LML Select 4 ES

Overview

In search of success which looks quite far or you can say is almost invisible, LML has launched their first 4-stroke geared scooter, Select. Company hopes this scooter to change their fortunes once again in India. Will it be able to do so? Let’s find out.

Exterior

The new age Select looks far away from modernity in terms of styling. LML has just painted this scooter with new color while each body panel remains the same. Clear lens indicators are newly added to this scooter which is placed vertically at its front. You will also notice the same circular headlight, rear view mirrors and front body panel. The wide front fender of this scooter partly covers its front tyre. LML has incorporated new silver finished alloy wheels in this scooter. The foot board of Select comes with integrated floor mats. The curvy side appearance of this scooter enhances its visual charm. The spare wheel is mounted under its right body panel. These both body colored panels lack any kind of company fitted cover and comes with integrated side indicators. LML has also equipped this scooter with chrome finished grab rail and carrier at the back. Its full size tail light is placed on its rear fender which also carries its number plate and reflective light.

Instrument Console

LML Select has a circular dial for its fully analogue instrument console which features an analogue speedometer and odometer. The new variant also gets an analogue fuel gauge which was pretty much required in this scooter. Other essential indicators like low fuel light and high beam indicator can also be seen in this instrument console.

Engine and Gearbox

Finally, LML has upgraded to 4-stroke technology. Select uses a mono cylinder, air-cooled 148cc engine which now generates a maximum power output of 8.6 bhp at 6200 rpm. The maximum torque output of this engine is of 11.3 Nm which is accessible at 4250rpm. This engine is mated with a four-speed manual gearbox which has one gear up and three gears down-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

Technically, this is the best scooter of LML till date. This engine has strong mid and high range. It easily reaches the speed of 90km/hr and feels quite confident. In fact, it feels better than other entry level bikes in terms of performance. The engine does 0-60km/hr in less than 7 seconds which is quite impressive. The initial gear ratios have been kept short in order to give you strong city performance. The engine lacks high speed refinement though as after 80km/hr, it becomes a bit noisy. At slow rpms, it stays quite calm and performs up to the mark. The throttle reaction favours its city usage as without much gear shifts; you can enjoy your rides. It has better power to weight ratio than any geared scooter and even few entry level bikes. The new scooter uses dual cable clutch which feels quite light and improves the acceleration. The four speed gearbox is also quite smooth and works effortlessly.

Mileage

The tall gear ratios and light weight (104kgs) of this scooter has improved its fuel efficiency. Select may give you a fuel efficiency of around 48-52km/ltr in city conditions while its mileage on highways ranges from 54-56km/ltr.

Comfort while Driving

The easily reachable compact handle bar of Select offers you firm palm grip. The plastic buttons are a let-down though as they are hard to touch. Its long and wide seat gives you king size comfort. Two adults can easily adjust on this seat and enjoy long journeys. The foot board also feels quite spacious for your legs. The tall riding posture allows you to get clear vision of roads. The clutch lever feels quite light and can easily be operated by the rider. LML has also equipped this scooter with an optional electric start which gives you hassle free city rides.

Storage Space and Safety Features

Select offers front lockable spacious glove box which proves to be quite useful for daily commuters as one can carry essential files and documents in it. Its bag hook just below the seat can also be used frequently to carry bags and hang able stuff. The floor board can be occasionally used to transport boxes and big bags. Select has a strong front body panel which protects rider at the time of direct collision. Its headlight also gives you clear vision of roads at nights.

Suspension and Brakes

The old mono shock suspension does duty at its both ends. LML still doesn’t offer optional disc brake in this scooter. Both wheels are equipped with drum brakes. Its front drum brake is of 110mm while its rear drum brake is of 130mm.

Ride and Handling

Its light handling is a great advantage for city commuters. You can easily steer or turn this scooter however it feels a bit scary at high speeds. The small tyres and poor suspension system can’t hold this scooter strongly on highways. Its wheelbase of 1235mm brings some stability to this scooter. The slow speed turning abilities are quite impressive. Parking it at tight spaces is not a major concern either. The highly fabricated seat and soft suspension system digests majority of the potholes easily. Braking system still needs to be improved as it can’t stop this scooter accurately at the time of sudden braking.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

Select has R10 sizes of tyres. Company offers two variants of this scooter in two different colors.

Verdict

The Electric variant of Select is priced at INR 52000 (ex-showroom, Delhi is even costlier than many stylish and fuel efficient bikes. This scooter has no unique characteristic which can grab the buyers of bikes in India. In fact at this price, there are many modern gearless scooters available in India which closes all doors of success for this old warrior. No resale value, high maintenance and less features; these are some of the biggest drawbacks of this scooter. We don’t think it’s a value for money scooter and chances of its successful comeback are almost negligible.