We ride Mahindra’s newest scooter, the Gusto on the open highways of Jodhpur.
Mahindra Two-Wheelers recently let us ride their latest scooter, the Gusto, created and developed by Mahindra Two-Wheelers R&D, in Pune. Mahindra is to launch the Gusto on September 29, 2014, with regional launches and launches in South Asia, Latin America and Africa to follow in a few months.
The Mahindra Gusto is powered by a new 109.6cc, four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 8bhp of maximum power, and 0.8kgm of peak torque. Mahindra tells us that the Gusto uses its patented M-TEC engine technology that features a strong crankshaft and bearings, a high inertia magneto with greater energy ignition coil and an efficient series regulator. The Gusto's engine is smooth and largely vibe free, picking up effortlessly from a standing start. The Gusto calmly transports you forward, with acceleration quick enough to be fun.
Mahindra Two-Wheelers let us loose on the open highways around Jodhpur. The Gusto offers an upright riding posture with a comfortable seat and commuter friendly ergonomics. The open roads gave us an opportunity to open up the new scooter, and the Gusto stayed confident and stable at speeds of up to an indicated 80kph, thanks to its telescopic front suspension and large size 12inch wheels, with tubeless tyres. The scooter absorbs broken road patches well too. A good turn-in radius is cleverly mated to the comparatively longer 1,275mm wheelbase, making sharper turns much easier. The Gusto handles fairly well, even though it does, at times, feel slightly heavier than the competition.
The Mahindra Gusto uses 130mm drum brakes both in front and at rear, that offer progressive feel.
Price, photographs and more details to be revealed after Mahindra launches the Gusto in a few days from now.
Rayomand Darius