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Blog posts of '2022' 'July'

Activities During Monsoon

The monsoon season may obstruct many recreational activities that refreshes an individual physically as well as mentally. Among these activities lies going on short rides and destinations. Almost everyone would want to escape the scorching summer sun and feel the breeze while riding one’s two-wheeler. The first sip of hot tea; amidst the breeze, at a local shop once you reach the destination, rekindles the feeling of freshness and energy within an individual. There is a wide population of enthusiasts who enjoy going on short rides during the monsoon season. Thus, we have curated a list of places that would be considered best for a short monsoon ride.

1. Tarebhir, Gokarneshwor
Distance from KTM: 13.6 km
Duration: 40-45 minutes
Two-wheeler type: Bike, Scooters, Electric Scooters
Things to do: After the short ride, one can park their two-wheeler and walk around the area or have dry picnics.

2. Bhedachaur, Markhu, Pharping
Distance from KTM: 45-47 km
Duration: 3 hours (depends on the road condition)
Two-wheeler type: Bike, Scooter
Things to do: The kulekhani dam has always been a major attraction of the area, with now well managed boating routes, restaurants and resorts around this area. Markhu and chitlang lie within the 10 km radius from Bhedachaur and are accessible by roadways, hiking trails and bicycle trails as well.

3. Pilot Baba Ashram, Bhaktapur
Distance from KTM: 6.5 km
Duration: 20-25 minutes (depends on the city traffic)
Two-wheeler type: Bike, Scooter, Electric Scooters
Things to do: This place gets its name from the famous Pilot Baba Ashram. It is a destination for the people who want to escape the hustle of the valley and meditate in the peaceful structure. Now, people visit the area as a weekend destination filled with restaurants and picnic spots. The black topped roads are well maintained and every type of vehicle can be taken to this destination.

4. Phulchowki, Godawari
Distance from KTM: 20-25 km
Duration: 2 hours (depends on the city traffic)
Two-wheeler type: Bikes with wider tyres and stronger grip
Things to do: It is the highest point of Lalitpur standing at almost 2800m from the sea level. The trails are slippery and paved with roads making it an adventure destination for ride enthusiasts on heavy adventure and trail bikes. The Phulchowki temple is visited by many devotees all year round.

5. Dakshinkali
Distance from KTM: 20-25 km
Duration: 40-45 minutes
Two-wheeler type: Bike, Scooter
Things to do: The Dakshinkali area has many attractions around its vicinity. Some of them include the Dakshinkali Temple, Taudaha Lake, ChampaDevi Hiking Trail, Hattiban Resort and other amazing places. The biking trails around the area of Hattiban Resort are perfect for adventure bikers and also serve as overnight camp ground after hours.

Get geared Ready for the monsoon

Nepal has entered the monsoon season affecting many daily activities of the people residing in the country. One of many activities that are tampered due to the rain is driving. Driving a vehicle, especially a two-wheeler in the heavy monsoon season is tricky for both the vehicle and the rider in many concerns. Not being able to protect oneself and the vehicle from this wet season might result in increased accidents and dangerous situations, especially with the roads paved with potholes. Below are some of the crucial tips that are to be followed to retain accidents and vehicle wear and tear this monsoon season:

1. Rain cover
The very first way to prevent intensive damages would be by avoiding direct rain on the vehicle. Parking under covered spaces, using a rain cover while driving or parking under open spaces is essential to prevent the parts of the two-wheeler from direct exposure to rainwater that may eventually result in rusting, electrical fails and more.

2. Be gentle with the throttle
The monsoon is definitely not the ideal time to test the two-wheelers cruising and riding limits. The roads are pretty slippery and filled with hidden potholes, thus it is safer to be gentle on the throttle. Too much throttle and acceleration may result in the wheels spinning, losing traction and slipping.

3. Regularly servicing the brakes and tyres
Water can cause heavy damages to the brakes. Due to continuous exposure to rain water, the brake pads get slippery, rusty or jammed, causing the brakes to become less responsive. Braking too hard might cause the two-wheeler to skid on the wet roads. Cleaning the insides of the drum brakes ensures the discs’ alignment plus the correct amount of brake oil in the case of disc brakes are necessary. Similarly, the tyres should be able to maintain a good grip on the wet surfaces to avoid skidding. Thus, changing balding tyres and keeping the PSI level (tyre pressure) a little lower than the recommended level for dry conditions is crucial to prevent slips and accidents.

