Alongside the launch of the new YZF-R15 V4 yesterday, Yamaha also introduced the Aerox 155 maxi-sports scooter. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
R15-derived engine
The Aerox is powered by a 155cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with variable valve actuation. If that sounds familiar to you, it’sbecause this scooter’s motor is quite heavily derived from the R15’s. There are some key differences, though, since on the Aerox it needs to work in conjunction with a CVT. As a result, peak output figures here are 15hp and 13.9Nm,as against 18.4hp and 14.2Nmon the R15. Nevertheless, the Aerox is still the most powerful scooter currently on sale in India.
Unique underpinnings
The Aerox does look rather unusual – compared to the other scooters in the Indian market – and that’s because it doesn’t have a traditional step-through construction with a flat floorboard that we see on all other scooters. Instead, it has an underbone construction with a prominent spine section in front of the seat, on thesides of which you place your legs. Suspension is in the form of a telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers, while braking is handled by a 230mm front disc and 130mm rear drum brake. Since it’s well above the 125cc mark, the Aerox comes with single-channel ABS, as is necessitated by law, and the maxi-quotient is also upped by large 14-inch wheels at both ends.
Strong features arsenal
It’s as high on features as it is on performance because Yamaha has packed the Aerox 155 with goodies like Bluetooth connectivity viaa fully-digital LCD instrument cluster. It also gets LED lighting, two USB charging ports, a multi-function key slot, an external fuel-filler lid, and a side-stand engine cut-off function. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth system isn’t quite as functional as some other units around and cannot give you turn-by-turn navigation or audio playback control. But you do get call and SMS alerts, and can log various aspects of your rides.
Snazzy design and colours
All the performance and features aside, one of the key reasons why people are going to love this scooter is because of the way it looks. Its underbone construction makes it unique, and that’s only helped further by some striking design language. The Aerox gets a sharp and edgy look with a pair of mean-looking LED headlights up front. The rear looks substantial, too, thanks to the sizeable engine and large exhaust system. This scooter even gets a side-facing radiator.
Yamaha will offer the Aerox in two colour schemes –racing blue and grey vermillion –as well as a MotoGP edition.
Comes at a price
With everything that it offers, it’s unsurprising that the Aerox 155 is also one of the most expensive scooters on sale in India. Prices start fromRs 1,29,000 for the two regular versions and go up to Rs 1,30,500 for the MotoGP edition (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
