[DriverNo.420]

Originally Posted by jithin23

Can't agree more on the prices. A Bajaj Pulsar 220 is 1.7L on road Bangalore and 200NS is 1.8L on road Bangalore. 2 wheelers are slowly getting out of reach for common folk and still people are silent about this silent killer- price hike

This. Not long ago we could get a Dominar 400 at that kind of money. Even the quintessential Indian bike, the splendor is now 65,000 rupees on-road. 3 years back it used to cost 45,000 or something. But still, the demand of two wheelers is an all time high in our country.

Similarly with cars. In 2014 XUV500 W6 was costing 13L on road Bangalore and the same car and the same variant(known as W7 now) costs nearly 18L on road today. You'll be shocked the way prices for Swift have increased. 10L on road today for Zxi+

At 13 lakhs you now get underequipped variants of compact SUVs like Seltos and Creta. And Swift for 10 lakh rupees? Suzuki is just fleecing the higher variant buyers. I wouldn't buy it in my wildest dreams! Would rather get a Polo TSI or the Ecosport diesel base variant.

Oh yeah, Family traits need to be passed on and Suzuki is a master at that!

Yes, Lol. But unlike their shabbily built cars, the Suzuki two wheelers rock in the build quality department.

[catchjyoti]

Congratulations on your Access! I have an older generation (2015) Access and can vouch for the pickup and spacious seat and under seat storage of the scooter. What was lacking in that generation was that the brakes where not very inspiring. I believe it has become better in the current generation. Also in my generation the luggage hook at the front was at a very low height which did not work out well for many packages. I believe that has also become better in the current generation.

[jithin23]

Originally Posted by DriverNo.420

Would rather get a Polo TSI or the Ecosport diesel base variant.


Yes, Lol. But unlike their shabbily built cars, the Suzuki two wheelers rock in the build quality department.

I got my EcoSport Titanium diesel for 11.7L in 2018. In other states, the same variant hovers between 11-12L even today.
At least the overall quality on Suzuki bikes is a saving grace!

Originally Posted by catchjyoti

Congratulations on your Access! I have an older generation (2015) Access and can vouch for the pickup and spacious seat and under seat storage of the scooter. What was lacking in that generation was that the brakes where not very inspiring. I believe it has become better in the current generation. Also in my generation the luggage hook at the front was at a very low height which did not work out well for many packages. I believe that has also become better in the current generation.

Thanks! Now Suzuki has addressed the hook height one is kept high and the other one is low so that both types of users are happy. I liked the bottle holder part as I find it very useful. Brakes with front disc are pretty sharp. No question on the pickup. It zips through traffic in a flash.

[jithin23]

1800 km update:

Usually most of my vehicles cross kms faster and get services more often but with Zippy, it's been the opposite. Due to more no.of months/days, I had to give it for servicing.

Run in period for zippy has been completed and name I've kept for this machine is apt because it just zips past traffic like a knife slicing hot butter!

The upside is that I've been getting a constant FE of 44+ despite riding enthusiastically and the service cost is 300 Rs for free service and 650 for paid service. Quite reasonable for a scooter given that my previous activate used to cost 2k minimum for a service.

[zadoom]

Originally Posted by jithin23

1800 km update:
.

Hi Jithin,

My wife is looking to buy a scooter as well and the current shortlist is Activa 125 Disc and Suzuki Access 125 SE. She used to drive an Activa till about 12 years back when she moved completely away from scooters and now wants to invest in one. Currently Access is making more sense than Activa, a bit cheaper, better features, a bit lighter and most importantly available much quicker than the Activa.
However being used to an Activa, she's getting drawn to it again since you can't go wrong with an Activa.
The only stumbling block currently is the couple of reviews she read about service issues and maintenance cost of the Access and that's where I would appreciate some inputs from you especially since you have spent more than a year with it and have the exact same spec that we have shortlisted.
Would really appreciate if you could throw some light on if you have faced any major issues during this time, issues faced with the ASS, service costs and time issues.

Thanks a lot for your inputs in advance,

Cheers,
Mayank

[Aviator_guy]

Originally Posted by jithin23

A small glitch though, despite the dealer handling the RTO procedures, I had to personally go to the RTO office twice to get my vehicle number as the dealer does not handle KA-03 Registration often. Needed to follow up with the dealer as well as to why I didn't receive an SMS of the number. I got the road tax receipt the next day after delivery.

