Yamaha Ray review, test ride

The first thing that strikes you about Yamaha’s new Ray is how pint-sized it is. Purpose built to woo young ladies with sporty, youthful styling and sharp lines, the Ray certainly isn’t a good scooter for adult males.

It closely resembles Honda’s Dio, using dual colour panels to good effect. The Ray’s large and flush-set headlight does a good job at night.

It’s a 104kg scooter that feels light and easily manageable from the moment you sit on it. The instruments are attractively laid-out and very readable. Scooter-typical switches and control levers work well, and the Ray provides effective mirrors. Yamaha has aced to give their latest scooter really nice palm grips, and we were further impressed with the thoughtful provision of storage cubbies near the ignition key pod, and a sturdy bag-hook.

The tail of this scooter is smart, its exhaust sitting neatly encased within a tasteful shroud.

The Ray should prove a reliable scooter over time, thanks to excellent overall quality, fit-finish and built-to-last rubber and plastic components.