The 100cc entry-level scooter segment is currently witnessing a surge both in interest and sales in the Indian market, and one of the reasons for that is the fact that there is a lot more variety for the potential buyer to choose from.
The Fascino is one of the better-looking scooters out there, which seems to be the main attraction for Yamaha’s offering.
Is there more to it than meets the eye? We find out.
The Looks
The Yamaha Fascino has a retro-inspired design language which follows smooth, curvy lines throughout. Playing around with a lot of chrome additions can sometimes backfire, but that is not the case with this one. There is chrome over the front grille, on the rear-view mirrors, on the sides and on the rear end as well.
The triangular handlebar-mounted headlamps looks fantastic and the sloping rear end is catchy too.
Yamaha’s focus on styling is visible when you look at the neat all-black exhaust and the quality of paint-finish.
The Good
The 113cc engine is smooth and does not feel lazy, thanks to the light weight (103 kilos) of the scooter. Pop open the seat and the 21-litre storage compartment is big enough to house a full-face helmet. There’s a hook under the seat on the front end, along with a small cubby hole near the ignition as well.
Riding ergonomics are decent too with a low seat height of 775mm. Yamaha also says that the seat is 7mm leaner around the thighs, which provides better control of the scooter while it is stationary.
The Bad
The instrument cluster looks way too simple and could have done with at least a clock. The Fascino sits quite low at 775 mm of ground clearance and might end up getting scraped from the bottom if you go over a huge speed-breaker.
The single rear suspension and the front telescopic suspension is on the stiffer side. While this makes the scooter more stable while cornering, going over a broken road is no less than a nightmare.
The Rivals
The competition in this segment is intense but the Fascino’s main rival has to be its sibling – Yamaha Ray-Z.
The Ray is powered by the same 113cc, produces the same amount of power and weighs the same as well. It has a lower seat height and is also full Rs 4,000 cheaper than the Fascino while sporting a more modern, aggressive styling.
Making it a more sensible choice if looks aren’t everything for you.
Yamaha Fascino Features:
- Engine: 113cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled
- Transmission: Automatic
- Power: 7 horsepower @ 7,500 rpm
- Torque: 8.1 Nm @ 5000 rpm
- Weight: 103 kg (kerb)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.2 litre
- Price: Rs 53,300 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Verdict
At a price tag of Rs 53,300 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Yamaha Fascino is not the cheapest 110cc scooter on the market and it is not the most powerful either, but it is definitely one of the best-looking offerings.
What you need to decide is how important looks are for you. If appearance isn’t everything, then the Yamaha Ray-Z makes more sense.
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