JET, SET, GO...

The Italjet Dragster's 'in yer face' looks and swift performance will change the way you see scooters. But will it be a success?

‘This smart single-seater sports scooter opens a whole new segment’

Is it a scooter? Is it a motorcycle? No, it's a Dragster. Like all enthusiasts, Autocar India staffers enjoy a respite from testing standard Indian commuter fare. One such pleasant bolt from the blue came with Kinetic Engineering recently introducing us to this brisk little scooter.
Kinetic Engineering is preparing a slew of modern scooters, hand-in-hand with Italjet, and the Dragster is among the most exciting of this crop. This shooter of a scooter enjoys cult status in Europe, where it's available with three motors: 50cc, 125cc and a blistering 180cc. No engine configuration or capacity has as yet been finalised for India, and Kinetic has simply allowed us to hop aboard the real thing, an imported 125cc version, an indication of what's to come.
The first thing that strikes the eye is a distinct front overhang and a sporty scoop slashed into the mudguard. An obvious departure from traditional scooter styling is the plethora of trellis-like exposed-frame sections (very Ducati) that reinforce the deliberately aggressive stance, as do the five-spoke alloy rims, shod with squat, low-profile rubber. A radiator lies beneath the (pregnant-looking) slatted apron with a narrow headlight sitting low down. Unlike regular scooters whose handlebars are hidden within thick headlight nacelles, the Dragster shows off shining, metal-braided cables and low, naked handlebars that resemble clip-ons. The chromed, white-face speedometer looks racy, as does the cool fuel filler. Decent grips, smartly buffed alloy levers and really solid switchgear make for excellent ergonomics.
The floorboard isn't flat, with exposed frame section splitting its length. Though we worried at first about how this would affect 'foot-room,' it didn't really bother us much, apart from compromising luggage space.
A small, lockable under-seat cubbyhole is nice, but surprise, surprise, the pillion seat is purely for display. That's right — the only way you can show off your Dragster to that pretty lady is to allow her a ride round the block, solo!
Thumb the starter and our favourite part of the Dragster awakens with a staccato two-stroke thrum. The 123.5cc motor has an auto-choke system for easy starts and our test scooter was liquid-cooled. Engine details are moot as of now, because the Indian engine configuration hasn't been finalised. The variator-equipped two-stroke comes with a 12mm Dellorto carburettor.
The Dragster shoots off from rest with a most un-scooter-like exhibition of its 14.47bhp; if initial go is adequate then the midrange feels scalding — just as quick as most of our motorcycles. Nail the throttle and the speedometer needle leaps to triple-digit speeds, after which thrust gradually tapers out for a top speed a bit above the ton. On this note we must stress that the whole charm of the Dragster lies in its peppy engine, so Kinetic has to deliver in this department.
You sit in a sporty crouch to send as much weight forward as possible, an unashamed deviation from the upright commuting posture on scooters. The Dragster’s European lineage shows through in the ample room it offers tall riders. The seat had us quaking at first glance — it seemed too thin, but in truth we had nothing to worry about.
Ride quality is good, which brings us to the next of this scooter's highlights. Instrumental to the good handling is the Dragster's radical suspension. Italjet has patented the Independent Steering System — SIS — that keeps the wheelbase near-constant even through corners. A tiny front swingarm swivels through a very brief arc and mount points for both front and rear swingarms are short to allow a rigid chassis. Steering is via little rods acting on the front swingarm. The rear suspension uses a three-piece swingarm with the engine a stressed member soaking in suspension travel from the adjustable monoshock.
All this fresh thought and low centre of gravity has worked. The first advantage is better isolation from the road. No buzz or vibration reaches the palms and the rider can rest easy even under hard braking. That's because dive, or 'anti-dive,' (as found on scooters) is non-existent with the handlebars staying plumb under any braking action. Stable handling is also partly due to the riding stance and radiator that send weight towards the front.
The meaty Michelins, 120/70 x 11 in the front and 130/60 x 13 at the rear, are super-grippy, and we hope Kinetic retains these for India.
The Dragster corners well, but it's no motorcycle, so don't expect it to handle like one. Disc brakes at front and at rear work well, feel crisp and offer quick stops at any point.
Talking economy, we estimate the Dragster in this guise will just about manage 30kpl; but don't forget it's a gear-free, spirited two-stroke performer with nice wide footprints. Those disappointed must be reminded of Newton's fourth law — that performance and economy are inversely proportional.
Coming back to reality, the Dragster feels solid and well built, clearly European. The best bit is the sporty feel imparted by that wizard of a motor. We hope that when this little warrior hits the front-line, Kinetic manages to retain the performance and quality.
The Dragster's going to open up a brand new sector in the Indian market — we've never had sports-scooters here before. It could be a phenomenon — but will it? We can't wait to find out.

Story Rishad Cooper Photography Ashley Baxter

Factfile How much ? Price Rs 80,000 (est) How big ? L/W/H 1775/680/790mm Wheelbase 1240mm Fuel tank capacity12 litres Kerb weight 107kg Engine Layout Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, 123.5cc Max power 14.47bhp Max torque 0.75kgm Specific output 115.7bhp per litre Power to weight 135.2bhp per tonne Gearbox Type Variomatic Suspension Front SIS with adjustable single shock absorber laid horizontally Rear Adjustable single shock absorber Brakes Front 175mm disc Rear 190mm disc Wheels & Tyres Type Five-spoke alloy Size (f/r) 11 inch/13 inch Tyre size (f/r) 120/70x11/130/60x13
WHAT TO EXPECT Single-seater scooter that thinks it’s a motorcycle and looks a million dollars.