4. Oil chains, hinges and levers
Rain water will rust the chains, hinges and levers of the two-wheeler. This will result in restrictions on the proper movement of one's two-wheeler. To prevent this from happening, oiling these parts will not obstruct their continuous and free movement. One can also coat the battery terminals with grease to prevent moisture from getting at them. This will ultimately help keep the two-wheeler in a good working order.

5. Clean up air-filter
Moisture and dampness can cause the tearing up and blockage of the vehicle's air-filters. This can limit the clean air passing through the vents and engines. This will lead the two-wheeler to jolt or jerk on pulling the accelerator. Thus, it is important to regularly clean up the air-filter routinely to avoid any issues with acceleration and the engine.

6. Checking the lighting fixtures and being visible
Clarity and visibility is usually low during a heavy downpour. Thus, each time before riding on the road, it is important to check that the headlights work well. Also, covering the bike or scooter with some reflective stickers will make the two-wheeler visible to the other drivers on the road.

7. Wash and wax
Finally, routine washing is required to keep the vehicles healthy. This will prevent the build-up of dirt and mud from the mud puddles we drive through which is actually damaging our two-wheeler. Thus, regular washing is essential. In addition, waxing after each wash creates a temporary water-proof film on the vehicle, which will prevent rusting and keep the vehicle looking good and functioning well.

 

KTM RC 200 | Reviews

KTM as a company started its racing journey in 1954. Ever Since, KTM has established itself as a sports bike company. KTM is recognized for its street naked, sports and adventure bikes. This company is deeply rooted into the motorsport tradition, thus, it specializes in building race-ready motorcycles for competitive and recreational riding. Duke is the most seen KTM model in the streets of Nepal. Along with the street naked models, KTM has a range of RC sports bikes. The revised version of the RC 200 has just entered the nepali market which has paved a different road for KTM. RC200 represents the entry level sports motorcycle and directly targets the enthusiasts and youths of up and coming nations like nepal.


BODY OVERVIEW:
The bike’s entire body has been completely remodeled to a race-inspired design. Its body structure uses a class-leading wind protection and to optimize higher top speed Computational Flow Dynamics simulations have been used. A simple definition to this would be the use of advanced mathematics and computer simulation incorporating the laws of physics to determine performance through various racing conditions. The overall design is very rider centric and provides maximum contact with the bike for optimum control on the road. RC200’s graphics and bodywork is heavily inspired by the MOTOGP and heavily resembles the KTM RC16 with its sporty riding position. The front section of the bike elevating wind protection has an aerodynamics screen with all-new LED DRL(Daytime Running Lights) Twin Projector Headlamp and Larger WindShield Bubble along with LED Indicators lights. The new foldable mirrors are wider giving a broader visual range and more sharp to improve aerodynamics. The foldable mirrors bhako makes the bike more practical because the bike can fit its body through tight spaces. Another improvement is the adjustable handlebar that is made efficient for both track and street, but is inclined towards a track-oriented position. This bike only supports electric starting methods. The RC200 also has the wee-reknowned KTM Multi-information Digital Instrument Console that displays a clock, trip meter, odometer, distance to empty and other interesting features. The elevated rider and pillion seats are the major highlight of the bike’s rear section. These seats are thicker and more comfortable and are made of a water resistant material. Prioritizing comfort the bike has not given up on performance and features. The new ergonomic aluminum grab handles make the seats a complete package for both the rider and the one sitting behind. Like all the other lighting fixtures on the bike, the tail lamps are LED too. To complement its sporty riding mode, the footpegs are firmly placed in the corner. Footlevers make the bike stay undisturbed and also prevents unwanted breakage in case of a fall over. RC200 has a new and larger 13.7 liter fuel tank, inspired by the KTM moto3, which makes it have a longer travel range compared to other sports bikes. And unlike other KTM models, RC200 can be seen with an underbelly exhaust.


ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE:
It gets the same 199.5cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with BS6 emission norms. Thus, it continues to produce a maximum power of 25 PS @ 10000 rpm and a peak torque of 19.5 Nm @ 8000 rpm. Although the power and torque figures remain unchanged, it has a 40% larger air box installed in it. This has significantly increased the bike’s responsiveness. It also comes with BOSCH fuel injection technology, making this bike fuel efficient, economic as well as digitally intelligent. In addition, this new model has a curved radiator which provides better cooling, improved airflow and optimal performance temperature. The motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox along with the Wet Multi Disc Clutch similar to the Benelli 180S. This feature supports a sports bike like RC200 with massive acceleration. Its top speed is 142 kmph. Even though the fuel tank is larger than its previous models, its average mileage is approximately 35 kmpl. RC200 could beat any other entry level sports bike if the mileage was improved similarly to its fuel tank volume. Regardless of this fact, the bike can perform like a beast as it races from 0 to 100km in just 9.92 seconds.

SPECIFICATIONS
The bikes framework is ultra-light, saving almost 1.5kg from its kerb weight which now is 151kgs. The frame is a split-trellis frame that ultimately provides high-speed stability and a rider feel. Its suspension system is a WP APEX big piston, upside down front fork and rear section is a WP APEX shock absorber. This combination along with its revised settings gives out a more improved sportier ride feel. The brakes are equipped with 4 piston fixed caliper 320mm front disc brakes and one piston fixed caliper 230mm rear disc brakes. It does come with dual-channel ABS and most importantly the bike comes with a Supermoto ABS. This feature is able to disengage the ABS braking function of the bikes rear end. This mode gives the rider a hard braking freedom without compromising on safety which helps the rider to apply more brake pressure when cornering or trail braking. Other improvements include, 17 inch lighter and stronger alloy tubeless wheels which have better and improved handling characteristics. Its ground clearance is 158mm and the wheelbase is 1341mm which can adjust to both race track and street rides.

CONCLUSION:
This street beast with Race track DNA is a complete package of power, graphics, style, energy and more. Made specifically for racing and street, this bike is for the sporty riders and equally supports street rides as well. It is priced at Rs. 6,47,900 which is on the more premium and expensive side. Service charges and maintenance cost are on the acceptable level, making it better than other available options in the market. RC200 is available in Dark Galvano and Silver Metallic color variants. KTM RC200 is specifically made for a racer enthusiast and is filled with almost all the features that a racing giant requires.

Benelli 180S | Reviews

Popular in the Nepali Market for its super and sports bike segment, the launch of Benelli’s 180cc Naked sports bike has definitely made a dent in the market. Benelli has been launching its many sports, super and naked style bikes in the market. The Benelli 180s has been a hit for this Italian company as its 150cc variant is really liked by the users till date. Titled as “Beauty is a beast”, the 180s performs as per its tag.

BODY OVERVIEW:
The new-gen Benelli 180S comes with a revamped design which makes it look very sleek and aggressive. As Benelli’s tagline states ``The thrill of the Hunt``, its body, design and motive justifies this tagline. It has a muscular fuel tank with an extended cowl, derived from its bigger sibling models. The chunky inverted front forks give it an even more aggressive stance. Front section of the Benelli 180s is equipped with a new set of LED DRL (Daytime Running Light) headlamp cluster and a digital instrument cluster. This console displays tachometer, speedometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, odometer and clock indications along with gear position indicator and engine temperature indicator. Similar to the LED headlamp cluster, the bike’s turn indicator lights and tail lights are LED as well. 180S’s rear section appears to be levitating, as it has no visual support to the perfectly placed sporty split seat along with its under seat grab rails. The sporty side slung exhaust has sharp edges to further showcase the bike's aggression.


ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE:
The heart of this beast; the engine is equipped with a single cylinder, 4 valve liquid-cooled, electronic fuel injection(EFI) engine of 175.3cc. EFI replaces the air and fuel operated carburetor by electronically pumping the fuel into the combustion chamber. This improvement on the engine makes hassle free cold starts and smooth rides in the higher altitudes. It produces a power of 18bhp @9500 rpm and a torque of 14nm @7000 rpm. The bike only supports the electric start system. Benelli 180S is specially known for its 3-Spark Plug System engine design. What this does is; it supports better combustion which gives a better throttle response and acceleration at the negligible cost of fuel efficiency. Due to this feature, in real-world situations, performance, rideability and acoustics are refined to its peak. Its top speed is marked at 120km/h and the riding range is 400km. Although the fuel tank looks muscular the capacity is only 10 liters. Manufacturer claimed mileage of 40-42 kmpl is quite commendable for motorcycles in this segment. The wet multi plate clutch gives the engine a better acceleration due to managed friction of the clutch plates. The 180s has a 6-speed gearbox which can be seen through the massive increase in the bike's acceleration along with increased fuel economy and reduced engine wear. Due to these reasons, this bike goes from 0 to 100km within 14-15 seconds which is commendable.

