Kymco Kargador 150

The Kymco Kargador 150 looks like just any other entry level commuter motorcycle – while the overall design is not meant to turn many heads, it sticks to the purpose and means business. The Kargador 150 has a basic but honest design, which will surely be likable for its targeted audience.

The round headlamp at the front of the Kargador 150 has got a nice and smart looking rounded fairing, thus adding some character to the otherwise very basic front fascia. However, the blackened spoke wheels and rubber padding around the front forks are something which is usually not much seen on an entry-level motorcycle of this category.

The fuel tank on the Kymco Kargador 150 looks sleek and long with decent graphics to make it look trendy. Even the side boxy body panels go well with the design theme of the motorcycle. Like the wheels, the engine on the Kargador 150 is finished in black theme, which makes it look a bit premium over its competitors.

Moving towards the rear, the Kargador 150 has got twin shock absorbers at either side, again a rare feature in this category of motorcycles. The massive-looking tubular grab rail, as well as long and flat seat, has been designed keeping the aspect of functionality in mind. The squared tail lamp at the rear and non-existent rear side body panels are something which is common to all the entry-level motorcycles.

Going with the basic theme of the motorcycle, even the instrument console looks minimalist with just an analog speedometer, fuel gauge, and odometer on display. The rear view mirrors look very nice but somehow look out of place here. And don’t expect the fine build quality of its Japanese rivals, for the fit and finish of some body panels, are inconsistent in the Kargador 150.

The Kymco Kargador 150 has been engineered for the commuter end of the market, the prime purpose of which is to carry sufficient amount of load on two wheels. For this, the Kargador 150 has been blessed with quite a rugged tubular frame and telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers on both sides with a box section swingarm at the rear. The motorcycle is quite capable of carrying good amount of load on it, however, the 17-inch wheels on both the ends are shod with quite skinny tyres, which might rob the confidence of riding on higher sides. The high set handlebar feels nice and comfortable for urban usage.

Powering the Kymco Kargador 150 is a four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, carbureted, 149.9cc engine. Coupled to a 5-speed gearbox, this engine has the capacity to produce a maximum power output of 11.3 PS and a peak torque output of 12.2 Nm. The engine impresses with its bottom end grunt, however, the refinement of the engine has still a long way to go.

One can’t expect the presence of sophisticated safety features like ABS on an entry level commuter motorcycle like the Kargador 150. The motorcycle even misses out on disc brakes on both the ends (yes, the Kargador 150 gets drum brakes on both wheels), which is quite understandable, given the cost-effectiveness of the motorcycle.

The Kymco Kargador 150 is one motorcycle with which one might not have too much expectations. However, at the given price point at which it is being offered, the Kargador 150 is one worthy package with its robust mechanicals, decent powertrain, and supple ride quality. There are a couple of shortcomings which do need to be taken care of, however, considering the constraints of this segment, the Kargador 150 seems like a well-rounded package.