Biker Boy reviews a Singapore-made Knight

This star-peppered scooter is compact.

The A bike Knight looks similar to the fun scooters you might rent while on holiday in Bali, Indonesia, or Phuket, Thailand.

On its sporty bodywork are local landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, The Singapore Flyer and The Merlion.

Why would a bike be designed this way? Well, because it is proudly made here (in Bukit Batok, to be exact) by Alife Air Automobiles with some parts sourced overseas.

This week, Biker Boy takes his first ride on it and tells you how the A bike stacks up against the competition.

 

ERGONOMICS

If you're around 1.78m tall, like me, the A bike will fit like a glove. Its upright riding position allows my feet to rest perfectly on perforated metal floor boards.

Taller riders may find it a squeeze in the A bike's cockpit. Without forward foot wells, you will be unable to stretch your legs on longer rides.

We were not able to get hold of the full specifications of the A bike by press time. What we can say confidently for a start is that this automatic scooter is very light and easy to park on its main stand.

HANDLING

The carburetted A bike has a short wheel base.

On straight roads, the scooter's front end feels excitable especially over big bumps. Perhaps the softer springs in the forks are to blame.

At the rear, where the fuel tank is housed under the seat, the dual shocks are better damped.

But when you point the scooter at a bend, it excels. Having a short wheel base means it can turn at the drop of a hat. Also, greater handlebar rotation allows it to get out of tight situations in traffic jams.

It was impressive when the A bike easily made figure-8s in an area as small as two car-park lots.

Our test scooter's 12-inch diameter wheels came with dual compound Michelin tyres.

A harder compound in the centre gives the tyres extended life while softer compound on the tyres' shoulders boast enhanced grip while cornering.

POWER

The A bike generates decent low- to mid-end power, giving it enough boost to move off from traffic stops quickly.

It cruises at 80kmh without any engine strain. We noticed a flat spot on its power curve at around the 30kmh mark.

However, that's a small price to pay for its good fuel economy.

With its 4-litre fuel tank, the A bike achieves more than 40km on 1 litre of petrol.

The A bike can also be proud of its braking prowess with its front disc and rear drum brake set-up.

We performed an emergency stop at 40kmh without drama - the scooter stopped safely within 6m.

TECHNOLOGY

No electronic fuel injection, digital gauges or modern gizmos. Analogue clocks keep the scooter's operation simple.

VERDICT

If you're a patriotic rider who's on an urban charge, get the A bike. It's easy to operate and maintain. This locally made scooter will get you out of tight spots, pronto.

---

FAST FACTS

Make & model: A bike Knight

Capacity: 150cc

Transmission: Automatic

Price: Unavailable

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/ALIFEAir or call Alife Air Automobiles at 6659-0028