The new Suzuki Access is here in an all-new avatar and presents itself as one of the cheapest BS-VI compliant scooters available in the Nepalese market at the moment. Times are tough, and a practical, value for money scooter might strike the right chord for many potential buyers. Furthermore, for anyone who’s looking for a scooter that isn’t going to break the bank, there are very few other boxes that need ticking. However, before breaking out the cheque books, why not check out what one of the most affordable BS-VI compliant scooters has to offer.

For more information on the pricing and specifications of the BS-VI Suzuki Access 125, visit this link

SIMPLE, BOXY, AND PRACTICAL FEATURES.

Much like its predecessor, the Suzuki Access remains a no-nonsense scooter. The design language has a certain maturity to it and fits into the old school image of scooters that we ‘not-so-young’ folks grew up with. The retro-styled headlights upfront give the Suzuki Access its boxy and robust look. We like the chrome around the headlights which, by the way, are bright LEDs. Indicators find their way onto either side of the front apron.

From the profile, you’ll notice that the Suzuki Access looks pretty long. This dimension facilitates one of the key selling points of the Access: comfort and space. The floorboard is long and has plenty of room for your legs and even your belongings, while the long comfy seat allows for an easy ride even with a pillion on board. The rear haunch rounds out nicely under the seat and integrates well into the tail. In terms of styling, you also get a prominent bodyline, a grab rail for the pillion, a chrome Access 125 badging and a chrome muffler cover.

The tail end gets a bulbous tail light and indicator unit. You will notice that the fuel filler cap now sits above the taillight instead of under the seat. This makes refueling stops less tedious. However, the filler cap isn’t remotely accessible so you’ll have to stick your keys in to pop it open.

In terms of features the Suzuki Access gets a few practical ones, let’s start with the storage spaces. Up front, you get a front pocket where you can store things that you might need quick access to, like a small water bottle. Right beside it you also get a convenient hook to hang your belongings and another securing point under the front of your seat for your luggage that would be on the floorboard.

Under-seat storage is also 21.8 liters, which is the segment-largest. Fitting in a full-size helmet wasn’t easy, but a half-face helmet fit well. The larger under-seat storage has cut down on the fuel capacity by 0.6 liters, bringing the total capacity to 5 liters.

The new digital meter is simple and readable with features like Oil Change Indicator and Dual Trip Meter which helps easily keep track of the distance between. trips and to measure the fuel efficiency. A neat element that comes with the new meter is the ‘eco assist illumination’ where the illumination around the speedo turns green to indicate fuel-efficient riding. The light goes from blue to green and back depending on the throttle position. Once you twist the throttle, the colour changes to blue and releasing it makes it turn green. The electric starter is also an interesting addition that offers a one-touch start for further convenience.

While there are plenty of important features on the Suzuki Access, there are noticeable cost cuts. For instance, the plastic quality on the console isn’t something to write home about. The overall design itself remains pretty pedestrian. Because the Access is available only in the standard variant, the rearview mirrors also come only on plastic (no chrome), and no USB socket either.

RIDES WELL AND FEELS ROBUST.

Powering the Suzuki Access is a 4 stroke, single-cylinder, 125cc BS-VI engine. Peak power of 8.6 BHP is reached at 6750rpm and peak torque of 10NM comes in at 5500rpm. Would it win many races? Probably not. And that’s ok because that isn’t what the Access was built to do. What it was built to do was get you around town, to your office, to the market, and on any errand that may come your way on a daily basis. And at that, the Suzuki Access excels.

Also, thanks to the BS-VI compliance, the Access gets a fuel-injection system that now makes the ride smoother and more refined with a better mid-range performance. The fuel injection system works to deliver optimum combustion efficiency in different riding conditions. It also helps with easy starts even in the harsh winters, so you might not be resorting to the kick start too often.

Throttle response is decent and you get off the mark quite briskly. The engine is capable of getting you around town, and it has enough grunt to do a satisfactory job on the highways. We also put the Suzuki Access to the test on the city’s steep gradients. Despite being burdened with the two biggest boys from our roster, the Suzuki Access was able to clamber up the inclines with ease. As mentioned earlier, riding with a pillion is also comfortable for both occupants. The suspension is also well-tuned to tackle the cumbersome roads of Nepal.

Regardless of the road conditions, we put it through, the Suzuki Access managed to keep its wits and soldier on without many complaints. It also gets a stable setup, making this scooter a balanced machine that inspires a confident ride. Braking duties are undertaken by a combination of disc brakes on the front and drums on the rear which works well in unison with the Combined Braking System. Overall, the ride quality felt refined and stable. The Suzuki Access feels like a well-built scooter, sturdy and capable of getting the job done.

VERDICT

We always liked Suzuki Access, it never tried to shy away from what it really was: a practical scooter that makes sense. It doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles; in fact, it has a confident composure that comes with being comfortable in your own skin. It has a modest design appeal that we think will age well. The features that it does get are practical in nature. You get enough space for storage, and it’s comfortable enough to travel around even with a pillion.

Now, that it has a BS-VI compliant engine, it is more refined and better for the environment. Furthermore, the Suzuki Access felt particularly sturdy and well built. It felt like it could stand the test of time. Considering the fact that Access has been around for over a decade, that wouldn’t be too absurd an assumption.

Basically, the Suzuki Access 125 is a scooter that gets the job done. If you’re in the market, looking for a scooter that has a plethora of features that you’ll rarely use or the design that will turn heads as you ride around, the Access isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for practicality and utility at a decent price range, then you’ve come to the right place.