SPECIFICATIONS
The Benelli 180S comes with Six-spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels that fall into the lightweight category. It measures at 100/80-17 front tyre and a 130/70-17 rear tyre. This streetfighter is equipped with grippy tubeless rubber front and rear tyres to avoid tyre slips, unfortunately, in comparison to its rivals, it is comparatively narrower. Its frame is an arch bar truck type lightweight frame which makes it a lightweight beast. The race-derived chassis of the bike helps it look even more put together. It has a wheelbase of 1,345 mm and its total length is 2,030 mm. The Benelli 180S offers a ground clearance of 170 mm and it has a seat height of 810 mm which is enough to ride through the bumpy roads of Nepal. Because its framing and wheels are made of a lightweight material, its kerb weight is only 147 kg and can handle a payload of around 185 kgs. The Braking System is provided with a powerful 260mm and 220mm twin-piston caliper disc brakes. Even though the front and rear wheels have powerful disc brakes, the bike heavily misses out on an Anti-lock Braking System that is seen on almost every bike out in the market. Being an entry-level street fighter, it is equipped with premium inverted front forks and a rear swingarm linked mono-shock absorber. The front suspension’s travel is 110 mm whereas the rear suspension’s travel is only 50 mm. This gives the rider better stability along with better contact with the road which makes the bike glide.

CONCLUSION:
Benelli 180S is a premium motorcycle, known for its low weight, high power and attractive texture and appeal. Taking advantage of its 100+ years of manufacturing experience, Benelli has successfully launched this beast to the market. The 180S might resemble most of the KTM dukes, but it definitely has its own unique features. If the bike was equipped with BS6 emission standard and an ABS braking system it would have performed better, but with the features it currently possesses, it definitely is the adventurer and aggressive thrill of the hunt. Its price is Rs. 4,49,900 and is available in the color variants of black, red, white and neon. This beast definitely lies in the premium segment. Talking about comfort, this bike is not ideal for long rides, but is a dream for the adventure seeking riders.

5 Best Electric Scooter


1. NIU NQi GT/S
NIU is the first lifestyle brand that heavily promotes Technology, Style and Freedom in the Chinese urban mobility market. NIU’s NQi GT is the flagship scooter from the company. This is the most powerful scooter NIU has ever launched. It meets all of the criteria for a quality scooter, which makes it ideal for the roads of Nepal. The most prominent features of the scooter that sets it apart from its competitors in the market are listed below:
- Dual 26 Ah lithium-ion battery system
- 60V, 3000W motor
- Two 4200Wh batteries, Charge Time: 6 hours
- Three distinct driving modes: Sports, Dynamic, E-save
- Cloud ECU
- Remote control key
- Iconic Halo light and one-piece wrap-around tail light
- Full LED lighting system with 360° illumination
- TFT dashboard and user-friendly controls
- USB charging ports, passenger handles and retractable footrest
- 18.9 liters underseat storage
- Warranty: 2 years vehicles, 5 years battery life cycle
Priced at Rs. 4,45,000, the scooter is available in standard range and extended range versions in White, Black and Gray color variants.

2. Super Soco CPx
Super Soco’s list of two-wheelers come under being among the most expensive electric scooters available in Nepal. This UK based company has been able to produce a wide range of e-scooters and e-bikes, which are both powerful and futuristic looking. Super soco’s entrance in the rapidly growing electric two-wheeler industry of Nepal has changed the market in many ways. The CPx model of the company is one of its most powerful electric scooters available. Below listed are the features that separates the Super soco’s legacy from the other available alternatives:
- 60V45AH battery and a 4000W motor
- Sharp and Futuristic design
- Carbon Steel rear carrier
- One Push Reverse button
- Peak Speed: 95 km/h, Range: 100 kilometers
- Double Disc Brakes (CBS)
- Remote Control key
- Charge Time: 3 and a half hours
- Anti-theft security function
- USB Charging ports
- Keyless ignition with alarm
- Three riding levels
- Warranty: 2 years vehicle, 3 years battery and motor
Priced at Rs. 4,79,900 (Single battery) and Rs. 599900 (Double battery), this scooter is available in colors Black, Silver and Gray.

