Yamaha Ray Z

The Yamaha Ray has been a fairly successful scooter but was specifically targeted at female riders. To capture a greater share of the market, Yamaha launched the Ray-Z in May last year, which is nothing but the Ray with a masculine appeal.

Mechanically, the scooter remains the same but carries some restyled bits and louder graphics. The Ray-Z features a smoked-finish visor, a new instrument panel, a carbon fibre patterned seat and aluminum rear grab-bars. The front features V-shaped headlights while the rear houses a stylish tail lamp assembly with clear-lens indicators. Despite the lean and sculpted body, the underseat storage, with a 15.5-litre capacity, is spacious enough for a full face helmet and the floor board has enough place for your legs.

The Ray-Z continues to be powered by the standard 113cc engine which produces 7bhp and 8Nm of torque via a CVT gearbox. Yamaha claims that the roller-rockers and carburetor have been updated while the suspension has been tweaked. The engine is refined and suitable for city commute. The Ray-Z retains drum brakes on both wheels and now a ‘UBS’ system which links both the front and rear brakes when the rear is applied, is an optional extra for Rs 500 more. This will become standard fitment, come April.

Priced at approximately Rs 52,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai) the Ray-Z is offered in four colour schemes; red, blue, white, and dark blue. It joins the crowd of other scooters like the Honda Activa 5G, Honda Dio, TVS Wego, Hero Maestro and TVS Jupiter.