Short Riders Rejoice! Especially those whose height falls in the 5 feet to 5.1/2 feet range. I know for a fact that your prayers for an efficient and safe two wheeler(where you can reach your feet to the ground) have been answered. It is about time indeed.
Yamaha have always been catering to a niche market but now they have taken the first tentative step to being a player with the masses. Numbers are good and important too if any manufacturer is to survive and continue doing what they are good at. Yes the Yamaha Ray is a mass market product and one which will endear itself to the wide range of male, female, old as well as very young riders.
This product is so compact(requiring less parking space) that this is truly the need of the hour. We needed an aim and squirt product which is truly compact and delightful in every which way and the Yamaha Ray fits the bill rather nicely.
It is available in 6 colors. The purple, blue and pink will obviously be attractive to the fairer sex while the maroon, grey and black will be more attractive to the male population.
The saddle is plush and broad which is an important consideration for your comfort. Besides the heavy duty telescopic forks are a welcome addition. You have the usual button for starting and also the kick which folds up rather well just like the pillion footrests click into the bodywork.
The speedo is bold and very legible. Just below is the fuel gauge to keep you informed about the all important fluid.
The headlamp is very sensibly put lower in the body where there is no glare to the upcoming traffic. At the same time ensures a wide and effective spread on the road ahead of us. The tail tamp is handsome and quite modern looking. The quality of plastics seems good and durable.
Although it is welcoming for the short man and woman, let me assure you that the tall man or woman will also feel perfectly comfortable and at home on this vehicle. Truly a case of one size fits all. Provided of course if the ego is not too tall.
This scooter provides brisk acceleration up to 60 kms which is actually where all the action is in the city. It will continue accelerating for 15 odd more kms but at a slightly slower pace.
Being compact and lightweight automatically improves the fuel efficiency and you can expect best in class figures around the 45 km mark.
If there is any regret, it is only this that Yamaha should have introduced this delightful model at least 15 years earlier. However I can only tell my readers this; grab this opportunity if you need your own transportation. Better late than never. Good things really do come in small packages!