Yamaha Ray review, test ride

The first thing that strikes you about Yamaha’s new Ray is how pint-sized it is. Purpose built to woo young ladies with sporty, youthful styling and sharp lines, the Ray certainly isn’t a good scooter for adult males.

It closely resembles Honda’s Dio, using dual colour panels to good effect. The Ray’s large and flush-set headlight does a good job at night.

It’s a 104kg scooter that feels light and easily manageable from the moment you sit on it. The instruments are attractively laid-out and very readable. Scooter-typical switches and control levers work well, and the Ray provides effective mirrors. Yamaha has aced to give their latest scooter really nice palm grips, and we were further impressed with the thoughtful provision of storage cubbies near the ignition key pod, and a sturdy bag-hook.

The tail of this scooter is smart, its exhaust sitting neatly encased within a tasteful shroud.

The Ray should prove a reliable scooter over time, thanks to excellent overall quality, fit-finish and built-to-last rubber and plastic components.

Under the Ray seat sits its 113cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke and force air-cooled engine. This is a button-started powerplant with long stroke dimensions. Peak power is 7bhp at 7500rpm.

The Ray uses a steel, underbone type chassis, and bests most rivals, including Honda’s Dio for using telescopic front fork suspension. The low, upright riding posture feels comfortable and right for a commuter, and although the Ray’s floorboard is slightly inclined, this doesn’t hamper riding pleasure.

The Ray offers light handling and a precise steering feel, making this an easy scooter to ride. Even shorter riders will face no trouble placing both feet properly on a road when stationary. And this Yamaha goes around corners as well as any scooter riding on 10-inch wheels. Likewise, ride quality is good.

MRF tyres generate good grip, while braking is adequate. The Ray stopped after 20.95 metres from 60kph during brake testing with us.

The Ray is as fuel-efficient as any Indian scooter with automatic transmission, returning a decent 41.8kpl in the city, and 45.1kpl on the highway.