I am writing a detailed report on the Suzuki Access 125. This is an update to a review previously named “First Impression” that was posted on 29th July 2009. I will give my report based on the various parameters of the vehicle. The parameters would be Build Quality
/ Features, Accessories, Handling, Performance, Mileage and Service. Also added a few tips at the end.
Build Quality / Features:
The overall quality of the vehicle is very good. The instrumentation is basic, easy to read and that is how it should be for non geared scooters. However the finishing quality of the plastic materials used in the rear view mirrors and the hook is poor.
The headlamp uses an ordinary 35 watt bulb. A halogen bulb would probably improve the light quality a bit. I don’t know why but most of the Access 125 scooters have the head lamp focus in such a way that we can see what is on top of the vehicle in front of us!
Most of the reviews I read about this vehicle have mentioned the focus being too high! However, the focus can be set right easily by adjusting a nut just below the headlamp. Wonder what do the showroom guys do in the so called Pre Delivery Inspection check apart from charging customers for it!!
The storage space is just enough for a helmet and documents of the vehicle. I don’t miss the front storage compartment. In fact it provides the necessary leg room for tall people.
The fuel tank has a better capacity (6.4 L) compared to other scooters. There is no need to remove the key from the ignition to open the boot. The fuel cap sealing is good as it did not leak after the tank was topped up.
The battery is located below the footboard. This makes it easy to access from a maintenance point of view. Activa has the battery in the front where the front body needs to be removed to access it.
The chrome plated part of the exhaust gives the vehicle a unique look. The front indicators are not located in the handle bar which is a welcome change from the regular styling. The Access 125 being priced about 3000.00 higher than the Activa should have featured a front disk brake. But overall the vehicle is worth it.
Accessories:
The parts of the scooter
that should be mandatory are being sold by the dealer as compulsory
accessories. These include the side stand, rear foldable footrest. (Nice
strategy by the dealers to make extra buck!!).
The other accessories like
the front mudguard beeding, front and rear beeding are being charged at an
exorbitant price by the dealer.
The best option would be buy
these from automobile spare part shops and get it fitted outside. These are
manufactured by Discovery Auto Parts. I have fitted the front beeding which is
plain and does not cover the front indicators. These are available in chrome as
well as black finish.
Handling:
The ride quality of the
scooter is good, although the suspension is on a harder side when riding single.
The front suspension is a telescopic bike like suspension. The suspension
performs better with a pillion rider.
The rear brake is very
responsive. But the front brake is not that crisp. The braking starts slowly
then slowly picks up the grip. This is an advantage as well as a disadvantage.
The advantage is that it is OK for people who fear using the front brake.
Disadvantage is when there is a need for an emergency stop.
The MRF Nylogrip FE tyres
that come with the scooter provide excellent grip.
The ground clearance is
nice. When riding with a pillion (total load of 135 kgs), the vehicle did not
scrape the big notorious speed breakers of Hyderabad!
Performance:
I have not exceeded a speed
of 45 kmph since the vehicle has not even covered 350 kms.
The pick is awesome and gets
to 40 kmph in a flash.
The engine sound is quieter
compared to that of the Activa.
Mileage:
This is perhaps the most
important parameter that one considers when buying a vehicle. I calculated the
mileage from a tank full to tank full basis.
The tank was topped up and
the meter reading was noted. I ran the vehicle for 228 kms and then topped up
the tank again. A total of 5.25 litres of petrol went in.
This translates to a mileage
of 43.4285 kmpl. The mileage is great keeping in mind that the vehicle has not
even done 350 kms!
The tank was initially
topped up with the odometer reading at 94.0 and re-topped up with the odometer
reading 322.0. The refueling was done at home with accurate measuring
instruments. Refueling at petrol pump was not done to get an accurate reading.
The above run of 228 kms
consisted of 24 km runs daily. 12 kms to office in the morning in less traffic and
12 kms back home in heavy traffic for at least 3/4th distance.
Once the 1600 kms run in
period is over and the first service is done between the 750 to 1000 kms interval,
the mileage should improve.
For a non-geared 125cc
scooter any mileage above 40 kmpl should be considered as a bonus keeping in
mind the traffic conditions in a city like Hyderabad.
Service:
The first service which is
between 750 – 1000 kms has not yet been done as the running of the vehicle has
been less since I was not in the city.
I was really happy with the
owner’s manual that came with the scooter. It has the description of the basic
maintenance that can be done at home like cleaning the spark plug, air filter,
cooling fan filter, replacing the engine oil and filter, charging the battery,
lubrication, basic carburetor adjustments, brake adjustment, headlamp
adjustment.
Trust me giving this
information in today’s owners manual is a good thing. I own a Bajaj Discover
135 DTSi and it's owner manual does not even show from where the engine oil has
to be drained and filled!!
Tips:
Although I am not an
authority on automobiles, here are a few useful tips.
Always use the kick start
whenever starting the vehicle for the first time in the day. This will ensure
that the battery does not drain out soon.
After accelerating, when you
reach the desired speed, just release the throttle a little bit ensuring that
the speed is maintained. This will result in optimum mileage.
My personal opinion is that the
tyres along with the shock absorbers make up the suspension system. Hence inflating
tyres to the pressure specified by the manufacturer is very important.
Mechanics and guys at petrol stations recommend ridiculously high pressures
which affect the comfort and safety of the vehicle. Keep in mind that this
vehicle’s suspension is already on the harder side, hence over inflation will adversely
affect the ride quality.
Engine oil is something that should be given personal attention. NEVER entrust the service centres with oil replacement work. I buy Castrol oil for all my vehicles and replace it personally.
I request others to share tips as well for the benefit of all.
Thanks!!
