Suzuki Access 125 (Old Model)

Alongside the Honda Activa, the Suzuki Access 125 is probably the top-selling two-wheeler automatic scooter in the Indian market. With its tagline “Access for all your wishes”, the Suzuki Access claims to fulfill the needs of the young driver who wants to get from A to B as quickly and conveniently as possible.

Design and Style

Unfortunately, the scooter’s design is not one of its strong points. While there are no outstanding negatives, it’s a distinctly underwhelming look. The front view is smart enough, with eye-shaped front turn indicators, but the body panels, painted in the body color, have no distinctive shape, and the rear-view mirrors and rear grab rail, both painted in grey scale, look rather dowdy and subtract from the overall look of the bike. The front turn indicators are slightly oversized and look a little strange, out of proportion with the bike’s body. The rest of the motorcycle’s body, including the side faring, is painted in the body color – this may appeal to some, but it lacks the subtlety of designs like that of the Honda Activa. Nevertheless, all of the fixtures and fittings are present, and they work adequately, although the overall build quality of the bike is not up to Suzuki’s usual high standard. The bike’s headlamp is of a good quality, with a strong and capable bulb, but it seems to have a short life.

Instrument Console

The instrument panel of the Suzuki Access fulfills its purpose but doesn’t bring anything to the table in terms of design or usability. It features analogue instruments for the speedometer and fuel gauge, both of which are relatively clear and visible, even in low light.

Engine and Gearbox

The bike features a 124cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled OHC engine with a maximum power output of 8.58 Bhp at 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 9.8 Nm at 5000 rpm, including CV (Continuous Variable) transmission. It’s certainly a solid and capable engine for a bike of this size, with plenty of power.

Acceleration and Top Speed

The scooter’s power is evident as soon as you kick off from the curb, using either the kick or self-start options. The acceleration is truly impressive, bolting from 0 to 60 in an eye-watering 6.56 seconds. It boasts an excellent top speed of 92 kmph, which will be very appealing to highway drivers who want a fast and efficient ride. Its pick-up is excellent, even in comparison to the nippy Honda Activa, and what’s more, it’s a quiet ride.

Mileage

Suzuki claims that the bike offers an average fuel consumption of 42.6 kilometres per litre for city driving and 51 kilometres per litre on open highways. In test drives, the bike has been found to have a mileage of about 42 kilometres per litre, which is disappointing. The capacity of the bike’s fuel tank is 6.4 litres.

Comfort While Driving

The seat of the Suzuki Access is wider and longer than that of many competitor models, which adds up to a more comfortable and spacious riding experience. The upright seat supports the spine well, preventing fatigue during long rides, and the pillion rider will benefit from well-positioned foot pegs and a footrest. On the whole, it’s a well thought out effort, and riders will find the bike comfortable on long and short drives.

Safety Features

The Suzuki Access features a special shutter mechanism revolving around one control point, intended to minimize the chance of theft.

Storage Space

The Access offers a good amount of storage space – more than 20 litres beneath the seat, enough to stow a helmet or a bag.

Suspension and Brakes

Suzuki Access comes equipped with telescopic, coil-sprung, oil-damped suspension at the front, and swing arm type, coil-sprung, oil-damped suspension at the rear of the vehicle. This places it equal with competitors. In practice, the suspension performs very well, regardless of road surface. On even roads, the ride is smooth and vibration-free; on more bumpy terrain, it is very capable in absorbing shocks and bumps, and preventing unwanted feedback to the rider via the handlebars.

The bike features 120mm drum type brakes at the front and the rear. It’s unfortunate that Suzuki didn’t opt for more capable disc-type brakes, given the power of the bike’s engine but the drum types are acceptable, offering a stable and controlled braking system that is responsive. The stopping distance is slightly longer than is desirable, but at least the bike’s larger wheelbase and wider tyres restore some control to the scooter and reduce the probability of skidding.

Ride and Handling

Suzuki Access 125 offers a responsive and stable ride. It is capable of a tight turning circle and copes well with corners, staying well balanced even when leaning. Even at top speed there is very little vibration or feedback, and the suspension handles varying road surfaces without difficulty.

Tyre Size

The bike’s tyres, front and rear, are 90/100-10 size, a medium-sized fit that is appropriate for a bike of this type.

Shades

Determined to provide the sort of choice available to buyers of its nearest rivals, Suzuki has made the Access available in five vivid shades: Pearl Mirage White, Metallic Flint Grey, Metallic Sonic Silver, Candy Antares Red and Glass Sparkle Black.

Variants

The Access is available in a single standard model.

Accessories on Offer

The Access comes with a few nice accessories included as standard, including body-colored grips, an inner mat, leg-shield bending, front fender bending and a front box for additional storage. Seat covers and other accessories must be purchased separately.

Reasons to Buy and Value for Money

Suzuki Access 125 offers a powerful engine with great pick-up and good top speeds, as well as ample storage and some useful additional extras and special touches. The Access 125 is priced higher than many of its competitors, and many customers may feel that this isn’t warranted, given that the build quality is poor.

Verdict

Powerful and capable, the Suzuki Access nevertheless suffers from an uninspired design and some quality issues. For a casual driver, it’s a worthy buy; but beware that it may not last as long as you’d want it to.

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