Kinetic SYM Flyte

The Flyte is modelled after one of the most successful models from the SYM range; the Xpro 125. The Flyte is a sleek bike with soft, conservative lines that might make it look like a bike that is best suited for women. But, at the same time, it has cues that will be appreciated by a wider audience as well. As this bike is quite important to the company, every effort has been made to ensure it is flawless. Eighteen to twenty per cent of the bike’s parts are imported from foreign vendors, to make certain that levels of quality remain high.

Compact stance


The 125 uses a dual-tone paint coat with a neutral black theme followed along the lower body panels, which helps impart a compact stance. A steeply-raked front apron with flush indicators runs to the front wheel and doubles up as a mudguard. Though the bike does not have a halogen bulb, while riding at night, I realised the headlight with the decent beam-spread provides adequate light. However, an essential bit missing on the Flyte is the lack of a brake lock clamp, which I feel is quite important for any gear-free scooter. There’s nothing lacking with the four-in-one locking system though; it goes the whole hog with a handle lock, ignition lock, magnetic key lock and fuel-filler pop-up functions, all depending on which way the key is turned. There’s also a handy mobile-charging slot, a manual choke knob and a smart bag hook located just under the handlebar. The bike will be sold in red, silver, lavender, blue and black.

A 124.6cc four-stroke, single-cylinder, gear-free SYM powerplant powers the Flyte, which is coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system that worked to my satisfaction. A large 9AH battery provides consistent self-starting. This air-cooled 125 displays nippy performance and a crisp throttle response that feels a perceptible notch better than other 100cc scooters.

Acceleration feels strong low-down in the power band, the Flyte jumping off the blocks with enough gusto to pass 30kph in 2.9sec. Mid-range is a more even affair, 60kph coming up in 10.85sec, power declining thereon to peak in a satisfactory true top speed of 86kph. No complaints here, the motor feeling refined, relaxed and vibration-free at all speeds.

The Flyte has a soft riding saddle and equally plush ride quality. It’s a scooter that provides a nice, comfortable ride in slow, city-commuting conditions and is not meant to be ridden hard or fast, which is when the rear end can turn a bit bouncy. The fuel economy on the Flyte might not be the best around but this was expected as great performance and good mileage are seldom found on the same vehicle. The Flyte delivers 36.7 kilometres per litre (kpl) in the city and 38kpl on the highway.

As mentioned earlier, the success of the Flyte is very critical to Kinetic as this bike pretty much marks the company’s comeback. In fact, given the superior quality fit and finish of the bike, coupled with sleek styling and brilliant features; Kinetic might just have a winner on its hands. In addition, the Flyte is also great value for money. It offers 125cc acceleration at a price that is lower than most 100cc Indian scooters.