Congratulations on your new scooter


I have got all my vehicles registered (and also got my DL renewal) at KA03. I somehow have a liking to this RTO and found it easy to deal with. I am on the lookout of a new scooter and want to register at same RTO. However, similar to your experience, all dealers (Suzuki, Honda, TVS) I spoke to mentioned that they don't do KA03 registration. One of them mentioned that if I insist then I might have to personally follow up with RTO if any paperwork or RC delivery is stuck.

Never had any such issues in the past with my cars registration/RC transfer, DL processing etc. so wondering if there is any issue at this RTO for 2w registration that no dealer wants to deal with it.

Can someone share any insights about what's going on with the RTO? Or is it just the dealer preference (although I was surprised to hear same feedback from all the dealers I spoke to, hence I'm intrigued).

[jithin23]

Originally Posted by zadoom

Hi Jithin,

My wife is looking to buy a scooter as well and the current shortlist is Activa 125 Disc and Suzuki Access 125 SE. She
Would really appreciate if you could throw some light on if you have faced any major issues during this time, issues faced with the ASS, service costs and time issues.

Thanks a lot for your inputs in advance,

Cheers,
Mayank

Hey Mayank,

We've had 2 Activas earlier and I can say that access is way more affordable in terms of service cost( about 1000-1500) per service. So far the feedback and follow ups from Suzuki have been very good and they do give reminders as well for services due and a feedback call post every service. You can go for the access 125 without a doubt.

Apologies for the late reply as I hardly am active in Team bhp these days.

Originally Posted by Aviator_guy

Congratulations on your new scooter


I have got all my vehicles registered (and also got my DL renewal) at KA03. I somehow have a liking to this RTO and found it easy to deal with. I am on the lookout of a new scooter and want to register at same RTO. However, similar to your experience, all dealers (Suzuki, Honda, TVS) I spoke to mentioned that they don't do KA03 registration. One of them mentioned that if I insist then I might have to personally follow up with RTO if any paperwork or RC delivery is stuck.

Never had any such issues in the past with my car and DL processing so wondering if there is any issue at this RTO for 2w registration that no dealer wants to deal with it.

Can someone share any insights about what's going on with the RTO? Or is it just the dealer preference (although I was surprised to hear same feedback from all the dealers I spoke to). Why won't they prefer this RTO?

Almost all dealers frown upon getting KA03 as the main reason for dealers to stick with other RTOs are their commission cut which KA03 hardly gives. It's one of the most transparent RTOs in town and yes, for the RC card, I had to follow up a couple of times to get the vehicle number and to get the RC card. Hope this answers your query.

[Aviator_guy]

Originally Posted by jithin23

Almost all dealers frown upon getting KA03 as the main reason for dealers to stick with other RTOs are their commission cut which KA03 hardly gives. It's one of the most transparent RTOs in town and yes, for the RC card, I had to follow up a couple of times to get the vehicle number and to get the RC card. Hope this answers your query.

Thanks for clarifying. I have done 4 car registration at this RTO in the past through various dealers and never got any push back or negative comments from them. Paperwork were super smooth and RC delivered promptly on all occasions. I believe commission for 4w would be much more than a 2w then why only 2w dealers are so reluctant

Based on your experience, looks like I should be ready to follow up with the RTO, should anything go wrong!

[m8002?]

I am also finalizing between the Jupiter and Access 125 for my wife. Mainly for school runs and local grocery shopping.

Jupiter doesnt have the smoothness of access but the larger boot( to place helmets)and front fuel options are really attractive.

Also, how important is a disc brake for this kind of usage. The vehicle will run around 100kms every month.

[Aviator_guy]

Originally Posted by m8002?

I am also finalizing between the Jupiter and Access 125 for my wife. Mainly for school runs and local grocery shopping.

Jupiter doesnt have the smoothness of access but the larger boot( to place helmets)and front fuel options are really attractive.

Also, how important is a disc brake for this kind of usage. The vehicle will run around 100kms every month.

Disc brakes are overkill for this type of usage and scooter size (power). I went for drum brakes and no complaints whatsoever. Combi braking does its job well.

Between Jupiter and Access - you are right, access is more refined, build quality is much better and long lasting. Unless you need the bigger boot of Jupiter for keeping helmets or groceries, I'd say Access is better in long term.
Front fueling options sounds better on Jupiter but given low running, fuel filling won't be so frequent. Also long term reliability of this front filling set up along with the fuel tank placed below the footrest is unknown. Hence fueling options between the Access and Jupiter should not be such a deal breaker when refueling is only going to happen once or twice in a month.

I went with Access for the above reasons and pretty happy with my decision.

