Expert Reviews on Mahindra Bikes

The Mahindra Mojo has mostly got positive reviews from the Media fraternity in India. So I am quite excited to have been handed over the keys to this Mahindra bike for three months. On first impression, it might not be pretty but it certainly stands out from the crowd. The dominating front fairing with its twin headlamp unit looks menacing. Above that are LED daytime running lamps which add to its bling factor. Although it is a single cylinder bike, the massive cowls beside the radiator makes the engine look bigger. The look-at-me design is completed by the impressive frame which is finished in gold, twin tail pipes, and the massive Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres.

The Gusto 125 is Mahindra’s answer to the growing flyover problem in cities! Yes, as more and more flyovers are built even in tier 2 and 3 towns, there’s a need for scooters with more power to easily negotiate the climb that comes with it. Well, at least that’s what Mahindra 2 Wheelers believes.

Three bikes. Three completely different flavours. One’s a street naked; another a supermoto (or sorts); and the third a cruiser (or at least that’s what they will have us believe). But, yes, three very different takes for what is essentially the same need – the need for something quick, something exciting, something showy and something fun.

The Mahindra Gusto was with us for over five months and the fact that I rode it for about 1,000km per month speaks a lot about my love for scooters. They have spoilt me. Primarily, for the ease of riding and also for the quality of this two-wheeler being convenient over motorcycles. No wonder I chose the Gusto over the option of other bikes/cars for my daily use.

Our Mahindra Gusto long-termer has been used for more than 5,000km till date and hasn't given any kind of trouble yet. I have used it in different traffic and road conditions and it is still as good as new. The engine note is the same and the scooter still provides the same ride feel as it did at the beginning. Neither do the panels rattle nor have the brakes lost bite.

The 250cc-500cc class is seeing a lot of excitement lately; mainly because of the number of models now available in this product category, but also because of their great pricing. All the noteworthy models are, after all, priced between Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh. But that’s not all, each of these bikes deliver something unique from touring ability to hooliganism to all round goodness.

While Mahindra & Mahindra’s legacy stretches to over half a century, its two-wheeler business is still quite young. The company just has a handful of models in its portfolio (only one of which is a motorcycle) and their sales performance is nothing to write home about. At such a time, the Mojo represents a giant leap for Mahindra. 

A lot has been said about the unique and best-in-class features of the Mahindra Gusto. Sure, they are good, but what about the engine and gearbox of the scooter? Our long-termer has run for almost about 4,000km now, so I have a fair idea of how the motor of the scooter performs.

One feature that works in favour of scooters when compared to a motorcycle is the presence of utility spaces. Our long-termer, the Gusto VX has a large underseat storage, which did help me store my raincoat, phone, wallet, pillion's purse and a few other things; albeit not my large-sized helmet. This space is good enough for medium-sized or open-faced helmets. However, you wouldn't want to and shouldn't put things which have problem with the heat, so stacking and carrying some of your grocery and vegetables here is out of the question.

Mahindra Two Wheelers launched the Gusto last year and still sells it along with the Duro and Rodeo UZO 125. Unlike the other scooters from their portfolio, the Gusto is Mahindra's first indigenously developed product.