Yamaha Fascino: Should You Buy It or Not?

Introduction

The Yamaha Fascino 125 has been a popular option for many scooter enthusiasts. However, a closer look at its performance reveals both pros and cons. My personal experience with the Fascino over the last 10 months provides valuable insights that might help you make an informed decision. In this article, I will delve into the reasons why you might want to buy the Fascino, as well as the reasons to avoid it.

Why to Buy the Yamaha Fascino

Design

The design of the Yamaha Fascino is nothing short of mesmerizing. With its neo-retro look, it stands out from the crowd. Its unique appearance may appeal to those who want a scooter that looks different. While it may not be the most appealing scooter for every individual, its distinct aesthetics make it a popular choice among buyer.

Handling

Based on my experience, the Fascino handles exceptionally well. It is easy to maneuver in traffic and even with a pillion rider. This makes it a suitable choice for urban commuters who need a scooter that is both efficient and agile.

Space and Practicality

The underseat storage is significantly larger than in other scooters, offering more room to store your belongings. Additionally, the small cubbyhole in front provides extra convenience for keeping small items like a mobile phone or cleaning gear for your scooter. These features add to the scooter's practicality.

Weight

The Fascino weighs 103 kg. While this is a disadvantage on highways, it makes the scooter much easier to handle in city driving. The low weight allows for easier parking in tight spaces and quicker acceleration.

Headlight

The headlight in the Fascino is among the best in its class. It spreads light evenly in all directions, providing better visibility, especially in low-light conditions.

Brakes

Despite having drum brakes, the Fascino stops the scooter effectively. This is a plus considering the cost and performance trade-off.

Why Not to Buy the Yamaha Fascino

Mileage

One of the cons of the Fascino is its low mileage. My scooter has a claimed mileage of 66 kmpl, but I am only getting around 40 km per liter. This is significantly lower than what I expected.

Suspension and Comfort

The suspension is on the stiffer side, which can be uncomfortable on city roads. While the stiffer suspension improves highway dynamics, it can lead to a bumpy ride in the city. The comfort is a notable downside for daily commuting.

Engine Noise and Exhaust

The engine noise is louder than other scooter models in its class. The exhaust performance is also average, not meeting the expectations set by its competitors such as the Jupiter.

Weight and Stability

While the light weight is advantageous in city riding, it can be a disadvantage on highways. The low weight makes the scooter more susceptible to swaying at high speeds, which can be a safety concern.

Instrument Cluster

The simple instrument cluster is both a pro and a con. It is manual and lacks some of the advanced features found in other models, which can be a drawback for tech-savvy users.

After Sales Service and Spare Parts

Yamaha's after-sales service lags behind its competitors such as Honda, Hero, and TVS when it comes to availability of spare parts and timely service. This can lead to extended downtimes, which is frustrating for scooter owners.

Verdict

While I am satisfied with my 2016 model Fascino, which was a differentiator among my peers, the current market presents a more compelling option in the Jupiter. Considering the overall value for money, the Jupiter is a better choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient scooter.

Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out!