In the early 1980s, India's automobile market was rapidly evolving. Recently introduced were popular brands such as the Maruti 800, which transformed the market landscape. At the same time, the two-wheeler segment was witnessing a surge of new entrants. While Royal Enfield Bullet, Rajdoot, and Yezdi motorcycles zoomed past, the Bajaj Chetak scooter became the go-to choice for middle-class families. Amidst this, a certain scooter broke the mold with its distinctive look and unique driving style.
We are talking about the Kinetic Honda. In 1984, a joint venture between Kinetic Engineering and Honda birthed India's first two-stroke automatic scooter, the 'Kinetic Honda DX'. Despite being a result of Japanese collaboration, it became fondly known nationwide as the 'Kinetic Scooter'. Its stylish look, wide headlamp, visor, and automatic transmission garnered a special place among the youth.
The Kinetic DX scooter was equipped with a 98 cc engine that generated 7.7 HP of power and 9.8 Newton meters of torque. The scooter boasted a Variomatic continuous variable transmission (CVT) gearbox.
Source: aajtak
In an era when scooters like Vespa and Bajaj required forceful gear shifting, Kinetic offered ease with its start-and-go accelerator system, akin to modern scooters. This, along with its kick and self-start features, simplified the driving experience.
If you remember, older two-stroke scooters often had starting issues where tilting them helped to start. The Kinetic scooter liberated users from such hassles. Several such features distinguished the Kinetic from the rest.
Not only was the Kinetic DX easy to drive, but the company also released an advertisement claiming its maintenance cost was merely 21 Rupees per month, including both spare parts and labor. However, it was a bit tricky to ascertain the real-world cost owners incurred back then.
Source: aajtak
Exciting news for Kinetic enthusiasts: the Kinetic DX is making a comeback. This time, without any joint ventures, the Firodia family is debuting the scooter in an electric form. Recently, Kinetic Green has patented this design and it has been spotted undergoing tests at various events.
According to information from Kinetic Green, the company plans to launch its new Kinetic DX electric scooter on July 28. Notably, the scooter retains much of its iconic retro design. Test models reveal features like a wide headlamp, stylish front apron, and a spacious seat.
Though specifics about the Kinetic DX EV's powertrain, battery pack, or detailed specifications remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that the scooter will come equipped with advanced features fitting current market demands. The design reflects Kinetic's four decades of experience, and it is set to compete with rivals like Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Hero Vida, and Ola Electric.
