |
| Model | SYM Flyte |
| Engine | 124.6/C |
| Max Power (ps) | 8.1 |
| Max Torque (Nm) | 9 |
| Gears | – |
| Front Tyres | 3.50×10″ |
| Rear Tyres | 3.50×10″ |
| Front Brakes | 130 d |
| Rear Brakes | 130 d |
| Performance | |
| Acceleration 0-60kmph (sec) | 12.3 |
| Acceleration 0-400m (sec) | 25.8 |
| Top Speed (kmph) | 84 |
| Braking 60 kmph (meters) | 22.5 |
| Mahindra Flyte Mileage | |
| Fuel Efficiency | 47.6 |
| Fuel Tank | 5 |
| Range in km | 238 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 1790 |
| Width | 690 |
| Height | 1100 |
| Wheelbase | 1245 |
| Ground Clearance | 115 |
| Kerb Weight | 106 |
| Features | |
| Tachometer | No |
| Electric Start | Yes |
| Digital Speedometer | No |
| Odometer | No |
| Mileage Indicator | No |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes |
| Tripmeter | N0 |
| Projector headlamps | No |
| LED Tail lamps | No |
| Alloy Wheels | No |
| Tubeless Tyres | No |
| Clip-on Handlebars | No |
| Gas Charged Shock absorbers | No |