Test Drive Report of Yamaha Ray

Yamaha Ray: The New Ray of India and Yamaha

Motorcycle maniacs might be thinking that Yamaha was a bit late to showcase its concurrence in the Indian scooter industry. India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM) was established in 1983. Crowning 3 decades in the Indian two wheeler market, IYM realized the right time to foray into the scooter mass market in India. And Yamaha concluded its scrutiny on the Ray.



Looks
Heights were my calculations on the much pinnacled Yamaha Ray, as I was just on to test drive Yamaha's first scooter in the Indian dust. I was quiet excited to have a keen look at it. Despite my anticipations, the all new scooter Ray gifted me disappointment as it couldn't impress me upto my expectations. Just a scooter, that was all for me! But as I walked around it, I found something very special that is none other than its design.

Though it resemblances Honda's Dio, the design of the Ray had nothing to do with the Dio's way of furnishing, since the Ray is purely inspired from Yamaha's own super-scooters, the Majesty and the TMAX, especially Ray's curved leg shield and V-shaped dynamic head light. However, Yamaha doesn't appeal to outdistance Honda Dio with its debutant, the Ray in case of beauty.



Features
To stay tuned in the competition with its strong competitors, the Ray is mated with good number of features.

Dynamic V-shaped headlamp
Curved leg shield
Rear fender that moves according to the movement of the rear tire
Inner box to keep emergency stuffs easily



Technical Specifications
Check out the technical specifications of Yamaha Ray.

Riding and Handling
Here is where, we all will fall in love with the Ray, for that the scooter is so smooth and silent enough. The Ray is much easier to handle than any scooter in this segment. As it has only a kerb weight of 104kg and a seat height of 760mm, it would be much simpler to handle the Ray through any roads. If anyone wants a smooth ride through cities, definitely this must be your choice.



Performance, Power and Top Speed
Yamaha might have forgot to mate enough power on it to make a complete powerless scooter. In terms of power, the Ray really irritates anyone who drives it. It becomes a mandatory to thoroughly throttle the acceleration to reach an expeditious speed of 60 kmpl. Nevertheless, Yamaha claims a top speed of 85 kmph for the Ray.

The Ray is run by a 113 cc, Air cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, Single cylinder engine. A maximum power of 7.1PS @ 7500rpm and a peak torque of 8.1Nm @ 5000rpm drag somewhat behind its competitors. So the Ray suits none those who prefer performance.



Mileage
53 kmpl is what exactly Yamaha offers as per the Yamaha internal test-Mode M-LA4. Asking a Yamaha showroom service manager, I was replied that the Ray probably seems to deliver an economy around 45 kmpl.



Quality and Maintenance
Japan machines are always known for their quality products and Yamaha nowhere stands out. Superb the quality of the Ray. Thus the maintenance cost too appears less for a good quality machine such like the Ray. But the spare parts availability would a miner issue as Yamaha has less dealerships across the country comparing its rivals Hero and Honda.



Pricing
An absolute miracle. Awesome must be the least word to tag the way that Yamaha priced the Ray. An exciting ex- showroom price of Rs. 46,000 (Mumbai) will certainly win riders for the Ray.

Competitors
The Ray indubitably isn't the lone warrior in the competition. It has got good companions as well. So the encounter would be tougher and the toughest.
Being Honda Dio the major opponent, Hero Maestro and Pleasure, Honda Activa and Aviator, TVS Wego, and Suzuki Access and Swish are the other hard rivals

Verdict
As far as the Ray is concerned, the scooter is Yamaha's debutant in the Indian scooter industry. The Ray offers smoothness, mileage and looks at an excellent price tag but doesn't meet anyone's expectation in terms of power and performance. Yamaha could have mated a bit more power to the Ray. Being the first element of Yamaha, the company has to improve a lot to bring out an all-rounder scooter just like Hero, Honda and Suzuki have. The Ray undoubtedly fits ladies for it is much easier to ride on. Simultaneously, it is not the one who loves power and good performance.



Pros
1. Good pricing
2. Easy to ride and handle
3. Looks good
4. So smooth and almost zero vibration

Cons
1. No digital meter
2. Less power

Test drive report by Jose Gonsalo.