Yamaha's Ray scooter has done the trick for them, helping spike the famous Japanese company’s sales graph in India. The Ray was launched late in 2012 and was targeted at primarily the fairer sex. It's now time for Yamaha to grow on this successful formula, the logical step forward being a scooter with extended appeal.
In steps the new Yamaha Ray Z, in essence, a Ray with fresh decals and a few other cosmetic tweaks. The Ray Z retains the older scooter's familiar proportions and looks a touch more sporty and youthful with a more sporty set of graphics. The Z continues to use dual colour panels. Its instruments fascia is set on a carbonfibre lookalike background, while the familiar, large and flush fitted headlight still dominates the raked front apron.
Kerb weight is constant at 104kg. Additions are a new tinted visor, revised alloy grab handles and a patch of improved seat fabric in front.
The Ray Z is well priced at Rs 48,555 (ex-showroom, Delhi), but will not get Yamaha fans cheering across India, who expect more from a maker as capable as Yamaha.
Yamaha has simultaneously unveiled two new SZ series, 150cc commuter bike variants, the SZ-S and SZ-RR with updated, more premium styling. The SZ-S is priced at Rs 59,500, and RR at Rs 62,500 (prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
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