2017 TVS Scooty Zest 110 First Ride review

How does it ride?

The Scooty doesn't get any mechanical changes, so its riding ergonomics and comfortable seat remain to be the highlights. The riding position is relaxed and the perfectly padded and broad seat only make the commute even more comfortable. Thumb the starter and the engine starts with a little rumble in the shiny exhaust. It then settles into a quiet purr. 

The 109.77cc single cylinder engine churning out 8bhp of power and 8.7Nm of torque might seem mediocre on paper. However, it is a very potent engine, which also does duty in the Jupiter and the Wego. The Scooty not only serves the need of the urban commuter, but it is also lighter than the other models of scooters. Pick-up is good, which means you can literally zip from the starting line. It is also potent enough to help the scooter climb fly-overs with conviction, even with a pillion along for the ride. However, taking it out on the highway is still inadvisable, because quick though this scooter maybe, but it isn’t as speedy as the other vehicles in the fast lane.

The engine comes mated to a CVT gearbox, which is fairly smooth. It provides a seamless experience coupled with an impressive motor. That said, this Scooty doesn’t make very quick progress like the BS-III variant. The previous one felt peppier. In terms of fuel efficiency, the BS-IV variant doesn’t impress either, as its fuel economy remains as low as the BS-III trim. We managed to get a fuel efficiency of 49.38kmpl on our fuel run tests. It is considerably lower than what TVS claims (62kmpl). The small five-litre fuel tank is another let-down as it automatically lowers the range of the scooter.

The Scooty scores good points on the handling part as well. It is very agile and this helps in cutting through traffic easily. The well-balanced chassis also helps the Scooty move around swiftly. The ride feels plush as the suspension soaks up bumps and undulations well. Sure, at high speeds on patchy roads you might feel jittery, but at slower speeds it is definitely less stressful. The 10-inch wheels grip well even while taking corners. And even if the Scooty comes equipped with drum brakes (110mm up front and 130mm rear), these do their duties well with good bite and progression. Still, it will require more than two fingers to give the brake lever a pull and stop the bike while riding down a flyover at high speed – especially if two people are astride the scooter at that time.

Anything else I should know?

The Scooty has a great utility value and is the best bike for running errands. It gets a big under-seat storage that manages to fit in a full face helmet. This space now comes with a charging socket and an LED light, thus adding to its practicality. The floorboard is large enough to fit a laptop bag and still leave you with adequate leg room. There are two hooks to hold your grocery bags. In addition, the Scooty gets an open front glove-box compartment, which is a useful pocket on the inside of the front apron. It easily holds two big water bottles with a little space leftover to hold small knick-knacks. Alas, the instrument cluster is the same old boring unit and TVS could have made it look more premium this time as a part of the new upgrade. It would definitely have appealed to those customers who don’t really care for fuel efficiency, but like riding a feature-rich and quick scooter. 

This striking Matte series is now on sale in four matte colour options - blue, red, yellow and black. I'm not sure about the other colours, but this black one truly gives out an impression of a unisexual scooter. Also, the previous owners complained that the plastics faded off. This time, TVS has given the Scooty beige plastics that not only look better but give a better feel too. The brown tan seat colour also gives the bike a premium feel. All these cosmetic features worked very well for sales when used on the Jupiter MillionR, so it comes as no surprise that TVS decided to add it to the Zest too. Also, the addition of DRLs by TVS is a good step instead of merely adding the AHO (auto headlamp on) feature like other manufacturers. The DRLs are meant to increase the visibility of the vehicle, so that other drivers see you on the road. The one on the Scooty is bright enough to just do that.

Should I buy one?

Yes, because for running errands, this Scooty is a far better option than taking your car out in the traffic, or taking an auto-rickshaw or even worse - walking it up in this heat. The Scooty Zest 110 is a great package with good aesthetics, besides being a practical and compact scooter.

Where does it fit in?

The TVS Scooty Zest 110 is priced at Rs 48,438 (ex-showroom Delhi). The closest that a scooter comes in terms of price and its 98 kg light-weight body is the Suzuki Let's that costs Rs 46,411. Also, there are slightly heavier scooters like the Honda Activa-I, which retails at Rs 48,355 and the Hero Pleasure which has a sticker price of Rs 46,405.

Gear Check

1. Bell Qualifier Helmet -

A visually appealing helmet with an aerodynamic profile. It is lightweight, warm-weather centric and gets a very well ventilated polycarbonate shell. Cheek pads are a snug fit with washable comfort liners. Bang for the buck. Price - Rs 7,000 (before shipping and duties)

2. Rjays Swift Jacket -

All through hot weather wear, which is great for our hot weathers with a relaxed fit. The mesh pattern all around provides increased air flow, so that you can get the air all the way through. But no 360 zipper so isn't any great with pants. Price - Rs 5,999

3. Alpinestars Basic Leather gloves –

Basic leather gloves suited for city riding. Recommended for short rides. Price - Not available

4. AGV Sport Airtex pants – 

Riding pants with mesh in the crotch, calf, back of legs and thigh areas which is a real boon in our hot weather. Price -Rs 6,500.

5. Sidi B2 boots – 

All-round street and sportbike riding shoes also suitable for track days. Not ventilated, which can make it uncomfortable for everyday use. Price - Rs 17,000

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