Hero MotoCorp’s new Maestro looks sober, with smooth, conservative lines that will be appreciated by a wide audience.
Large body panels surround its exterior, a rounded front mudguard and clear lens indicators mount flush on either side of its raked front apron. Mirrors on the Maestro are bi-colour. A bold headlamp and wide, easily read instruments are seen, the speedometer dominating this region with an LCD information screen. A ‘service due’ indicator is standard, as is a digital fuel gauge. Switches and levers are the standard scooter equipment Indians are familiar with, including push-to-cancel indicators while the Meastro offers dimpled palm grips, bar end weights and a manual choke. The ignition key slot is shuttered.
This is a scooter with ample storage space, a large and lockable storage recess provided just below the handlebar apart from its under-seat bay and flat floorboard where a bag-hook is present. The Maestro has a broad rear body panel that leads to its brake-light cluster. Overall quality and fit-finish are up there with the best scooters available in India.
The Maestro uses a 109cc, four-stroke, force air-cooled, single-cylinder engine equipped with an Advanced Microprocessor Ignition (AMI) system. Peak power output is 8.2bhp at 7500rpm.
The Maestro provides dual linked shock absorbers in front. Its frame is fabricated from steel, while the scooter uses a stressed member engine and single shock absorber at rear. Brakes are a highlight, offering a linked setup for both drum units.
Read the full story in Autocar India’s anniversary, September 2011 issue.