Two wheelers are the preferred mode of transport all over the world; their ease of access on the streets as well as on the pavements means you get to your destination in the desired time. We don’t venture into the two-wheeled world of travel very often here at AC, but this is worth a mention. ZNEN, a premium Chinese brand specialising on the design and manufacture of two wheelers are back and they are filling the streets with their new 2015 model RX150 scooters. They might be through with the design, manufacturing and shipping part but now It’s time to put the ZNEN RX150 under the microscope.
Design
The most obvious thing pointedly staring back when you look at the bike are its headlights. ZNEN has opted for dual headlights cramped salaciously side by side. This bold design change gives the scooter a kind of googly eyed effect – whether you like it or not is left to your discretion. The dual tone body colour makes it all the more interesting, the one we tested had the powder blue intermingled with black which made the scooter look very funk and aggressive at the same time. The RX150 looks nothing like anything ZNEN have worked on before, completely revamped and differing significantly from any of its siblings, it features the fuel tank cap on a slant right in the seat. While this gives it a fresh new look, it might make for some uncomfortable riding.
Performance and Handling
Contradicting the name itself, the RX150 features a 125CC, four-stroke single cylinder engine, churning out over 16BHP, quite significant for a scooter. The power peaks at 8500RPM, however, the highest torque has been measured to be 11.8Nm at 5500RPM. With the substantial power output pushing the scooter to a top speed of 110 Km/h, fuel efficiency is quite diminutive. ZNEN claims a yield of 45Km per litre but in practice the mileage on the 110Kg scooter will be significantly lower. However, there is more to the RX150 than it meets the eye; the transmission box on the RX150 is automatic. Yes, you heard right! It has an automatic transmission, which means you won't be mauled by the constant gear changes in heavy traffic.
Technology
The RX150 comes with Capacitor Discharge Ignition technology meaning the days of turning the key in the ignition and holding it on are now over. The scooter can be stated off electrically or with a pump action kick if you are feeling old school. Sprouting front and rear disk brakes and heavy duty dual suspension at the rear, the RX150 handles the city’s ditches and pot holes quite well. The 120/70 tires on the front and the 130/70 at the rear, both 12 inch in diameter, makes the scooter quite stable and enjoyable to ride on.
The RX150 is something out of the ordinary, directed at a large consumer group. The youth can enjoy the funky colour and the thrill of the high power while the seasoned consumers will find peace in the simplicity and practicality of the scooter. The styling of the RX150 is definitely unique; the protruding dual head lamps might put off some people but it’s classic style definitely adds flavour. ZNEN made no compromise on the performance of the vehicle and it is an excellent means of travel, ideal for day to day commute.
Available at:
Znen Motors 250 Tejkunipara, Bijoy Sharoni Circle Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215 Phone: 9126671,9126672
Price: Tk 1.35 Lacs