Suzuki Access 125 tells why scooters are best for traffic

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When Japan’s Suzuki rode in the Access 125 almost 10 years ago, it was that one scooter that brought some heat to a market that was awed by compatriot Honda’s Activa.

The Access quickly caught the fancy of multiple customer segments, including students, professionals, homemakers, and even senior citizens, who still had the passion for the ride. Among several reasons that gave the Access a status of a rage or crowd puller, was the fact that it was a youthful machine with power, yet sensible in its bearing, and fit for the urban sprawl that India was evolving into. Above all, it opened the scooter market to 125 cc babies; at the same time, it catapulted Suzuki into the volumes game, after the company had undergone a resurgence in India a few years earlier, and was taking slower steps towards success.

Retro attire
In 2016, the 125 cc scooter market is alive and kicking, with many options for customers to choose from. Almost every player has taken a dip in the segment, and has realised the need for performance running parallel to fuel efficiency. Customers have also graduated and begun demanding more than the usual 100 cc beasts, and the market is geared to supply it.

Swayed by the trend and following competition, ‘Pioneer’ Suzuki too spun a new avatar for the Access 125 this year. The new-look Access 125 is a fresh machine in the market, and is bound to appeal to several sections of customers.

When Suzuki wanted to rework on the Access’ appearance profile, it appears that designers wanted to go the retro way. As can be seen with the oval-shaped headlight surrounded by a chrome ring, which appears to be quite similar to a model made by a premium Italian manufacturer. But all said, the scooter appears retro, yet very modern and trendy in its profiling.

The side profile of the Access 125 has well-cut lines seamlessly stretching all the way to the back, with a 3D tactile Access 125 branding adding an element of style. The rear has also undergone a makeover, especially in terms of a beautifully crafted taillamp, flanked by a pair of sleek indicator lights. On the whole, the new image elements that have been added to the Access 125, make the scooter appear robust and larger than its earlier model, standing at an overall length of 1,870 mm, with a width of 655 mm, and height of 1,160 mm.

Once seated on it, the size and commanding stance of this scooter comes to the fore. As mentioned earlier, the new Suzuki Access 125 gives one a feeling of sitting on a truly sizeable scooter, and I cannot wait but hit the ignition.

Quick ‘access’ on the road
The scooter contains the double-security magnetic locking mechanism, which is quite commonplace today. Hitting the self-start switch, the Access 125 comes to life instantaneously. Being a 125 cc scooter, the engine gives out a more serious roar, which is a signal that she’s ready, and time to hit the road.

It’s post mid-day, and a specially crowded time of the day in Bengaluru. Rush hour is fast approaching, and the road is chock-o-block with traffic and pedestrians. But I’m unperturbed. The Access 125, like most scooters in India, is an urban trendsetter, meant to take on all the ‘ills’ that a bad day in traffic throws at you. And that one fact urges me further to take the Candy Sonoma Red shade Access 125 out for a spin.

Slowly and steadily, the two of us take to the busy Lal Bagh road. Initially, there are baby steps, not wanting to challenge the traffic head-on. But then it’s a test ride, and I hit the accel! And suddenly, the 125 cc engine comes to life. It feels smooth. The 4-cycle, 1-cylinder, air-cooled engine gives out a max power of 8.7ps@7,000rpm, with a peak torque of 10.2Nm@5,000rpm, which is ideal for busy traffic riding. And more than anything else, it feels responsive. Even as the acceleration picks up, it’s as easy to effortlessly slow down, while encountered with any hurdles on the road or just traffic.

The advanced CVT transmission gives the vehicle much support, and the rider won’t feel any jerks or disturbances on the ride. Also with a ground clearance of 160 mm and seat height of 780 mm, the ergonomics offer no scope for complaints. Also, the vehicle is light enough to be comfortably manoeuvred around.

After a comfortable ride of around 10 km in the ‘best’ traffic phenomena that Bengaluru has to offer, the Access — as the name says — makes for joyful, accessible riding on city roads. But the scooter has a lot riding on it, due to the booming competition, and need for innovation. But at a lovely price-point of Rs 62,414, and a scooter dishing a mileage of 64 kmpl, Suzuki has already won more than half the race.