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In a blaze of glory

The new 165cc Blaze is a diamond, but Kinetic still has a few rough edges to polish on it

It's a concept that promises a lot and could well be the next big thing here in India. Kinetic's new maxi-scooter is a fully loaded unit that's capable of being a class leader. Just take a look at the spec sheet to understand what we have here. Its 165cc engine, borrowed from the Kinetic GF 170, puts out 11.6 bhp and 1.2 kgm of torque. It is 1,990 mm long, with a 1,495 mm wheelbase - almost as long as the Pulsar, with a wheelbase that is actually longer than the Bullet!

Yes indeed, the Blaze is modern and exciting to look at and gives a certain mean look, viewed head-on. The overall, large proportions are easily noticeable from a distance. And that's not a bad thing here in India where big almost always means better. It has a sports bike-like raked mudguard and a slatted apron embellished with twin-headlights. A tinted fly screen in front also protects the rider from the elements, while standard instrumentation includes a digital clock, a fuel gauge, miscellaneous telltale lamps and a speedometer. Unfortunately though, a tachometer will be missing when the scoot goes into full-scale production. There's ample storage space in the form of a lockable glove box and there's ample under-seat storage space too.

All this sounds good, but we were disappointed to see yawning panel gaps, while and the quality of plastics is nothing to write home about. However, the bike you see here is only a pre-production bike and Kinetic affirms that the quality of the production bikes will be much better.

The Hyosung motor that Kinetic used in the GF 170 has been used here in conjunction with a variomatic gearbox. Twist the throttle and no Indian scooter even comes close to the performance on offer. The acceleration is linear and does not have the typical gearshift pauses that usually accompany a non-vario automatic - Kinetic has known vario drives for longer than most other Indian bike makers, thanks to their erstwhile association with Honda, and this definitely shows through. In fact, the performance of the Blaze is so good we believe it could even put bigger bikes to shame - it certainly feels quicker than the current crop of 125cc bikes and might even leave a few 150cc bikes standing!

Despite being a scooter, the Blaze's ride and handling feel extremely confidence-inspiring and safe even at indicated speeds of around 80 kph. This is partly due to the telescopic forks up front and twin shocks at the rear, along with the thick Dunlop tyres. Hard braking shifts the weight up front and the forks dive like a bike, a sensation that is completely familiar to bikers worldwide. You won't get such an experience on any other scooter here, trust us. The company has also managed to get the driving geometry spot-on - long rides into the sunset are actually a possibility now.

Kinetic will retail the Blaze at Rs 49,999 (ex-showroom, Pune). We believe that this is a good price, but Kinetic needs to ensure that the standard of build and refinement are reined in firmly and controlled through the production process. And if they manage, sure, the Blaze is a winner!

TECHNICAL DATA
KINETIC BLAZE
How much?
Rs 49,999
(ex-showroom, Pune)
How big?
Length: 1,990 mm
Width: 700 mm
Height: 950 mm
Wheelbase: 1,495 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 6 litres
Engine
Type: 165.12cc, single cylinder,
air-cooled, four stroke, petrol
Max power: 11.6bhp @ 7500 rpm
Max torque: 1.2 kgm @ 5000rpm
Transmission
Variomatic
Tyres (front - rear)
120/70 x 12 - 130/70x12 inches

ASHISH MASIH

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