Mahindra Gusto 125 review, test ride

Renewed gusto

The button-started Gusto 125 is powered by a four-stroke, 124.6cc engine, with 54.4mm x 53.6mm bore and stroke measurements. This single-cylinder, air-cooled engine carburettor-fed, running two-valves is driven by a single overhead camshaft. Power output is up from 8 to 8.5bhp, and there’s a big improvement in the feel.

There’s a silent cam-chain, and high-energy ignition-coil with improved multi-mapping. Friction is cut to a minimum, with low friction piston rings incorporated. And the 125 performs so much better than the smaller Gusto, which used to have a marked whine from the gearbox, but that’s now history.

The Gusto 125 excels with butter-smooth and vibe-free feel, as power feeds in. Acceleration and performance are brisk, with enough low and mid-range pep. The Gusto 125 easily pulls to 80kph, and there’s no hesitation or poor NVH character that pulled down the older Gusto. There’s no doubt, Mahindra are well on their way, as they climb the two-wheeler engine learning curve.

Good to go

The Gusto 125 riding position is comfortable, upright and roomy even for tall riders. Amongst the most massive improvements, is ride quality, now properly damped, unlike earlier. The 125 comes with upmarket front telescopic suspension and includes tubeless MRF rubber, these giving the scooter 125 good road grip. Handling is good, with reasonable cornering manners. That brings us to the Gusto 125's brakes, which disappointed with leaden feel from the front, while the rear worked well. Mahindra would do well to offer a front disc brake option.

The Gusto 125 has a few rough edges, while striking a high note on features and delivering in spades with a strong performing, refined engine, and able handling. The Gusto 125 will make the best value two-wheeler offered by Mahindra so far, if priced well when it goes on sale next month.