Suzuki Access 125: The noise inside Mumbai’s exhibition grounds quietened down temporarily, and then was bursting with applause as Suzuki Motorcycle India took the wraps off its new look Access 125 scooter in the afternoon on Thursday.
Embracing its popularity among female riders the manufacturer not only introduced a refreshed model but a changed marketing strategy too with Ladkiyo ki pehli pasand, a resonating Hindi tagline (Girls’ first choice) which might change the dimension of the way TVS used to approach this intensive segment.
The through-the-line launch, which saw dealers, motoring journalists and social media personalities in attendance, was Suzuki’s sophisticated play for the increasing number of female riders coming through without losing a broader customer base.
Regional Head of Marketing, Ravi Deshmukh, insisted on this balance during the presentation, “The Access has always been about the blend of substance with style. We are finally recognizing what we’ve known all along based on sales data – women riders gravitate to this model like no other.”
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Suzuki Access 125 Shandar Design Evolution
The minute the reflector lights fell on the second-gen Access 125, “shandar” (magnificent) seemed like just the right word. “The design team has created a visual identity that is modern while still being undeniably Access.
The body panels (cowl and side panels) now have more aggressive lines with lines more extreme than the character lines of the apron determine a more dynamic visual signature.
The scooter’s eye-catching from every angle thanks to its available six colorways, which in addition to the vibrant Majestic Burgundy and Pearl Glacier White, also includes a new Metallic Sonic Silver that has a subtle shade of blue and transforms in every lighting condition.
Nicely judged chrome touches to the headlamp surrounds, mirrors and side panel trims add a feelgood factor without getting too bling.
It’s up front where the biggest changes can be seen, though, thanks to new LED headlights with unique position lights framing the main lamp.
The business end is less disruptive, with neater rear grab rails which do not interfere with the lines of the Panigale rather than causing a disruption by creating bulges.
Practical Refinements
Suzuki Access 125 Apart from esthetic revisions, Suzuki has attended to a great deal of practical details that have benefited from owner feedback. The seat is all-new, with a flatter profile and increased padding (made with dual-density foam) that the company says will better support your butt on long hauls. The accessible seat height of 780mm suits a wide range of riders.
The underseat cavity is also up to 22 liters – enough for a full-face helmet alongside some personal items. There is a USB charging port in the front pocket with the charger cable in the pocket.
Attention to ergonomics is incredibly thoughtful too with the floorboard also being slightly wider and managing to fit larger feet well. A handlebar position has also been adjusted to ease wrist strain during city riding and the mirrors provide better rearward visibility and less buzz.
Feature-Rich Package
Realizing the demands of its audience, Suzuki has loaded the Access 125 with a number of contemporary features. Its all-digital instrument cluster offers an array of information including real time fuel efficiency, trip meters and service reminder indicators.
Upper trims add Bluetooth connectivity that syncs with Suzuki’s Ride Connect app for turn-by-turn directions, call notifications and ride tracking.
The keyless ignition system on the premium model further provides convenient, as well as secure, operation, complemented by a side-stand engine cut-off feature. The strobes also incorporate LED lighting throughout for better visibility and reduced power consumption.
Performance Enhancements
Suzuki Access 125 While underneath its significantly refreshed exterior, the new Access 125 houses the same, reliable 124cc single-cylinder that is friendly for anyone who wishes for an affordable to run, easy to live with scooter.
The air-cooled engine develops 8.7hp of power and 10Nm of torque – numbers that will help the Kavaki offer brisk and city friendly acceleration without gulping fuel.
The engine mapping has also been retuned for improved refinement at low speeds, eliminating the minor hesittation some riders felt in the past.
The CVT is where the money is, providing uninterrupted pull, and none of the hunting that can afflict the transmissions of some competitors.
Fuel consumption – a key concern for city dwelling riders – is improved to around 57 kilometers per liter (under Japan’s testing standards), making it one of the segment’s most economical rides.
Riding Dynamics
The new updated Access 125 carries forward the same well-balanced wheel size, both the front and rear wheel is a 12-inch and 10-inch respectively, so it is quite stable without compromising the compact handling in narrow city situations.
The trademark telescopic front suspension has revised damping rates, which soak up road irregularities without adding vagueness in the steering response.
Braking is where the bike gets a decent update, as it comes with optional disc brake on the front and combi-braking system option too which applies both brakes through an application of the rear brake – an excellent feature for new and novice riders in unpredictable traffic conditions.
Suzuki Access 125 Market Positioning
Find out more- Access 125 The Access 125 is a premium offering in the fiercely contested 125cc scooter segment and is priced between ₹77,500 for the base variant and goes up to ₹95,000 for the top-spec Special Edition (ex-showroom).
It’s not the cheapest way into the category, but the price is in line with the bike’s all-encompassing features, performance while not inexpensive, and it carries all the reliability credentials associated with the Suzuki brand.
Industry observers feel that the “Ladkiyo ki pehli pasand” positioning is an astute strategy, which not only poises Aashirwad for changing market trends, but also can open up different demographic slices.
Initial dealer feedback indicates a high level of interest, particularly in the urban markets the stylish, feature-rich and efficient new scooter will cater to.
After all, when it comes to urban mobility in the post-COVID world, the new Access is a well balanced proposition in terms of style, practicality and performance – something that might help Suzuki make a stronger impression in this cut-throat segment among customers who want more out of their two-wheeler than just a means of getting from point A to point B.
