Design and Styling of the new 2017 Honda Grazia
Since we are on the subject of fitting in let's begin with talking about the fresh design language seen on the new Honda Grazia. The scooter is distinct and can easily be identified in a sea of two wheelers. The front is bold and aggressive with a rather broad LED headlamp upfront. To look at, it is modish and futuristic with neatly chiseled lines. A sharp and angular bikini fairing only adds to the edgy flavour of this scooter.
Honda has added black cladding all around the scooter giving it a slightly butch look. A mild similarity to the angles featured in the front can be observed on the side profile which are pleasing to the eye and also add to the sporty character of this scooter. The story in the rear is quite similar and the incorporation of split grab rails compliments the edgy looks. The scooter rides on 90/ 90 R12 tubeless tyres in the front and 90/ 100 R10 tubeless tyres in the rear which have been wrapped around stylish blacked out 5 fin alloys.
The saddle of the Honda Grazia has been set at 766mm. The seat is broad with a soft cushion providing adequate padding. The floor board is wide and long to accommodate tall riders as well. The ergonomics and rider comfort of the scooter is exceptional and could easily be a bench mark in the industry. Adding to the modish theme of the scooter is an all digital instrument cluster. The digital gauge displays speed, engine rpm, fuel level, odo meter and time. catering to a connected universe and how important our smart phones are to us these days - Honda is providing a glovebox with a USB charging slot on the Grazia. Another smart feature is the ability to open the seat from the same ignition key slot.
Engine and performance of the new 2017 Honda Grazia
Powering this urban scooter is a 124.9cc fan cooled, single cylinder engine. The motor turns 8.52bhp and 10.54Nm of torque. While the company has claimed the scooter can achieve a top speed of 85kmph we were able to push it over 90kmph. That being said the climb up to 80kmph is linear but quick. Post 80kmph the motor feels out of juice and takes a wee bit more time to get to 85kmph. 0-60kmph comes in rather quickly in about 8 seconds but it takes an additional 9 seconds to go from 60-80kmph. The engine has been mated to a V-Matic automatic transmission which ensures a very smooth and jerk free ride.
The variant of the Grazia which we were testing had a disc brake setup in the front. The 190mm disc gets a two piston caliper. Braking in the rear is facilitated by a 130mm drum brake. Honda has also incorporated their CBS (Combi Brake System) on the Grazia. Brakes on the Grazia are quite impressive. They not only get the job done well but also do so in a very sure footed manner thus inspiring more confidence while hard braking or panic braking situations. The braking time for the scooter from 80-0kmph is about 7 seconds.
The scooter rides on telescopic forks upfront and a spring loaded hydraulic type suspension in the rear. We felt the suspension has been tuned to be a bit stiff and rides well over pristine tarmac but one does get rattled over bad and broken roads. The suspension and tyre setup ensure adequate stability and grip. Honda has made sure the build quality and finish of the Grazia remain impeccable and the scooter's switch gear is no exception to this.
Verdict
Honda has really nailed it on the head with the Grazia. It comes in to a highly populated segment with most products offering the same features and is able to create a distinct space for itself. If you are tired of fitting in and really want to make a statement, the Grazia is one set of wheels you should definitely go and check out.