3. Yadea G5
Yadea promotes its smarter, sleeker and greener scooters with utmost devotion to change the generation to e-travel. This vietnamese and china made electric vehicles have a variety of scooters and electric bicycles in its list of products. The Yadea G5 stands out to be the best in its list for the Nepali Market. According to the company, the G5 defines the standard lithium electric moped that is a combination of the company’s strong manufacturing advantage and its technological strengths. These are the lsit of features that make the Yadea G5 so special:
- Sleek and slim body
- LED Light set
- GTR 3.0 Broadband Motor
- IP57 Waterproof Rating
- 7-inch VA LCD Speed-meter
- Opposed Cylinder Disc Brakes
- Cold-rolled Steeless frames
- 60V32Ah Panasonic Lithium (Dual Battery)
- Charging Time: 6 hours, Battery Life Cycle: 800 cycles
- Max 3100W Central Motor System
- Top Speed: 45-60km/h, Range: 120-130km
- 26 Liter storage space
- Warranty: 2 years vehicle, 2 years battery and motor
Priced at Rs. 3,45,000, it is available in Red, Blue, Black and White color variants.

4. Segway E125
Segway has claimed its position as the global leader for short distance transportation and robotic services industry. It has always amazed the market and its audience with the most innovative and chic smart electric two-wheelers and other inventions. Segway, being popular for its cutting-edge short-distance electric vehicles, has launched its stylish new model E-125, for the Nepali market. Here, are some interesting features of the Segway E-125:
- Sleek, Simple and Minimalistic look
- Red Dot Design award, 2020
- Matrix LED headlights
- Stronger Carbon Steel body
- 74V-27A , 2000wh Bosch-tailored lithium battery
- 2.4 kw power with a tailored brushless electric motor
- Charging Time: 5 to 6 hours, Battery Life Cycle: 800 cycles
- Top Speed: 75 km/h, Range: 60 to 120 km
- 22 Liter underseat storage
- IPX5 Waterproof Rating
- Bosh 10th generation dual-channel ABS brakes
- Segway’s patented anti-skid tubeless tyres
- Remote Control keys
- Advanced anti-theft system
- Warranty: 2 year battery and motor
Priced at Rs. 3,91,000, the scooter is available in silver and white color variants.

5. Doohan Uranus
Kaliber Auto has been distributing Doohan Electric Scooters in Nepal and has been continuously launching some unique electric two-wheelers in the market. They have recently brought in the first three wheeler electric scooter in Nepal, named the iTank and iTango. The Uranus and E-swan are the more urban friendly versions of the Doohan Electric scooter. Doohan’s best-selling model; Uranus is suitable for those looking for class, power, space and electric acceleration and those who like to ride in pairs. The scooter features are listed below:
- 72V 26Ah Lithium Battery ( LG / Panasonic )
- 3000W DC Brushless Motor
- Top Speed: 45kmph (single battery), 70kmph (dual battery)
- Range: 50km (single battery), 90km (dual battery)
- Auto Adapting LED lamp
- LCD dashboard
- Integrated Tail light
- Dual Battery storage  -compartment
- Charging Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Warranty: 1 year battery and motor
Priced at Rs. 3,21,900, it is available in Red, Black, White, Purple and Blue color variants. Detailed review videos on the NIU NQi GT/S and Segway E-125 are available on the Nepaliwheels website and youtube channel.

Budget Statement of 2079-80

                                                                                   

On May 29, 2022, the new Budget Statement of 2079-2080 of Nepal was announced by the Finance Minister. This recent statement has brought many changes and amendments in the plans and policies regarding the country's revenue streams, financial provisions, its capital and more. The event that was highlighted the most was the increment in the applicable customs duty and excise duty on import of luxury goods. These goods were products such as cigarettes and tobacco related products, alcoholic beverages and specially automobiles except for ambulances and hearses, motorcycles above 250 cc. This greatly impacted the Vehicle tax policy for the fiscal year of 2079/80. The import tax for cars, motorcycles, trucks, and scooters is subject to 288% which obviously seems utmost to westerners. From the amendments that were made on the taxation policies, we can see that the Excise duty on motorbikes with reciprocating internal combustion piston engines of a cylinder capacity exceeding 250 cc but not exceeding 500 cc has increased by 10%. Further, the excise duty on cars with a capacity of 1,500 cc to 2,000 cc has been increased from 70% to 75%. The duty on 2,000-2,500 cc cars has been increased from 80% to 85%. The excise duty on automobiles with an engine capacity of more than 3000 cc has been raised by 5%, that amounts to 105%, according to the Finance Bill. The table below shows the taxation changes on Two-wheelers for the fiscal year of 2079/80: CC Yearly Tax

