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Posted on: Jul 05 2007

KINETIC KINE 
 
Designed for women on the move, the new Kinetic Kiné is a reborn Zing 80 with the existing frills and some goodies too.

KINETIC ENGINEERING'S Zing 80 was a forerunner of sorts with many an ingenious woman-friendly feature. But now with new competition, the Zing 80 has just received a makeover and a new name too — Kine.

While the insides remain unchanged, the outside sports dynamic three-tone shades. Striking decals cover the petite runabout from head to tail, there’s a slim headlight with improved beam quality and the instruments are colourful and bright, but lack a fuel gauge. Switchgear is fair, with push-to-cancel indicators and a kill-switch at hand. Asymmetrical grips could be better kit, though a lever-mounted choke is a nice Kiné touch.

What’s needed is a rear brake-lock clip that would improve convenience levels. Panels are plastic, with a rubber floor-mat atop a flat and storage-friendly floorboard. There is a drink holder in the front apron with no glove storage present. Under the seat though lies a massive bin, and some further goodies in the form of a mobile holder and charging point. However, overall fit and finish and build quality still leave a lot to desire.

The Kiné’s narrow seat suits the young and petite. The rear end has a swooping alloy grab-bar, while a large brake-light flashes out its warning. Kinetic has not been stingy, seen in the smart three-spoke alloy wheels and puncture-proof tyres.

Power is courtesy the Zing 80’s rorty two-stroke engine. An optimized variator train and light weight ensure the Kiné is reasonably fleet-footed almost anywhere in its power-band. And a catalytic-converter helps this two-stroke pass ever-tightening Indian emission norms.

Performance is spot-on with 60kph going past in a bracing 11.83 seconds. The Kine races to a respectable top speed of 71kph and, like most two-strokes, offers lightning throttle response. It will never knock or ping, and is among the smoothest scooters available in today’s marketplace.

The Zing 80, which we tested in August 2004, had poor and overtly firm ride quality. The Kiné retains the same behaviour. The handlebars interfere with the rider's knees, which can make slow-speed turning a nuisance. What helps is the ultra light weight reflected in effortless low-speed handling. Straight-line stability is fine and the Kiné is well balanced. And the Kiné’s 110mm drum brakes are reassuringly good. Mileage figures are sparkling too, with our last year’s Zing 80 test returning a dependable 47kpl in the city and 49.3kpl on the highway.

The Kine is a trifling better than the Zing 80, but it’s surely not the best Indian scooter. With lower and more attractive pricing, it does make more practical sense, but it’s only a matter of time before Kinétic Engineering launches its sizzling Italjet range. Those are scooters we would rather sit up nights waiting for.
Source: indiabike.com