Kinetic's next big thing : The SYM 250 GTS moto-scooter

BACKGROUND
Kinetic is one company, which has never hesitated when it comes to experimenting. Yes, they have experimented with tons of models, most of which failed and died a fast unknown death, the Stryker commuter bike being the latest example.
But on the other hand, the company has actually taken shocking steps which have left a good lasting impression among the Indian bikers. Take the case of the Hyosung Aquilla and the Comet 250. The company sold these in limited numbers and even at a price of around 1.8 lacs (OTR), the bikes sold well, and most of us are waiting for another lot (dont fret, the company is looking at bringing in another lot soon!).

NEW PLANS

Kinetic now has eyes on the big SYM moto-scooter, the GTS 250. The tie up with SYM happened quite some time back and Kinetic is all set to roll out a 125cc SYM model, but that wont be of much interest to us, will it be? The machine that will be the one to own and ride (why..shall discuss later on..) is the GTS 250.

THE GTS 250 (Looks)

The GTS 250 (called as the GTS 250 Voyager) looks as massive as the Italiano Jupiter that I rode during The Great Indian Road Trip. Looks are in your face and the machine commands great road presence.

Like all big moto-scooters, the big fairing dominates the front part. The vertically stacked headlamps look great, and they are complimented by big fairing integrated indicators. The rear view mirror also have integrated reflectors, but I doubt how good these RVMs will be, especially after going thru reports on many European websites.

Seen side on, the scoot looks awesome, the lines flowing sharply from front to rear, and talking of the rear, the LEDish type brake-lamp looks great, and so does the huge rear grab rail.

What adds to the looks are the fat tyres, a set up of 110/90 front and 130/70 rear on 13inch silver wheels. Plus a big front disc (240mm) and a smaller (220mm) rear too.

ENGINE

Things dont stop here. She is powered by a 250cc liquid cooled engine, with 4 valves! The mill churns out no less than 21.2 Bhp @ 7750 rpm. The moto-scoot weighs 173kgs, which gives it a power to weight ratio of 124.2, better than the likes of even the Karizma!

The torque rating stands at an equally impressive 21.6Nm (18% better than the Karizma!) at just 6500rpm. These figs surely give the GTS 250 an edge when it comes to performance. In day to day commute, accelerating past slow moving traffic is going to be a breeze and out on the highway, the scoot holds 100-105km/h comfortably, with a top whack of a true 125km/h (speedo indicated of around 135km/h).

Moto-scoots come with a CVT transmission for obvious reasons, but I still feel the GTS will be able to make the 150cc/180cc bikes eat dust easily and be a real challenge for the faster 200cc/223cc Indian machines.

All this power (and CVT transmission) does mean fuel economy will be no great shakes and the GTS reportedly returns around 25 kms to a litre, which I think will be the biggest hurdle in its sales

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

The GTS has a hydraulic fork up front and 2 shock absorbers at the rear set up. The travel up front is a limited 88mm and at the rear it is 75mm. SYM seems to have done this in the interest of a stable highway ride, as well confidence inspiring cornering. This has proved good in the European countries with butter smooth roads but in India, this set up will just not work. In fact, I believe that cornering on not so good Indian roads with a stiff suspension set up may just unsettle the scoot a little.

European test riders seems to be quite impressed with the overall handling and stability of the GTS but rated the saddle comfort as avg due to a hard seat.

PRACTICALITY & EQUIPMENT

What are the main aims of a moto-scooter? Practicality combined with ease of riding and comfort. Add to it, if you have decent power between your legs..err.. under your seat, it helps too.
Practicality is one are where the GTS scores heavily.

To start with, the big windshield helps keep off air and rains easily. Then there is a 12V charging point for charging your mobile or MP3 players. The 'cockpit' is very comprehensive and gives out a host of details.

Coming to storage space, there is a glove box up front, a small box on the right side of the fairing below the handle bar, then the big underseat space and surprise surprise : a place to keep your glasses too (not specs, but drink glasses!)

The equipment list is great too with integrated front and rear brakes! Add in hazard warning lights, Fog lamps, Parking brake, Rev counter, Odo-meter, Fuel gauge, Temp gauge, Clock, Battery gauge, Light in trunk indicator, Fog light indicator, Side stand engine cut-off, Automatic folding footrest etc.. the list is endless!

PRICING

The GTS may be imported as a CKD (completely knocked down) kit in India and assembled locally here. Still, it is safe to presume that the pricing will in the Karizma/Pulsar 220 category which is actually not that bad.

You get a similarly powerful machine, which is a lot more capable that the motorcycle. Tons of storage space, comfort, equipment and road presence.

VERDICT

Mumbai is one place, which really changes you a lot. Rains, carrying stuff to the office, daily home chores and what not. I, for one, am really looking forward to the GTS. It is time to replace my 4yr old Karizma too. I am willing to pay as much as 90,000 for the GTS as I know it will be worth it. I rode the Kinetic Blaze and Italiano Jupiter moto-scooters a lot on the GIR and when it comes to practicality and comfort, a motorcycle is just no match for these. Plus you get the power to surprise these bikes too..

I m a touring guy and I need to space to keep my stuff. Rain coat, maps, water etc. Plus the comfort of a CVT and a machine that can keep 100-110km/h on the clock all day long.

There are little issues though : the hard seat and the smaller tank range. The tank being just 12 litres, it gives the GTS a range of around 275kms before a fill up.