Yamaha Alpha Review

Let’s face it – Yamaha’s first two scooters were actually the same scooter, albeit shod in the two different gender-defined styles. But the idea of working on the same product to clearly demarcate, with decals and a few titbits, a girl-scooter and boy-scooter did work out. The Ray and Ray-Z have been quite popular with the younger rider.

But then the Indian scooter market caters to a segment of buyers who want a different kind a product – one that is unisex, has subtle styling and is more practical. That segment is the family buyer segment, and it’s been dominated by Honda Activa for the longest time. Yamaha’s new Alpha, showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo is now in the market, and it is looking at clinching a large slice of the pie that’s mainly shaded Honda.

We loved the sharp and strong lines that defined the Ray and Ray-Z’s youthful appearance. Yamaha Alpha is totally different. Everything about the Alpha is, for the lack of a better word, conventional. The difference that stands out is that the headlamp has been moved up to the handlebar console, but in spite of that the front panel bears neck lines similar to that of the Rays. The sharp lines on the side body panels have been smoothened out, and instead of flaring upwards towards the tail-end, the body evens out in a nice curve.

So, though the Alpha is pitched against the more ‘serious’ scooters, such as the Honda Activa, Suzuki Swish and Hero Maestro, and the styling is supposed to be overall very mature, it isn’t so. There’s a sense of smartness about the Alpha that isn’t around on many scooters.

The seat height has been increased by 15mm, so that gives some additional under-seat storage space. But the problem that Yamaha still hasn’t addressed is the storage space not being deep enough to stow away a full-face helmet, though it is long and wide. In fact, some half-face helmets might not fit as well. The more worrisome fact is that Yamaha has done away with those cubby-holes in the front. The bit of practicality that we saw on the Ray and Ray-Z has actually been taken away.

The Alpha carries over the same 113cc four-stroke mill from the Rays, and that’s a good thing, because it screams refinement. The peak power of 7.1PS @ 7,500rpm and a peak torque of 8.1Nm @ 5,000rpm are very practical for urban riding. It doesn’t pull away jerkily, and braking is very efficient. Even with a combined (rider and pillion) weight of up to 160 kilos, the Alpha didn’t break into a sweat. The kerb weight has been kept at 104 kgs, and that makes the Alpha a very light and manoeuvrable scooter. But it still isn’t as sure-footed around corners as Honda Activa or the Dio. However, the ride is extremely comfortable. The suspensions soak up a lot of rough terrain and yet don’t feel very spongy. The seat is also very comfortable.

Yamaha Alpha is definitely a great package as a scooter, but it still doesn’t measure up to be an Activa killer. It’s about ₹2,000 more expensive than the Activa, and yet doesn’t give out features such as tubeless tires. It’s bigger than the Ray in proportions, but still not big enough. That being said, it still offers refinement, comfort and agility.

The Alpha would make a good scooter for those who are looking for a light yet powerful scooter, which is very easy to ride for shorter riders too. Yamaha Alpha is priced at ₹47,735 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

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