2013 Mahindra Pantero in India first ride

More than two years after launching its first ever motorcycle, the Stallio, Mahindra 2 Wheelers is once again vying for attention in the crucial 110cc commuter segment, which forms the core of our motorcycling industry. The bike may look identical to the Stallio, but according to the manufacturer the motorcycle is all-new apart from the styling package. Here’s all that you need to know about the new Mahindra Pantero.

What’s new?

The Pantero looks exactly the same as the erstwhile Stallio, baring the new stickers, but Mahindra claim everything else is all-new, including the engine. Mahindra say they received a positive response about the styling of the Stallio and hence they did not feel the need to alter that. As a result the Pantero sports the same sharp-looking bikini fairing at the front along with the slender fuel tank and body panels. The clocks remain unchanged, and the Pantero features the same all-digital dash as the Stallio and the current Rodeo RZ, with a digital tachometer, fuel gauge and speedometer. The engine displaces 110cc as before but is all-new according to Mahindra. Code named MCi-5 the new engine has been designed and developed in house. Power and torque figures stand at 8.5PS and 8.5Nm, which are higher than the Stallio’s 7.3PS and 8Nm. Claimed ARAI efficiency for the engine is 79.4kmpl, which sounds impressive.

The chassis has been reworked as well and now employs a three-point mounting for the engine. The chassis according to Mahindra is lighter by about 1.2kg, which should aid the dynamics of the motorcycle. The suspension has been tweaked to improve ride quality, and the bike now gets MRF Zapper tyres at both ends. The seat is now softer and longer, which according to the manufacturer should help accommodate taller riders with ease. At the rear the Pantero now gets an LED stop light, along with LED pilot lamps that adorn the front fairing.

How is it?

Initial impressions of the motorcycle are positive, and the Pantero feels a whole lot better than the Stallio. Mahindra claim the engine has been tested extensively for NVH levels, and while it does feel a lot more refined we felt there is still scope for improvement. Performance has improved as well, especially the mid-range grunt. However the engine does feel buzzy at the top, typical of most motorcycles in the segment. Mahindra have gone with the traditional all-up shift pattern for the four-speed gearbox, which offers near precise shifts but feel could have been better. The riding position feels comfortable, but the seat though long enough feels a bit narrow. The suspension tweaks and MRF Zappers help the motorcycle around corners, as it feels more agile and confident. Ride quality feels good as well, and the motorcycle felt comfortable even on undulating surfaces.

When is it coming?

Mahindra have not announced a launch date yet. They plan to launch the Pantero in phases across the country, and the Centuro is expected to follow later. Pricing is not out either, but we expect it to be priced competitively given that the Pantero will compete with the likes of established players like the Hero Splendor and Honda Dream Yuga. When launched, the Pantero will be sold in four variants – T1 will get electric start with alloy wheels and digital clocks, while T2 will get electric start and alloy wheels with an analog dash. T3 and T4 will get a kick start only and an analog dash, but the T3 will get alloy wheels, while T4 will make do with spoked rims.