Design , Performance
Expensive, Fit and Finish , Suspension
Benelli has been in India for a while now, wherein they have been revving up the hearts of premium motorcycle buyers. However, their journey hasn’t been well rewarded with appreciable sales figures. And now, Benelli kick-starts its innings in the Indian market with its Hungarian sister company – Keeway. Keeway is a brand owned by Chinese QJ Motors, which has partnered with Adishwar Auto for Indian operations.
Keeway has entered our shores at such a time wherein affluent buyers are about to explore the fun quotient of an otherwise practical side of scooters. The Keeway Vieste 300, a maxi-scooter, slots itself between an already appealing Yamaha Aerox 155 and AAAA… an expensively desirable BMW C 400 GT. We have ridden it for a short period, and here are our first-ride impressions to share insights on how attractive the Vieste 300 makes the case for itself.
At Rs 2.99 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Vieste 300 is undoubtedly an expensive proposition. However, it is a product that will appeal to buyers who wish to stand out with an exclusive appealing design. The 278cc engine packs a lot of punch and likes to be ridden hard. However, the suspension setup isn’t the best for Indian roads that enhance the riding experience. Moreover, the overall build quality dulls the premium experience that one would like to associate with such an expensive machine. I wish Keeway would address these shortcomings, hopefully soon. But for now, Vieste 300 is a go-to option for someone who wants a powerful scooter with a style and a desirable form factor.