Upto 125cc Rs. 3000
125cc to 150cc Rs. 5000
150cc to 225cc Rs. 6500
225cc to 400cc Rs. 11000
400cc to 650cc Rs. 20000
Above 650cc Rs. 30000
Revising the shocking tax rates for electric vehicles in the fiscal year of 2078/79, the levied taxes has been adjusted to moderate rates. Customs duty on electric vehicles with pickup power greater than 100 KW has been increased by 15% to 20%. Excise duty on electric vehicles (car, jeep, van) with pickup power greater than 100 KW shall be charged as below: Pick up Power (KW) Excise Duty (%)

100-200 30%
201-300 45%
Greater than 300 60%
In contrast, the excise duty on motorcycles with a capacity of 125 cc to 200 cc has been reduced from 50 percent to 40 percent. To support local production and manufacturing plants, Customs duty of only 1 percent will be levied on parts and raw materials used in manufacturing electric three-wheelers and two-wheelers in a bid to promote domestic production of electric vehicles. With the above mentioned amendments in the Vehicle Tax Policy of 2079/80, the Nepali citizens are already going through a crisis of price hikes and incremental inflation rates, vehicles and other goods are getting relatively pricier. Especially talking about the electric vehicles, this budget statement may contradict the countries plans on obtaining electric mobility sources on 90% of the private vehicles and 60% of the public vehicles by the year 2030.

SHARK GT Elegen Matte | Review

The SPARTAN GT full-face helmet benefits from SHARK's latest innovations and surpasses the limits in terms of safety equipped with style and features. It possesses the 5 star safety rating, similar to the Race R PRO GP FIM. It is known for its emergency release system of the neck and cheek pads that makes it excel the safety mark. The helmet’s shell compound is made of a multiaxial fiberglass that comes with two shell sizes for a semantic adjustment. It weighs a whopping 1550g and is on the heavier side. The visor has a locking system and is equipped with anti-scratch technology that helps keep the rider's vision clear. It also has an additional sun visor in its internal part to protect from the harmful UV rays. The padding is similar to the Racer R PRO GP FIM which is sweat smell and stain proof and comfortable on the head. It is priced at Rs. 70,000. The SPARTAN GT rests among the most safe pulse helmets available in the market. 

Suzuki Access 125 | Reviews

Suzuki access is one of the very first variants of its two-wheelers to be ever launched by Suzuki in the Indian market. Since its launch in 2007, it has grown in popularity and performance. The Suzuki Access 125 has been improving on mileage and performance according to the market's requirements.

BODY OVERVIEW
Starting with the aesthetics, the overall silhouette and looks are identical to its older version. The body has a mature look now but it has maintained its retro look. The front continues to get the retro-looking headlamp but the new all-LED unit generates a very similar illumination to its older halogen lights. Scooter’s legroom is adjusted with a small handy pocket and USB port to charge one’s phone while riding. The instrument console has a very simple design and minimal digital display. One noticeable feature on the scooters console is the Suzuki ‘Eco Assist Lights’. According to the throttle input, the indicator light on the display console changes from green to light blue to very blue. Twisting the throttle once makes the color change to blue and releasing it makes it turn green. A small digital display present on the console shows twin tripmeters, battery voltage and a button to set the brightness of the LED strip. There is a one push central lock system that includes an underseat unlock button as well. The very new easy-start system supports a one-push scooter start system. Major changes can be seen on the rear part of the scooter. The fuel filler is shifted to the outer part of the scooters tail as a new chrome external fuel inlet. Its cap has a manual lock and key system. The fuel tank, compared to its older version, is reduced by 0.6 liters to increase the underseat storage to 22.3 liters. In comparison to other 100cc and 125cc scooters, it has a larger storage space that can adjust a full size helmet and other small knick knacks. Having the lengthiest footboard among the scooters in the segment, shows how the suzuki access 125 heavily prioritizes comfort.

