I drove my FIL’s Duet scooter two days back. I drove it for about 110Kms round trip in Chennai(From Perambur to Guduvancheri via Medavakkam). Initially I did not like it for it’s heavy weight(due to all-metal body). But when I started riding, I started liking it. It’s engine is smooth(not as smooth as activa), and it’s vibrations are minimum between 50 - 60KMPH. Extremely stable on roads. Good braking tho it does not have disk brakes. I felt it more safe due to metal body.
The vibration increases above 60, and since it is new scooty, I did not push it beyond 65KMPH. I did not measure the consumption, but I am sure to get above 40KMPL as I filled for Rs 200 and petrol was still @ good level when I completed the tour.
Good brad seats are comfortable, but I wish that it is bit more soft. The biggest problem was the hot air comming from under the chassis and harms my left feet. I feel it when I have to stop the vehicle @ signal. The side stands got so much heated like silencer that I got burning sensation a couple of time when I accidental touched it. This is a design issue which Hero needs to fix.
It is a very good scooter for long drives, but I don’t want to comment on longivity. It can only be tested by time. Activa has passed the tests with flying colors, and lets wait and see how duet performs.
Thanks Ganesh