Suzuki Avenis Road Test Review: More Than An NTorq Doppelganger

Comfort, convenience and cost – these are the three paramount features of what a scooter actually is. And that’s exactly my problem with the term ‘Sporty Scooters.’ The name itself seems paradoxical, doesn’t it? Why would one desire engaging performance in an easygoing mode of commute? And in the pursuit of performance, the ethos of a scooter is somewhat lost.

But perhaps not too many people share my sentiment, and the sales of the TVS NTorq 125 are a testament to that. So, when Suzuki decided to join the bandwagon with the Avenis, it wasn’t surprising. But with a market filled with options like the Aprilia SR 125 and Yamaha RayZR 125 Hybrid, is there a room for another sporty 125cc scooter? Let’s find out:

NTorq, Is That You?

Aggressive design, trendy features and youthful colours… yeah, all that is expected from a sporty scooter. But all of that doesn’t have to translate into a TVS NTorq 125 lookalike, right? From its apron-mounted headlight to the split grab rails, external fuel filler cap and the rear end, many elements of the Avenis have an uncanny resemblance to the TVS scooter.

That said, some bits have a bit of originality. For starters, the handlebar cowl has this weird mantis-like appearance, which seems tad overdone compared to the rest of the design. Then comes the split LED tail light setup (cos, copying the faux jet thrusters from the NTorq would have been a cheap jab?).

Now, another grouse with the Avenis is the design of the alloy wheels. Suzuki chose to have the same units from the Access 125 and the Burgman Street, which doesn’t gel well with the sporty appeal of the Avenis.

All that said, the Suzuki Avenis doesn’t disappoint in terms of fit and finish. Everything from the paint and the quality of plastic is amongst the best in this segment.

Loaded To The Gills…Almost

If you are targeting the Insta-savvy generation, you’ve got to have loads of features to lure them with. Does the Avenis have enough of them? Yes. The top-trim Race Edition we tested comes with a Bluetooth-enabled instrument console that packs phone alerts and navigation. Furthermore, there’s an open storage box at the front and a closed glove box with a USB charger to conveniently charge your phone on the go. It even comes with a side-stand engine cutoff.

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However, surprisingly, for a scooter that’s intended to go fast, the Avenis lacks a pass switch. Then there’s the way the fuel filler cap operates. While the multipurpose key switch can be used to open the seat, the fuel cap has to be opened from a separate keyhole mounted on the side. This keyhole’s position makes it difficult to operate it while seated, defeating the whole purpose of the convenience of an external fuel lid. Another missing bit is the underseat LED light, which is now equipped on most scooters.

Does It Go As Fast As It Looks?

Suzuki has used the same trusty 124cc engine we’ve loved on the Access and the Burgman Street. And with the sporty design, the engine finally feels at home. Yeah, the 8.7PS and 10Nm don’t make it as powerful as the NTorq 125 Race XP, but it tips the scales at 106kg, a whole 10kg lighter than the TVS scooter.

Wring the throttle and you’ll experience the urgency with which the Avenis darts off the corner. However, that lasts only till 40kmph. Post that, it continues to build momentum, but takes its own sweet time. That said, the refinement levels of the Avenis are unparalleled, even at high speeds. Only beyond 90kmph on the speedo, you’ll experience mild tingles on the floorboard, but that’s just nitpicking.

Interestingly, the frugal and easy-going nature of the engine makes the Avenis a fuel-efficient scooter. In fact, the numbers are pretty close to the Access 125’s, despite the 3kg extra heft the Avenis carries.

With a sporty scooter, you’d expect performance on tap. But that’s not the case with the Avenis. Though the roll-on performance is good, we would have loved it to be a tad quicker.

Nimble As A Deer

Overtaking may not seem like the strongest suit of the Avenis, but it makes up for it with its nimble handling. Its taut wheelbase of 1265mm, coupled with the 106kg kerb weight means you can cut your way through the traffic with the poise and composure of a ballerina. Some credit goes to its 12/10-inch wheel setup, which makes city riding a bliss.

However, once out of the urban jungle, things are a bit different. The wheel setup with the skinny rear tyre isn’t very confidence inspiring if you go apex hunting. Furthermore, you’ll have to be sure and plan your corners well in advance, since the long throttle action and relatively lazy power delivery doesn’t really leave room for mid-corner corrections.

Having the same suspension components from its siblings means the ride quality too is on par with them. The Avenis soaks up anything that you’d throw at it, and seems very composed. Is it the most comfortable 125cc sporty commuter? Only a comparison with the NTorq 125 can clear that.

Another aspect where the Avenis disappoints is braking. While it sheds speed with no drama, the lack of bite and feedback is something you wouldn’t expect from a scooter with sporty intentions.

Just An Access 125 In Sporty Clothing?

While it may appear so, the Avenis is far from its mature sibling when it comes to ergonomics. You continue to sit tall, but unlike the Access, the handlebar is tapered more towards the rider. Even the seat isn’t flat like the Access, but a stepped-unit. However, tall riders may feel a bit cramped because of the shape of the seat.

The Final Word

Coming back to my dilemma with the whole “Sporty/Performance Scooter” dilemma. Yes, the Suzuki Avenis is a sporty scooter, but has Suzuki compromised on the ethos of what a scooter is? Not really. The Avenis goes fast, yet it is quiet, composed and refined all throughout. It handles well but does that come at the cost of ride quality? Not at all. Though this Suzuki is comfortable doing everything, it doesn’t really tell you what it wants.

But that may not be a bad thing for most. The versatile nature of the Avenis makes it a perfect buy for a family. While the sporty looks, features and handling will appease the youngsters, older riders will like its supple ride quality, refinement and lightness.

There’s no denying that the Avenis is a pricey proposition, especially with the NTorq 125 Race XP, which packs more performance and features (and originality even), in the picture. But which of these two present a better case? Stay tuned.