[jithin23]

Mid life updates on Zippy

Its almost been 4 years since zippy came home and during this timeframe zippy has crossed about 30,000kms and the service has been as usual except for changing the throttle body twice(once under warranty and once at my own cost). The reason for this throttle body change is that the scooter suddenly switches off when the speed is <20kmph and throttle position is at zero(not accelerating at all). This was a major cause of concern for me as my dad uses the scooter on a daily basis and I didn't want any incident to occur. So we went to Suzuki service center which is hardly a km from my place and we got them fixed. After thr throttle body was changed for the second time. Zippy feels more lively to ride and the engine still has the grunt.

Service costs have constantly been within 1000-1300 Rs and I think it's reasonable for a scooter given the inflation rates. Fuel economy wise I'm still getting 45-50 kmpl which is pretty good for a scooter.

My eyes were on the connect edition when I picked the scooter in 2021, however it was not available in the color I picked(Greenish Blue) but had disc brake and black alloys which I wanted. I was ready to pay a premium back then too for the DRL and speedo but suzuki staff were unwilling to do so.

However, me being me and the amount of tinkering I've done on my Fords, I wanted my scooter to be OEM+ as well. My parents asked me one question, when will you stop this obsession of OEM+ and mods and you're crazy. I replied I don't know . So I went ahead and soured a digital speedometer from the access connect edition from a scrapyard in Shivajinagar and OEM LED DRLs from a spare parts shop(balaji automobiles, jewellers street, Bangalore).
Plus, I added a high beam pass swtich sourced from the Jupiter 110 and got the pass switch wiring done at an auto electrical shop near Empire Kamanhalli.

The pass switch. Such simple things enhance the ownership experience.


I might not be able to post the removal and refitment pics as I did a DIY, however I'll share the steps and parts required.

My Scooter being stock for one last time


Tools required : One tester and one size 10 T-spanner(required for the removal of the indicator assembly)

1.Digital Speedometer

My Access had a speedometer which is part analogue and the fuel guage/trip meter in digital. I wanted to get the fully digital meter as it has Bluetooth Navigation, time displayed separately as well as an engine temperature bar. These features are a step up from my earlier meter and I went scouting for one. For my luck the scrap guy had a functional meter and a matching bezel which I paid about 4.5k together. I paid another 600 to recalibrate the odo as per my original reading as my vehicle is still under warranty. Please remember to recalibrate the odo reading before you install the new speedo because the entire headlight assembly has to be removed again to recalibrate the meter if you fit the meter directly.

Part compatibily: It is definitely compatible for all versions of the BS6 access. However the Bs4 ones(from 2016-20 too have the same connector for the speedo) and can be used(not 100% sure though).

Steps:

1.Source the speedometer from any source. Part number : 3410002L1100. A brand new one might cost between 5-6k depending on the spare parts dealer and area. I tried searching for this meter, not many have it in stock though. Suzuki service guys deny to sell this part as I had a lower variant with analog speedo. Unfortunately, I do not have the part number for the speedo frame assembly(the beige part which covers the handle bar)

Note: Do not swap the meter with an Avenis or Burgman/Gixxer or Vstrom 250 as the bottom stalk for the speedo assembly is
almost perpendicular for access and flat for the rest of the Suzuki vehicles



Meter board looks interesting



2. Remove the screws beside the meter and one below the headlight(not the bolt which is used for leveling the headlight). Also remove the side mirrors so that it'll be easy to open the panel.

3. Remove the 3 screws from behind the speedo in which the meter sits on the plastic frame

The one below is the correct frame for the Digital speedo


The stock frame for analog is not a match for the digital one


4. Disconnect the meter coupler and remove the meter

5. Remove all the switches from the existing plastic frame which holds the speedo

6. Fit the new speedo in the new plastic frame(it is rectangular for the digital speedo variants).

7. Repeat steps 1-4 in reverse order.

Voila, Zippy is now in OEM+Spec.


A quick know how on the speedo: The speedo is legible under direct sunlight and the data displayed is informative, such as a time on the top left corner(syncs up with the same time as your phone once you pair it with Bluetooth), map direction using mapmyindia via Suzuki ride connect app(available on android and ios), top right corner has the engine temperature guage and fuel guage in the middle. The speedo digits occupy most of the real estate. The trip meter, fuel level are synced to the app.

Just sync with this bluetooth name on the speedo. Steps are well-defined as soon as you open the app for the first time.


However, I feel Suzuki could have integrated Google maps on its app rather than mapmyindia. Rest of it is good and I miss the km/l tab whereas the vstrom 250 gets it.

This integration is much better than the additional stand which people use and I like a clean look on all my steeds.



