Yamaha Alpha

Yamaha developed Cygnus Alpha as a perfect family scooter. A healthy share of Indian Automobile market is managed by the Indian family concept. For many, owning a car or motorcycle usually related or attached with the family. This is the primary reason behind the concept of family car or now a family scooter in India. Yamaha is very focused about its scooter market, as they are the last two-wheeler manufacturer in the country to enter the automatic scooter segment. The introduction of a family scooter is a part of their expansion in the scooter industry.



The Way It Looks
Yamaha started their scooter revolution with Ray, which is said to be one of the best selling scooter model in the country. The Ray and Ray Z targets young boys and girls as the core design and styling elements are youth oriented. On the other hand Alpha is more mature looking scooter model with curves and ridges with typical scooter design. It uses conventional handlebar mounted headlamp and this enables the rider to have better visibility on taking turns. The Cygnus Alpha variant (updated version of original Alpha) features peppy graphics works along the body. It uses a dual-tone colour format upfront for the headlamp case and front covering panel. In this scooter we can find the presence of chrome here and there. Chrome plated rear view mirrors and a chrome beam bearing the Yamaha 3D emblem is placed at the nose of this scooter.



At the rear, low positioned tail light gives a well-rounded appearance to the scooter. The paint coated aluminium grab bar is easy to grip and hold on. The black coated, up-swept exhaust kit suits well with Alpha design and styling.

Features
Yamaha has used new trendy full digital instrument console in the Cygnus edition of Alpha. It is very informative and easy to read under all light conditions. The shape of the console is very attractive with edgy borders. It displays odometer, speedometer, fuel gauge and also tell-tale lights. One of the important utility feature, such as the 21-litre under seat storage space lives up to the all expectations of a family scooter. The 250mm wide, flat footboard in the foot placement area ensures spacious leg space and plenty of room to carry luggage. The convenient hook above the board also helps to attach carrying bags with ease.



The Engine
The Cygnus Alpha is powered by 113cc, single cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC engine, capable of delivering a maximum power of 7.2 Ps @ 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 8.1 Nm @ 5000 rpm. The engine can be started using electric push as well as kick start. The V-belt automatic transmission system transfers the power from engine to the wheels. The power delivery is smooth and it effortlessly takes the rider to higher power bands. This same powerplant is used in Ray scooters. Moreover, the engine is powered by Yamaha's own Blue Core Technology which ensures superior mileage and performance for the scooter. The BS24 carburettor with Throttle Positioning helps in good emission quality as well. The company claims a solid 66kmpl of mileage for the Alpha, under standard riding conditions.



Suspension and Braking
As it is a family scooter, Alpha has to keep the rider and passenger in maximum comfort and stable in rough and uneven tarmac. It uses telescopic forks at the front and unit swing suspension at the rear for smooth and convenient riding. The Cygnus version uses hydraulic single disc brakes at the front and conventional drum brakes at the rear wheels.

Verdict
In the current scenario, there aren't any scooter or a motorcycle tagged under family concept. Nowadays, people are more attracted towards the styling as well as the performance of the machines. For example; we can see an adult as well as a 21 year old girl riding one of the performance oriented scooter, Aprilia SR 150. Therefore, a scooter is used by people of all the age groups and the old Alpha was primarily based on more mature customers. But the recently introduced Cygnus Alpha gets new attractive skin with sport shades of Black and Cyan. The stylish Calligraphy designs gives a new urban looks to the scooter making it as a new age family scooter. The mechanical specifications of the Alpha is quiet similar to the Ray siblings and it is good enough for a 100cc scooter. The fit and finish of Yamaha motorcycles are renowned and we can find the signs of this in Cygnus Alpha.