Buzz
Yamaha Grande is a popular scooter model well-liked by many consumers, especially women. In 2019, Yamaha added the Grande Hybrid version, combining gasoline and electric power to create a modern and innovative vehicle.
Join us as we delve into the Yamaha Grande Hybrid 2019 motorcycle and gather impressions about this model.
1. Review of Yamaha Grande Hybrid Motorcycle Design
While maintaining fundamental design elements, Yamaha Grande Hybrid alters the design of the front headlight cluster, incorporating LED technology, along with a refreshed front mask to bring some distinctiveness to the front section. The rear of the bike also features updated lights, LED brake lights, and turn signals using halogen bulbs.
The seat height remains unchanged, and the basic silhouette isn't revolutionary; however, Yamaha Grande Hybrid brings upgrades that result in high efficiency when in use. This deserves praise for the design team at the Japanese motorcycle company.
Specifically, the rear of the bike no longer looks saggy as in the previous generation; it's now higher, adding a touch of sophistication. The rear seat is also elevated, alleviating the cramped feeling for the passenger at the back and significantly improving comfort for two riders.
The footrest for the passenger has undergone a transformation; Yamaha Grande Hybrid ditches the pedal-activated spring design for the kickstand, returning to the conventional method. Users can now use their foot or hand to release the rear footrest, making it easier than the previous design and less prone to damage.
The riding position on the Yamaha Grande Hybrid remains unchanged—stylish and suitable for female riders, accentuating the rider's figure. Compared to the Honda Lead, the Grande Hybrid excels in this aspect. However, the seat height is 30mm higher than the Lead, coupled with a smaller storage compartment, making the Yamaha Grande Hybrid less practical in this regard.
The front seat is made more compact for easy seating and control for riders with modest height, marking a noteworthy upgrade. Additionally, the bike retains some advantages such as the front fuel tank cap placement, trunk release button, and fuel tank located next to the ignition.
2. Review of Yamaha Grande Hybrid Scooter Engine
Yamaha Grande Hybrid introduces an additional electric motor to support its 2nd-generation Blue Core engine. Specifically, the gasoline engine boasts 8.2 horsepower and 10.4 Nm of torque, while the electric motor assistance provides 0.27 horsepower and 0.7 Nm of torque.
The electric motor operates in the initial 3 seconds when the bike shifts gears, aiming to enhance acceleration, uphill performance, and handling heavy loads. However, practical experience suggests that the impact of this assistance is subtle. The 0.27 horsepower figure, while understandable given the constraints of typical motorcycle batteries, doesn't offer a significant boost in performance.
Nevertheless, the Blue Core engine performs admirably, delivering robust and powerful performance, particularly in acceleration, considering its unloaded weight of 100 kg. Despite Yamaha's emphasis on hybrid technology, the real-world performance compared to the previous generation leaves something to be desired.
On another note, this hybrid engine still relies on a conventional battery, with the added cost of approximately 3.5 million VND (compared to the standard version). This upgrade in the engine department doesn't bring about a notable difference, which is somewhat disappointing.
In terms of riding experience, Yamaha Grande Hybrid proves to be agile in urban settings, despite its slightly lightweight front end. The acceleration capability, similar to the previous model, meets the majority of the bike's usage demands, targeting a female audience primarily for urban commuting. Small improvements in details like the rear seat and the rear footrest make Yamaha Grande Hybrid a more comprehensive choice.
3. Technological Additions on Yamaha Grande Hybrid Motorcycle
The Grande Hybrid undergoes an upgrade in the ignition button, labeled by Yamaha as One-Push Start, meaning it starts with a single press. Essentially, it brings about a quicker and smoother startup experience.
Furthermore, the bike is equipped with a temporary engine shutdown system (Stop & Start System), not a novelty but effective in dense urban traffic with numerous traffic lights. The engine temporarily halts when the bike comes to a stop, contributing to fuel efficiency.
The Smartkey smart lock system is my top priority when selecting a motorcycle nowadays. In a time where it takes only a few seconds for thieves to break a traditional lock, a smart locking system can effectively address this issue.
Fortunately, the premium version of Yamaha Grande Hybrid comes with this feature. Without the need for a physical key, I simply keep the smartkey in my pocket, approach the bike, press a button, and turn to start the engine—an experience that feels much safer and more modern than traditional keys.
One aspect I prioritize when choosing a motorcycle is ABS, the Anti-lock Braking System, significantly enhancing safety in unexpected situations. ABS prevents wheel lockup even when forcefully applying the brakes, reducing the risk of accidents on the road.
For a lightweight model like the Grande, having ABS significantly increases safety while riding. The ABS experience on the Yamaha Grande Hybrid is effective during emergency braking, even with ABS only for the front wheel.
4. Yamaha Grande Hybrid Price: Is It Worth the Investment?
Yamaha lists the standard Yamaha Grande Hybrid at 45.5 million VND, while special editions, such as the 20th-anniversary model, start at 50 million VND. This price range positions it as one of the higher-priced scooters currently available in the market.
At this price point, what Yamaha Grande offers is acceptable, especially for those looking to experience the unique hybrid technology. Of course, for female riders, the Grande Hybrid remains an excellent choice among scooters, competing with other popular models like the Honda Lead or Honda Vision.
