First ride: Sinnis Shuttle 125

Road presence, comfort and storage are what Sinnis aspire to with the Shuttle. Does it live up to the expectation?

If might not quite hit all the marks, but this scooter is a pretty good blend of what could be expected by the average scooter rider who might be looking for a budget-priced run-around.

LOOKS & STYLING

Whilst I was parked-up taking a few pictures of the Shuttle, I was approached by an unknown elderly lady: “That’s a nice-looking scooter, it really looks the business in this sunlight” she said – which just about sums up it up really; I can’t think of anything negative to add to that. The unusually shaped instrument cluster has a certain quirkiness about it; as well as the obligatory warning lights you get a large speedometer and an equally large rev counter which conversely is completely red with a black rev limit line replacing what would normally appear as red (if that makes sense).

EQUIPMENT

You get a luggage hook, LED front lights, a luggage rack and that’s about it (although Sinnis will sell you a topbox to match the bike if you wish).

ENGINE/PERFORMANCE

The engine is your average mid-range 125cc scooter engine of Chinese origin, knocking out a max power of 5.7kw; I did the test ride mainly around town, so can’t say what the top speed actually is, but it will be somewhere around 60mph. To be honest that’s about all that is required in urban condition; it gives the bike enough power for overtaking, or getting away from the lights under normal situations. It didn’t feel all sluggish.

ON THE ROAD

Riding through town, the Shuttle promoted an air of confidence about it. The suspension set-up seemed to be about right, soaking-up any road deficiencies with little wandering or protest; cornering could be undertaken with the confidence that it wasn’t going to give you any surprises. For me the seating position proved to be about the right height and I could position my feet flat on the ground when at a stationary position.

TECH SPEC:

ENGINE: 124cc single cylinder air-cooled four-stroke
MAX POWER: 5.7kw @ 7500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: Auto
STARTING SYSTEMS: Electric and kick
TANK CAPACITY: 7 litres
WEIGHT: 115kg
SEAT HEIGHT: 790mm
INSTRUMENT DISPLAY: Analogue
SUSPENSION: Front: telescopic, Rear: coil spring
BRAKES: 220mm discs front and rear
TYRES: 123/60-13 front and rear
COLOUR OPTIONS: Black or black
CONTACT: www.sinnismotorcycles.com
PRICE: £899 (Incl VAT and 24 month manufacturer’s parts warranty)

PROS

• Stylish looks
• Nice handling

CONS

• Limited underseat storage space

Words: Mau
Images: Mau/Viv King