It looks like Vespa’s classic scooter is likely to get some competition finally, with Yamaha India launching its Fascino scooter today.
Like Vespa, Fascino also has a retro look, though it doesn’t go to the same extent to maintain the ‘simple’ look. The bike has been priced at Rs 52,500 ex-showroom in Delhi, compared to Rs 68,300 for the starting model of Vespa. Both the Suzuki Access and Honda Activa are also priced in the Rs 50,000-52,000 range before taxes.
Yamaha Fascino is powered by an air-cooled, 4-stroke 113cc “blue core” engine with a continuous variable transmission (CVT).
Fascino has a lightweight body and a fuel efficiency of 66 kmpl. Total weight is just 103 kg, compared to 117kg for the Vespa. This could partly explain the higher mileage compared to the Vespa, which has a claimed mileage of around 60 kmpl.
Of course practical mileage will be about 15-20% lower.
In terms of styling, the Fascino has chrome-plated curves that is supposed to impart a sense of refinement and class,
The Fascino will come in 5 colours including a matte chromatic colouring.
“This is indeed a very special occasion for us as we launch our new style icon Fascino designed especially for the Indian youth,” said Masaki Asano, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd.
“The Fascino has also been developed eccentrically based on the concept of dynamic elegance, classy tailoring and balance of function and design. We as a youthful brand wanted to present them with a product that could fascinate them and Fascino, we believe, will certainly be able to do the job well.”
India has the world’s largest two-wheeler market with a total annual demand of approximately 16 million units (2014). Out of the total demand, the scooter segment constitutes 27% of the market, and is growing further year by year.
Since 2012, Yamaha Motor has been introducing a range of scooters – including RAY, RAY Z and Alpha – and has been increasing its customer base in the Indian market.
Other Yamaha two wheelers include YZF-R15 Version 2.0 (150cc), Fazer (153cc), FZ-S (153cc), Fazer FI Version 2.0 (149 cc), FZ-S FI Version 2.0 (149 cc), FZ (153cc), FZ FI Version 2.0 (149 cc), SZ-S & SZ-RR (153cc), SZ-RR Version 2.0 (149 cc).
Yamaha India also has in the market Saluto (125cc), SS125 (123cc), YBR125 (123cc), YBR110 (106cc), Crux (106cc) and scooters Ray (113cc), Ray Z (113cc) and Alpha (113 cc).
The imported bikes sold by the company include VMAX (1,679cc), YZF-R1M (998cc), YZF-R1 (998cc) and FZ1 (998cc).
The scooter segment is currently dominated by Honda, which has models such as the Activa and Dio. Suzuki, with Access, is also a prominent player.
Yamaha Fascino Specifications
| Overall length | 1815mm |
| Overall width | 675mm |
| Overall height | 1120mm |
| Seat height | 775mm |
| Wheelbase | 1270mm |
| Minimum ground clearance | 130mm |
| Wet(with oil and a full fuel tank) | 103kg |
| Minimum turning radius | 2.0m |
| Engine type | Air cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve |
| Cylinder arrangement | Single cylinder |
| Displacement | 113cm3 |
| Bore & stroke | 50.0×57.8mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.20:1 |
| Maximum horse power | 5.3kW(7.1PS)/7500r/min |
| Maximum torque | 8.1N・m(0.8kgf・m)/5000r/min |
| Starting system type | Electric and kick |
| Lubrication system | Force-feed lubrication, wet sump |
| Engine oil capacity | 0.8L |
| Fuel tank capacity | 5.2L |
| Carburetor Type/Fuel supply | Carburetor |
| Ignition system type | CDI (capacitor discharge ignition) |
| Spark plug model | LR6E |
| Battery voltage/capacity | 12V,5.0Ah(10H) |
| Battery Type | 12MX5L-B/AB5L-B |
| Final drive | Gear |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.000 (—) |
| Secondary reduction ratio | 9.388 (46/14×40/14) |
| Clutch type | Dry, centrifugal |
| Transmission type | V-belt automatic |
| Shift type | Automatic |
| Gear ratio-1st gear | 2.259～0.824 |
| Gear ratio-2nd gear | – |
| Frame type | Underbone |
| Caster angle | 27°30′ |
| Trail | 103mm |
| Steering Angle | Left:44°, Right:44° |
| Tire size(Front) | 90/100-10 53J (Tube type) |
| Tire size(Rear) | 90/100-10 53J (Tube type) |
| Rim size(Front) | Ｊ10×2.15 |
| Rim size(Rear) | Ｊ10×2.15 |
| Brake type(Front) | Mechanical leading trailing shoe brake(Drum brake) |
| Brake type(Rear) | Mechanical leading trailing shoe brake(Drum brake) |
| Inside diameter of drum / Effective radius of disc(Front) | 130mm |
| Inside diameter of drum / Effective radius of disc(Rear) | 130mm |
| Suspension type(Front) | Telescopic |
| Suspension type(Rear) | Unit swing |
| Shock absorber assembly type(Front) | Coil spring/oil damper |
| Shock absorber assembly type(Rear) | Coil spring/oil damper |
| Wheel travel(Front) | 90mm |
| Wheel travel(Rear) | 75mm |
| Inner tube diameter of front fork | 30.0mm |
| Headlight bulb type | Halogen bulb |
| Headlight | 12V,35W/35W×1 |
| Brake/tail light | 12V,21W/5W×1 |
| Turn signal light(Front) | 12V,10W×2 |
| Turn signal light(Rear) | 12V,10W×2 |
| Speedometer | Analog |
| Odometer | Drum |
| Fuel gauge | Analog |