SPECIFICATION AND PERFORMANCE
A drastic change can be seen on the scooters engine from a carburettor to fuel injection engine. It still uses a 124cc, single-cylinder engine equipped with a new BS6 emission standard. This upgrade has brought some changes in the scooter's performance. Peak power output remains identical to the old access 125, at 8.7p @ 6750 rpm. Whereas, Peak torque has reduced from 10.2Nm to 10Nm @5000 rpm. In action, the new Access feels almost similar as before but the sound is more smooth and refined. Suzuki Access 125 BS6 FI possesses another important feature that is improved mileage. Even though the fuel tank capacity is reduced by 5 liters, its mileage has increased from 50 to 55 kmpl which is impressive compared to its older version and competes with major mileage scooters in the market. The scooters sweet spot is at 70-75 kph but it performs best at 65kph mark and beyond that the performance flattens out noticeably. Even though the kerb weight has increased by 2kgs to 103kgs, the Access is still quick to sprint to 80kph. Overall performance is significantly different from its older version.

DIMENSIONS
The front Telescopic and rear Swing Arm suspension set up continues to be the same as the previous BS4 model. Its combination of the tubeless wheels and suspension retains its impressive ride quality. Access 125 riders are comfortable even riding through the potholes of Kathmandu. A plus point is the
scooter’s stability. The Access 125 has always been the best well-balanced scooter and the BS6 version is no different. While driving on low speed during traffic jams the scooter tends to stick to its line which eventually minimizes the number of times you need to keep your feet down. Its braking system has always been on point. BS6 version has a Combined Braking System (CBS) which makes controlling better, keeping the braking distance shorter.

CONCLUSION
Suzuki Access 125 is a very popular and loved model in the Indian Market. Its BS6 FI variant has been able to bring a change in the Nepali commuter segment market. A visit to the company’s service center, the two-wheeler will be given general servicing and mobil change at only Rs. 950 that shows the scooter's long term efficiency. Comparatively it has minimal maintenance cost and the company also provides a 5 year warranty, directly targeting the family segment. It is priced at Rs. 2,65,900. Claimed as the family commuter scooter of the decade Suzuki access 12 BS6 FI variant has made an impact in this scooter segment. It definitely missed out on some fancy bits like engine start-stop tech, side stand indicator. Although not being a feature-rich scooter all its available features remain to be practical for a good family scooter.

AGV K-1 | Review

AGV has made an exemplary impact in the helmet industry since 1947. Being the first shell and fiberglass helmet it has rapidly won a reputation for its innovative designs and materials, tested on the racetrack and developed with sponsored World Championship riders. It possesses a European ECE 22.05 safety rating, as well as a 4-Star SHARP rating. The K1’s shell is made of a high resistance Thermoplastic and comes in 2 shell sizes, 4 EPS sizes. It weighs 1600 g in its first shell size.
The helmet is well integrated with a ventilation system that was designed and optimized in a wind tunnel to maximize performances while providing stability at higher speed. Hence, 5 front vents and 2 rear extractors vents are built into the spoiler. The 190° horizontal field of view visor is anti-scratch and anti-fog polycarbonate with 100% UV protection. The internal padding is removable and washable and also is adjusted to fit in wearing glass. The helmet's profile is contoured to reduce the risk of collar bone injuries. It is priced at Rs. 27,000. Covered with the most outstanding graphics and design on the helmet structure, it is a complete package of style, safety and comfort.

Nikko | N-802S Helmet

THH & Nikko Helmets are a Taiwan based brand of helmets. They have variations of helmets from shell helmets for cruiser bikes to full face racer helmets. The N-802s has Triple Certification of ISI / DOT (US) / ECE (Europe). The helmet weighs at 1700 g. It is an ABS shell structure similar to any other plastic used to make helmet shells. It also has a Green Transparent Spoiler placed behind the shell. It is equipped with a Dual Shield visor with Rear Reflectors and sun visor.
The Multi-Vent Cooling System supports balanced airflow inside the helmet. The padding is made of a Hypoallergenic Multi Foam which is removable and comes with washable liners. The D-Ring Strap Lock and pinlock makes it a safe helmet for riders. Covering the more affordable side, it is priced at Rs. 14,000.