Scooters: fresh new faces

While its international range is huge, we were intrigued to see a new addition that has yet to make it here, namely a tribute (although we’re not sure if Honda shares this view…) to the famous Cub step-thru.

The original made headlines for its ultra-successful "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" ad campaign, which ran in the USA in the 1960s and still resonates today. The basic design was released in 1958 and has since sold 60,000,000 units across the world.

Now SYM has decided to get in on the action, we suspect more as a fashion statement rather than as hard-core transport for developing economies.

Powered by a modest 101cc four-stroke air-cooled powerplant - complete with horizontal cylinder, a la Honda - it’s been released in the USA, where it’s scored some warm reviews. Over there the pricing is equivalent to around A$3200, for a package that has lots of traditional styling cues (right down to the rib pattern front tyre), but one or two concessions to modernity such as the bigger headlight.

The big wheels should handle rough surfaces better than most scooters, though some urban dwellers may be more concerned about the lack of built-in luggage space - also a traditional feature. You can check out the importers Scoota.com.au website for more.
Fresh new faces

Up to now, most of the world has only seen the 50cc versions of the scoots -- both in two-stroke and four-stroke form.

The thing is, though, priced at $2000, they have not been especially competitive, particularly when Honda has been able to match or better the deal with its own two-wheelers.

What may liven things up is the parent company is about to launch a 150cc scoot, potentially expanding its market in the west.

In the USA, where they’re distributed by a company called Hammerhead Offroad, they are expected to be priced at the equivalent of A$3400, and be offered for sale some time in the next few months.

Will we see them here? Much will depend on whether a distributor with experience and funding is going to be willing to take a risk on the brand, which seems to have a reasonable reputation in the USA.

In a shrinking market, the challenge will be to get the price down low enough to overcome any reservations about the newness of the marque. One thing that has us curious is how its managed to get away with styling so similar to that of Vespa’s…

ADLY 150 - Quick Specs:

Engine: 149cc, air-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder
Fuelling: Electronic fuel injection
Starting: Electric start with kick start backup
Transmission: Automatic CVT
Front suspension: Single side hydraulic shock
Rear suspension: Twin hydraulic shocks
Braking: Single disc front and rear
Tyre sizes: 3.5in x 10in
Wheelbase: 1370mm
Seat height: 787mm
Wet weight: 95kg
Fuel capacity: 5.7lt
Max speed: 90km/h
Warranty: 24 months