Modenas 118 EFi

The Modenas 118 EFI tries hard to stand out of the crowd with its loud body decals and a busy mix-up of colors in its paint scheme. However, its basic design does not catch ones’ attention for the second time.

At the front, the 118 EFI comes with a very conventional design with a handlebar mounted headlamps with vertical indicators with curvy edges flanking it at the center portion itself. The small and slanted front apron looks very simple and plain, whose basic appeal only doubles up with its small surface area due to high positioned front fender.

The side profile of the Modenas 118 EFI doesn’t break any new ground in terms of design and carries its slim stance with a good mix of colors which do manage to uplift its appeal. The side panels of the front apron extend downwards on the sides, thus partially covering the engine as well, with pointy ends at the bottom. The six-spoke alloy wheels have a very simple design, but the dual tone black and white pinstriping job does make it look a bit sporty.

The side body panels look slim and plain, and if there were no colorful decals on them, they would have looked too bland. The single piece seat too goes well with the lean theme of the bike with its slim design, however, it is big enough to seat two people with ease. At the rear, the boomerang-shaped tail lamp assembly is the only design element which stands out.

What further makes this bike feel even more boring is the very simply styled instrument console, which is shaped like a diamond and houses analog dials of speedometer and fuel gauge over former. The switchgear too feels basic and reminds you that you are riding a bike which is built to a cost.

Apart from the engine, the Modenas 118 EFI also shares its other mechanical components and chassis with its fancier sibling, the Ace 115. This means that the 118 EFI also rides on 14-inch wheels and comes equipped with telescopic forks and a 220mm disc brake at the front and a trailing link with tilted coil spring and a 110mm drum brake at the rear. Thanks to its slim profile and lower kerb weight, the 118 EFI feels even livelier and easy to handle as compared to the Ace 115.

The mill powering the Modenas 118 EFI is a four-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled, 120.3cc engine. Contrary to its name, the engine is not fuel-injected, but carbureted, with a maximum power rated at 9.9 PS and a peak torque output rated at 9.1Nm. The engine is coupled to a 4-speed gearbox, which transfers power to the rear wheel through a chain drive, just like in a motorcycle.

Since the Modenas 118 EFI is purely targeted towards those who are tight on a budget, it skips on a number of safety features. Not only a basic ABS or combined braking system, it even misses out on a basic lockable ignition keyhole which is there on the Ace 115.

The Modenas 118 EFI is priced on a very attractive side, but then, this also brings a fair share of shortcomings with it. The bike looks way too simple with only basic features at their places and it does not look too inviting to fetch a second glance. However, when it comes to getting the job done, the 118 EFI carries its task with decent performance, comfortable ride quality, and agile handling. These basic tasks carried out with honesty do make the 118 EFI a good commuter for urban rides.