Ola has been very successful with its scooters and is now venturing into motorcycles. The Roadster X is its first step in that direction and presents a futuristic design characterised by its design, which features unique panels and design characteristics for overall aesthetics. Ingenious elements like the "tank" that houses the charging port and innovative claddings and other trims contribute to a modern look. The bike features a slightly fancy tail lamp setup.
However, all that glitters is not gold, and we have raised quite a few red flags regarding the fit, finish and overall quality, which needs to be improved massively; and while the overall design tends to lean towards futurism, the front and rear look a little disjointed and not in sync with the futuristic theme. Even the modern LED turn indicators cannot fix that. The instrument cluster is basic, an unexpected choice for an Ola product known for its technological prowess.
The Ola Roadster X's powertrain is what makes it come out at the top and the company has constantly tweaked it with advancements which have served it well. But do remember that this is not a motorcycle which is nimble on its wheels, so it doesn’t like aggressive cornering.
The suspension setup strikes a balance between hard and soft, offering a decent ride, and the Euro grip tires offer great performance in both wet and dry conditions. A significant drawback in terms of safety is the absence of ABS, with the bike only featuring CBS (Combined Braking System), that may not be enough for a motorcycle with its current performance dynamics.
Ergonomics also need some improvement as the positioning of the front foot pegs restricts comfort and control during longer rides. The riding modes — Eco, Normal, and Sport — function effectively, limiting speeds to 40 km/h, 80 km/h, and 100 km/h, respectively.
An impressive feature is the ability to change riding modes even while the throttle is engaged, though this might not be ideal for novice riders. The 4.5 kWh battery pack allows for a practical range of 100 kilometres even when ridden aggressively, and a more conservative riding style can extend this to 120-130 kilometres.
On this top variant that we were riding, the claimed range is 252 kilometres and a top whack of 118 km/h. Charging the battery from empty to full takes approximately 9 to 10 hours using the external charging point and on-board charger, and you have the option of a 2.5 kWh and a 3.5 kWh battery as well, albeit with reduced range and performance.
The Ola Roadster X is a decent motorcycle for its price point. However, it deserves more in terms of fit, finish, and overall quality. While the robust powertrain is a commendable aspect, it does need some work in other areas. Overall, we feel that the Ola Roadster X has enough potential to become a market leader all things considered and we cannot wait for higher powered bikes in the near future.
Priced at INR 1,04,728 ex-showroom.
(Story by Mohit Soni)
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