Unlike the other large-wheeled step-thrus, the step-thru gap on King100 has a dual purpose. It allows saree-clad ladies to ride it plus it has a generous one-foot-long and nine-inch-wide solid, uncluttered, flat platform on the step-thru gap where much luggage can be carried. So actually the King100 has a very wide application. It is a multiple purpose bike! It is to two-wheelers, what MPV’s (Multi-Purpose-Vehicles) are to four-wheelers. Ladies can drive it. Delivery boys can carry much luggage. And everyone can afford it, since it costs only @ Rs.22,000/- which is about the same as an upmarket moped or mokick.

INTERNALS & EXTERNALS

The King100 is powered by Kinetic’s proven 97.2cc engine have bore x stroke of 50 x 49.5 mm. This is the same engine that powers the other Kinetic 100cc bikes, including the kinetic k4-100, which gave a mileage of @ 90 kmpL on a Kashmir to Kanyakumari run I did few years ago. Operating at a compression ratio of 9.1, this engine produces 5.1 bhp of power at 6500 rpm and develops a torque of 0.6 KgM at 4000 rpm. The shift pattern of the foot-operated four gears is all down. Power is transmitted through a wet multi-plate clutch. Starting is by kick only.

Built on a wheelbase of 1295 mm, the kerb weight of this bike is 86.5 kg. Fuel tank capacity is NINE litres, including a ONE litre reserve. Tyres are 2.75 x 17, both front and rear, and stopping is by drum brakes on both wheels. There is no battery and all electricals are A.C. Actual ground clearance is 88 mm, at the rear end of the retracted side stand. In fact, this bike has one of the best side stands, very convenient to use and also bike rests at the ideal lean angle.

This bike is quite suitable for shorties and females. Seat height from ground is 76cm (30 inches) with bike off-stand and one rider 68 kg sitting on it. Seat is 65 cm (25.5 inches) long and 26 cm (10 inches) wide, spacious enough for double seat riding. For lady pillion sitting sideways, there is a wide, solid, fixed foot-board (not foldable foot-peg) at LHS to rest two feet.

Handlebar width is 66 cm (=26 inches). Instrumentation and switchgear are very basic. There is only one dial housing the Speedo and Odo. Tell-a-tale lights are: a green one indicating gear in neutral, a blue one for hi-beam, and a single orange one indicating blinker is flashing, irrespective of whether LH or RH. The blinker switch curiously, is at RH, and is not the press-cancel type.

The LH switch assembly has the horn button, choke lever and headlight switch. This headlight switch has three successive positions, On—Lo beam—Hi beam.
I love the sound of the horn. It produces a unique sound. No other horn in India produces such a sound.