KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The 125cc engine packs a solid punch
- The digital instrument cluster works well but looks dated
- Fun-to-ride despite being family-oriented
- A trusted name from Suzuki
Elsewhere in the world, Suzuki is known for its big bikes, but the Access is what brings in money to the Japanese bike maker in India. Having re-started its India innings in 2006, the Access was the first to come from Suzukis stables in 2007. Since then, the scooter has gone through several upgrades here and there, and it has remained a worthy contender in the 125cc family scooter segment. Lets see what makes the Suzuki Access 125 good, and what could be improved, but before that, do consider joining the 91Wheels WhatsApp Group for the latest automotive updates!
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Suzuki Access 125 Pros
Engine
Unlike Honda, Suzuki immediately gave the Access a 125cc engine, packing 8.5 bhp and 10Nm of torque. With a kerb weight of just 104kg, this scooter just shoots through. The engine is very responsive and it packs a good punch, which doesnt taper off until at least 85kmph. The engine remains vibe-free for the most part, and in typical Suzuki fashion, offers good refinement levels.
Competition Check: The TVS Jupiter 125 also has a quite responsive engine, and possesses similar levels of acceleration. However, certain vibrations can be felt around the 4100rpm mark, and it also weighs 5kg more than the Access, which probably affects its performance from a standstill.
Ride Quality
Unlike the previous-gen Access that would throw you around quite literally, the current Access 125 is more comfortable for riders, and the ride quality is much better. At the same time, the light-weightedness of the scooter allows it to be more fun to ride as well. The current Access 125 cushions out speed breakers and bumps fairly well, and yet if youre in the mood for it, the Access allows you to ride it with enthusiasm as well.
Competition Check: The Jupiter 125 may have an even better ride quality than the Access 125, but it doesnt allow you to ride with the same enthusiasm as the Access would. The Jupiter is a proper family scooter, while the Access gives you the best of both worlds, almost.
Also Read: TVS Ntorq 125 Gets New Colour Options & A New Edition Introduced
Ergonomics
Suzuki has done a good job with the ergonomics of the Access 125 as well; the floorboard is wide and accommodating, the handlebars are well within reach for most riders, and the seat is also wide enough for those with a heavier build. With a storage rack in the front, and 21.8 litres of storage space, the Access is also quite practical as well.
Competition Check: The Jupiter 125 gets a larger under seat storage space at 33 litres, and it also gets a fairly long, comfortable seat, and a spacious floorboard as well.
Cons
Equipment
Times have certainly moved on, and this is where the range-topping variant of the Access 125 could have done slightly better. The top-end Ride Connect variant is priced almost similarly compared to the TVS Jupiter 125 SmartXonnect, which offers a better-looking instrument cluster that looks more sophisticated. In contrast, the digital cluster of the Access looks and feels a little too plain in comparison.
However, theres a twist; while the digital cluster on the Access looks and feels dated, it functions pretty well once your phone is synced up to the scooter via Bluetooth. This includes turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, WhatsApp notifications, ETA updates, and phone battery level warnings.
Competition check: The TVS Jupiter 125 SmartXonnect may offer more features, but while weather updates can be somewhat useful, things such as sports updates cannot be justified especially when youre on the go. Also, while its cluster does feel more sophisticated than the Access, its connectivity is a little flawed and requires extra effort from your end.
Fuel-filling
While the Suzuki Access 125 comes with a multi-function key slot and it also gets external fuel-filling, you still have to dismount from the scooter and put the fuel cap back in its place to shut the fuel tank, as it is placed at the rear. This can prove to be an inconvenience to many riders.
Competition Check: The TVS Jupiter 125 one-ups the Access here with its fuel-filling system located at the front.
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Verdict
The Suzuki Access 125 should be on your list if youre someone whos looking for a scooter that can do it all; its lightweight and easy enough for everyone in your house to ride, and it packs enough punch if youre the enthusiastic type. The amount of features it does offer, they work nicely. If you factor in the practicality it brings, along with its versatile nature, you can possibly overlook the cons and bring home what is a superb contender for your garage.
