2014 Yamaha Alpha review, test ride

Yamaha first showcased its new Alpha scooter at the 2014 Auto Expo earlier in the year, after which we’ve just managed to lay our hands on one to pen this first ride impression. The Alpha is a trendy, up-market looking and stylish new scooter that lives up to its name, in that it targets the Indian males.

It’s built firmly based upon the Ray platform, but feels perceptibly larger and roomier from the moment you get astride, a good thing given the Ray’s low, petite and more lady friendly proportions. Saddle height is 775mm, which sits you a full 15mm taller on the Alpha, compared to a Ray. It’s an attractive looking scooter with trendy styling unlike most of its boring, conservative looking Indian scooter rivals. There’s a broad headlamp set at handlebar level, with indicators pressed flush into the leading apron at the front. The Alpha’s a light scooter, just like the Ray, weighing an identical 104kg (kerb). It includes a neat set of instruments, these displaying all the scooter essentials, including a speedometer, odometer and fuel-gauge.

As with all Yamaha two-wheelers in India, this is a high quality scooter, with switches imparting a good feel, the mirrors feeling solid to adjust and offering good vision. Plus, plush feeling grips and nice-control levers are provided for both hand operated brakes. It’s a pity Yamaha has left out a rear brake locking clamp, essential safety kit on a scooter. Also missed are storage cubbies under the handlebar, which do come with the Ray. There is however a large, lockable under-seat storage bay that opens and shuts with nice, positive clicks.

The Alpha is a comfy scooter for even tall, well-built adult males, also accommodating large feet easily on its flat, nicely textured floorboard. It’s a particularly nice looking scooter from behind, Yamaha stylists having done a nifty job, and have included a broad alloy grab bar.