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Attractive additions These new scooters belong to a new generation that has forsaken the inferior linked-front suspension in favour of sturdy telescopic-fork systems

Both scooters feature analogue gauges but we prefer the Access’ fascia. Both have bold, legible speedometers and vital fuel gauges along with the obligatory sets of warning lights. Again, while both scooters are equipped with similar control levers and switches, we prefer the Access’ grips. We also found the lack of a rear brake-locking clamp on the Flyte a nuisance. However, the Flyte scores with body-coloured, impact-resistant and adjustable mirrors that enable excellent, vibration-free rear vision.

Both scooters feature handy multi-functional ignition key slots — an innovation — that includes a security feature which shuts the key slots for extra security. But the Access suffers from some glaring omissions — no front storage bib, front fuelling facility or an integrated floor mat. Also, its solitary bag hook is poorly-located and too low to hang an average-sized bag.

The Flyte houses a useful mobile charging slot within its front panel as well as a much larger, illuminated storage cubbyhole under its saddle. Both scooters boast outstanding paint quality, good fit-and-finish and great attention to detail. However, the Access has better quality rubber bits.

The automatic and electric-started Access (124cc) and Flyte (124.6cc) have plenty in common — both four-stroke engines use air-cooling and long-stroke dimensions. Their single-cylinders feed from carburettors and are equipped with twin valves. The Access puts out 8.58 bhp at 7000rpm, marginally higher than the 8 bhp made at 7000 rpm by the Flyte. Similarly, maximum torque available is 1kgm at 5500 rpm for the Access and 0.91 kgm at 5500 rpm for the Flyte. Both engines feel enjoyably refined, and are absolutely vibe-free with their crisp power deliveries satisfyingly smooth through ample power bands. The Flyte’s pleasant exhaust note is sweeter than the Access’. However, both 125s flex their excess muscle to offer a performance edge over 100cc scooters. They also muster a torque-laden feel and relaxed cruising ability that will not be matched by 100cc rivals.

We tested the duo back-to-back on one stretch of tarmac for an accurate acceleration comparison, and found that the Access consistently posted faster times. Acceleration to 60 kph took us 9.64 seconds on the Access and 11.23 seconds on the Flyte. Both attained near-identical true top speeds of 88kph (Access) and 86kph (Flyte).

Both scooters seat their riders in an upright, commuter-friendly stance, although we think the Flyte betters the Access with more space on its floorboard. These new scooters belong to a new generation that has forsaken the inferior linked-front suspension in favour of sturdy telescopic-fork systems. The Flyte and the Access have adequately wide and long saddles, but the Access comes with better padding.

While inching through city traffic on Indian roads is less of a chore on these neutral and light-steering scooters, the Access has a noticeable ride-and-handling advantage over the Flyte when attempting higher speeds and edging close on the limit.

Attractive additions These new scooters belong to a new generation that has forsaken the inferior linked-front suspension in favour of sturdy telescopic-fork systems

The Flyte offers a far more reassuring brake-feel advantage thanks to its larger 130mm diameter brake drums. In comparison, the Access’ brakes tend to lack adequate bite when speeds are high.

The Access racked up a superior 38.8 kilometres per litre (kpl) to the Flyte’s 37.4 kpl in city traffic, while highway fuel consumption for the Suzuki was 40kpl compared to 39.8kpl for the Kinetic. This translates into overall fuel economy figures of 39.4kpl for the Access and 38.6kpl for the Flyte.

The Access and Flyte each have distinct virtues. The Access may lack feel-good features and its looks are conservative. Yet, it is no pushover, making up in quality, a superb engine, smart handling and solid build what it lacks in looks.

However, all these still can’t bring it up to speed with the Flyte, a class act from Kinetic and SYM. There’s virtually nothing we can denounce about this attractive scooter, which offers great specs, convenient features and adequate handling. All at a killer price.

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