There’s a new entrant in the market, it’s from China and for a change, it is not a full-fledged EV company. The brand in question is Keeway Motors, that made its debut in India a few days ago. Now the company is owned by Qianjiang Group, which is also the company that owns Benelli. While you might have not heard about Keeway before, the company is said to be present in over 60 countries and boast of a portfolio that ranges from 125cc to 500cc motorcycles.
Yes, it also has an EV on offer. But that’s not what they brought to the table in India. Instead, Keeway Motor will begin operations with three models that include a motorcycle and two scooters. And here we tell you everything you need to know about the brand.
The 250cc V-Twin
Let’s begin with Keeway’s motorcycle offering- the K-Light 250V. The name is pretty misleading for a motorcycle that derives its looks from the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. It gets a cruiser bodystyle with a muscular fuel tank with the instrument console in the centre, a wide handlebar, forward set footpegs and low seat to make the riding position traditionally cruiser-like too. Further, the K-Light 250V’s blacked out components, cropped rear fender and twin exhaust complete its look.
However, the most interesting bit on the motorcycle comes in the form of its engine. The K-Light 250V is the first motorcycle in its segment to sport a 249cc, V-twin engine. This air-cooled motor churns out 18.7bhp and 19Nm. Now, this output is much lower than what you’d expect from that type of engine and in fact much closer to what the R15 offers with its 155cc motor. While we are yet to ride it to see how its performs, we can expect it to have an appeasing exhaust note at the least.
The Vespa-lookalike
The other offering is a scooter dressed up in retro styling and aptly named the Sixties 300i. In proper vintage appeal, it sports a curvy design language reminiscent of the Lambrettas and Vespas of yore. While most of its design is clean and retro inspired, the front end and the rear section is looks quirky yet futuristic thanks to the LED layout. What makes the Sixties 300i look even more attractive and unique is its long wheelbase and low stance coupled with blacked-out wheels and underpinnings.
For added convenience, Keeway is offering underseat storage space enough to store a helmet along with two glove boxes up front. What’s more, the fuel-filler cap is placed on the floorboard, between the riders feet. Unlike the one on the Aerox, there is still decent amount of space on the 300i to keep some groceries.
Now, powering the scooter is a 278cc, liquid-cooled engine that is capable of churning out 18.7bhp and 22Nm.These are impressive numbers for a scooter, although it does weigh 146kg. With a seat height of 790mm, it should be manageable for most riders too. As for features, the Sixties 300i is equipped with a dual-channel ABS and a semi-digital instrument cluster that has a tastefully retro shape.
The maxi-scooter
Powered by the same 278cc engine that does duty on the Sixties 300i is the Vieste 300. However, it comes in a modern, maxi-scooter styling. It features sharp and edgy lines and creases all over its bodywork. It also gets an aggressive front end with split LED headlamps and a tall windscreen to further add to its maxi-scooter appeal. The Vieste also sports an underbone chassis with a fuel filler cap between the rider’s legs and a large seat for both the rider and pillion. Nonetheless, the scooter weighs the same as its retro counterpart at 147kg but comes with a larger 12-litre fuel tank.
In terms of features, Keeway is offering the Vieste 300 with a car-like instrument cluster th
at includes a LCD screen between twin analogue pods that show speed and tachometer. It also gets a dual-channel ABS as standard.
Pricing and availability
All offerings from Keeway do not have any direct rivals thanks to their unique bodystyles and engine displacements. In addition to that, all three offerings are also expected to have tempting price tags. While the official pricing will be announced in a week’s time, we expect the scooters and motorcycle to be priced under Rs 4 lakh. For the kind of specs and features they offer on paper, these do seem like interesting propositions.
Now, Keeway Motors will be selling their products through Benelli showrooms across India and are currently accepting booking for a token amount of Rs 10,000 for all three. While these were just our first impressions on the offerings, stay tuned for our reviews that will be coming out sometime next month!
