Mahindra Rodeo 125 RZ

Pitched by Mahindra as a bike to ‘help you make the most of your day’, the Rodeo RZ is a scooter aimed at young drivers who want solid performance, eye-catching design, comfort and convenience. Given that the competition in this market is tough and developing all the time, how well does it fulfill that promise?

Design and Style

The Mahindra Rodeo, also known as the Rodeo RZ 125, is a scooterette vehicle that aims to challenge the Japanese dominance of the market. Its slogan, ‘Let’s Do More’, pitches it as a capable scooter aiming to capture a market segment full of young drivers by offering a totally overhauled design and specification. In truth, however, the Rodeo RZ 125 is not ‘all new’, but a very welcome improvement on what was already a capable and attractive vehicle. For some, the size of the bike might be a point against it – it’s certainly smaller than other bikes wielding a 125cc engine – but most drivers will probably welcome it’s neat, lightweight design. The body panels still lack any sort of distinctive shape, but painting them in the body colors does help to unite the design. Male drivers might find the design somewhat ‘cute’, but it’s certainly endearing. Its body weighs a total of 106 kilograms, putting it at the low to average end of the range for vehicles of this type.

Instrument Console

The bike attempts to push some boundaries with its revamped instrument panel, with digital instrument clusters that change color. It features a completely digital speedometer, a tachometer, clock, odometer and a newly added over speed alarm and acceleration timer, all of which certainly help the driver to feel in control of the riding experience.

Engine and Gearbox

The bike is powered by a 124.6cc, four-stroke, air-cooling engine, capable of a maximum power of 8 Bhp at 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 9 Nm at 5500 rpm. Mahindra has reworked the scooter’s carburettor to improve the fuel efficiency but this doesn’t seem to negatively impact its motor, which delivers competently and with gusto.

Acceleration and Top Speed

Mahindra Rodeo is a high performing scooter, not least due to the fact that it is so lightweight – far smaller and more compact than competitor models also fitted with a 125cc engine. The Rodeo’s top speed is reported to be 80kph, and the company claims that it can make 0 to 60 kmph in 9.35 seconds, far outstripping the 11.6 seconds of the Honda Activa. When pushed, the Rodeo certainly delivers a great response and smooth acceleration without any problems, even when driving on steep inclines.

Mileage

Mahindra claims that the Rodeo will give an average fuel mileage of 45 kilometres per litre for city driving, and 60 kilometres per litre on highways, thanks to its Dual Curve Digital Ignition System (DCDIS). This is an excellent level of efficiency for a scooter of this kind, and certainly recommends the Rodeo RZ to drivers who want more bangs for their buck, particularly at a time of high fuel prices. The bike’s fuel tank capacity is 4.5 litres.

Comfort While Driving

Mahindra Rodeo’s slightly revamped design has addressed some of the comfort issues highlighted by users of its previous incarnation, and the bike is a real pleasure to drive.

Safety Features

In addition to its suspension system, the bike includes a stand alarm to alert users who mistakenly leave the side stand on the bike. Like other Mahindra scooters, the Rodeo comes with a four-in-one anti-theft key.

Storage Space

Mahindra Rodeo’s storage space is another strength that will appeal to potential buyers. Under the seat, you’ll find a generous 22 litres of storage space, a perfect fit for a helmet. This space is LED-illuminated, which is particularly handy at night.

Suspension

Thanks to its dual telescopic front suspension, as well as a high ground clearance (154 mm from the base of the center stand), the scooter copes surprisingly well with rough terrain. Even when bumping over potholes and uneven road surfaces, the suspension readily absorbs shocks and keeps the ride smooth and steady.

Brakes

The Mahindra Rodeo is equipped with 130mm diameter drum brakes, both front and rear. These are just about adequate for the bike, but they do not feel as solid as those of rival scooters, and the stopping distance is far too long, increasing the chance of accidents.

Ride and Handling

Lightweight and boasting a monocoque chassis, the scooter is very capable and handles excellently. It has a very good turning radius, and can manage sharp corners with ease. Even when carrying a pillion, the bike pulls off quickly and handles smoothly – it’s a great choice for city driving, flexible enough to cope with dense traffic.

Tyre Size

The bike is fitted with 3.50 x 10 mm tyres, front and rear; and both tyres are tubeless. These standard medium-sized tyres are decent enough, but riders will probably find themselves wishing for a wider rear tyre to provide greater balance and stability. The tyre grip in dry and wet conditions is good, so the bike is suitable for riding in a range of weather conditions.

Shades

Mahindra Rodeo 125 RZ is available in 7 attractive shades including three new shades: Mystique Violet, Electric Green and Flame Orange.

Variants

The Rodeo comes in a single standard variant.

Distinctive Features

The Rodeo is one of the few scooters in this class to provide front fuelling, meaning that the rider does not need to dismount to refuel the tank. Carried over from the previous model, it features a mobile phone charger.

Reasons to Buy and Value for Money

The bike is light, powerful, efficient and offers some excellent features. The Mahindra Rodeo RZ 125 represents excellent value for money, due to its strong performance and solid design.

Verdict

With its capable handling, solid suspension, strong engine power, ample storage and nice features, the Rodeo RZ 125 is a very welcome upgrade of the previous model, and comes highly recommended.

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