2. OEM DRL swap from the Connect edition

I tried searching across Banaswadi and Kamanhalli for the LED DRL (comes as a whole assembly with the indicator bulb) and everyone had only one side I stock. I wanted both so I went to Balaji Automobiles in Jeweller's Street and picked up a pair for 2.5k. Though expensive, I felt it is better than the halogen pilot lamps as the LH HALOGEN bulb keep failing and I have to open the front panel multiple times. So I thought I can do this as well and I bought them with a risk of not knowing if it will work or not(from ford's I learnt that wiring can vary for diff variants and the same might be the case with scooters too) but my gut feeling was right that wiring will be the same for all variants.

Steps to swap the Indicator assembly(applicable for both sides and can be used in the access post 2016 models I believe.)

Part no:
RH: 35601-02L00-000
LH: 35602-02L00-000

1. Unscrew the center front cover by removing two screws below the handle bar.

2. Unscrew the front side panels too in order to access the self tapping screw for the indicator assembly.

3. Remove the top screw and bottom screw on the indicator assembly.

4. Remove the size 10 bolt in order to loosen the assembly.

5. Pull the indicator assembly towards you so that the small black self-tapping screw is out and you can access the assembly. The assembly will come out once you try pulling it with medium force.

6.Replace the indicator assembly by removing the 3 pin connector and install the new DRL assembly.

Completed successfully and looks more premium


7. Repeat steps 1-4 in reverse.

Attaching all pics randomly for the DRL swap

Old vs New


The DRL is much better than the halogen one


DRL part number. Priced reasonably.




Finally DRL too is done and Zippy is in an OEM+ spec which Suzuki should have standardised for all colors. All the matte colors get the DRL and Digital speedo.



Only one more mod is missing, to have a yoke on the LH brake lever in order to hold the scooter on inclines which TVS and Honda provides.

I hope this thread is helpful for other who want to experiment or upgrade your scooter too.

[Burgman_tales]

Originally Posted by jithin23

However, I feel Suzuki could have integrated Google maps on its app rather than mapmyindia. .

I have the Burgman with bluetooth and mapmyindia has been an absolutely pathetic experience for me. Routes have been mostly completely wrong, many places don't exist on it to even search.

I have written down my problems here:

https://www.team-bhp.com/news/unplea...suzuki-burgman

[MatteBlack]

Originally Posted by Burgman_tales

I have the Burgman with bluetooth and mapmyindia has been an absolutely pathetic experience for me. Routes have been mostly completely wrong, many places don't exist on it to even search.

I have written down my problems here:

https://www.team-bhp.com/news/unplea...suzuki-burgman

It's pretty much the same story TVS Connect aswell. Absolutely pathetic maps/navigation experience.

I wish there was a way to replace the MMI maps with Google Maps.

[TurboDocRx]

Originally Posted by jithin23

1.Source the speedometer from any source. Part number : 3410002L1100. A brand new one might cost between 5-6k depending on the spare parts dealer and area. I tried searching for this meter, not many have it in stock though. Suzuki service guys deny to sell this part as I had a lower variant with analog speedo. Unfortunately, I do not have the part number for the speedo frame assembly(the beige part which covers the handle bar)

Wouldn't the odometer usually be reset to zero when the meter console is replaced? It shows 30,000kms in your digital meter after replacement. How did you make that happen?

[jithin23]

Originally Posted by Burgman_tales

I have the Burgman with bluetooth and mapmyindia has been an absolutely pathetic experience for me. Routes have been mostly completely wrong, many places don't exist on it to even search.

I have written down my problems here:

https://www.team-bhp.com/news/unplea...suzuki-burgman

Hi Burgman tales. Yes, after using the app I realised that there's a lot of room for improvement when we connect it to the vehicle's meter. If we can tag the app developers and Suzuki management, I think we can get this sorted. Suzuki service center folks are of no use and I've read your story as well. It's annoying when OEMs cannot fix something as simple as this.

Originally Posted by MatteBlack

It's pretty much the same story TVS Connect aswell. Absolutely pathetic maps/navigation experience.

I wish there was a way to replace the MMI maps with Google Maps.

Hi MatteBlack, I think its the case with all scooter OEMs then. They just do it for marketing gimmicks and do not act on consumer complaints. I think we can follow the same method I mentioned just now to Burgman takes. Then we can take it to the consumer court if nothing else works.

Yes, Google maps has far better integration than any OEM maps the once including in cars.

Originally Posted by TurboDocRx

Wouldn't the odometer usually be reset to zero when the meter console is replaced? It shows 30,000kms in your digital meter after replacement. How did you make that happen?

Yes, the odo was at zero and before installing the meter in my scooter, I got the meter odo corrected at a local meter shop by paying 500Rs.