Ariic Gemma Test: Introduction, positioning and rivals
Within citizen scooters there is a subsegment reserved for superlight ones, that is, scooters whose weight is around 110 kilos, generally small in size and capable of accommodating all types of sizes. The idea is that they are very easy to use and that they do not frighten anyone approaching the world of two wheels for the first time.
The Ariic Gemma (9 HP, €1,990) lives in this niche, the new scooter from the young brand that already has more than thirty distribution points in Spain. Ariic is a brand that emphasizes the design and perceived quality of its products.
That its conception is simple is part of the secret of its effectiveness. That the design is functional, within simplicity, contributes to cost containment. And yet, its touch is premium.
It is curious, but the “flyweight” rivals of the Ariic Gemma base their design on the classic conception of the scooter, more or less filtered by current times. The vast majority use a 12-inch front wheel, classic look and flat floor.
Among them we find (in alphabetical order) the Daelim Besbi 125 (8.8 HP, €2,487), Keeway Versilia 125 (8 HP, €2,390), Motron Ideo 125 (7.2 HP, €2,068) and Suzuki Address 125 ( 8.7 HP, €2,659). If we ignore the 12-inch wheels, other rivals emerge, also with flat floors. With a 14-inch front wheel is the Honda Vision 110 (8.6 HP, €2,525). If we increase the front wheel to 16 inches, we find the Daelim S16 125 (8.8 HP, €1,887) and the Peugeot Tweet 125 (11.4 HP, €2,449) that we recently tested here.
At a launch price of €1,990 (later it will be €2,190), the Ariic Gemma has arguments, beyond the price, to gain a foothold in the market, which is what dictates the sentence. If you try it, it will enter your pool.
Ariic Gemma test: Features, equipment and philosophy of the Ariic Gemma
We have mentioned in the introduction features that place the Ariic Gemma among the ⅛ liter flyweight scooters, but it is not obvious: it can be driven with a car license. The curious thing is that its size and weight (1,840 mm in length and 102 kilos dry) allow it to be placed in a medium-sized van (Vito type) by simply folding down the seats. This opens up a range of new scenarios, as diverse as use as a pit bike, support vehicle in caravanning and everything in between.
The design is attractive because it is simple and clean. It is not without curiosities, such as the headlight being very similar to that of the second generation of the Honda NC 750 X, a motorcycle that weighs more than twice as much as the Ariic Gemma. The 4 turn signals are integrated into the bodywork, minimizing the possibility of them breaking in the event of any impact. Nothing stands out and the whole is very compact.
The seat is less than 750 mm from the ground and does not represent an obstacle for any height. With my 178 cm height I have not suffered any discomfort in terms of habitability. I won't say that I have a spare scooter, because it is really small, but my legs never collide against the handlebars or the shield.
Getting it onto the easel is child's play, although it also has a kickstand. Moving it when stopped is very simple, it is very light and the turning radius is exemplary. If we take into account that the wheelbase is only 1,270 mm and the wheels are 12 inches, you can get an idea of the handling.
The engine is a simple single-cylinder 4-stroke 4-valve engine of only 117 cc, but delivering 9 HP at 7,500 rpm. The maximum torque is 9.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm and as you will read later, acceleration takes precedence over maximum speed. Ariic declares a consumption of 2.5 l/100 km, really low. The 4-liter tank guarantees a theoretical range of 150 kilometers, which is not a problem in the city, but requires refueling with some regularity.
The chassis is a tubular steel, the suspensions are simple (telescopic fork and double shock absorber), but sufficient to handle the agile dimensions of this scooter. The front brake is a disc, with a double-piston caliper, while the rear is made up of a drum.
If we take into account that we are below the €2,000 bar, the equipment is truly remarkable. To begin with, it does not require an ignition key. This is keyless and although it is certainly bulky, it always works the first time. It also has a start & stop system, disconnectable on the right pineapple.
In front of the left pineapple we have access to the parking brake, very useful on ramps and slopes when you have to search your pockets. Its operation is simple, but requires both hands. To disconnect it, simply operate the left brake lever.
The carrying capacity is certainly poor. A jet helmet barely fits under the seat and depending on which model. It's more of a glove compartment under the seat than anything else. It is the price of compactness and that any size (large ones too) fits in the Gemma. The glove compartment behind the shield is certainly deep, it fits any mobile phone and includes a USB-A socket, but the closure is magnetic. Be careful not to forget anything inside.
There is also a practical retractable hook, to be able to secure what we carry on the flat platform, which is where the load capacity of the Ariic Gemma lies. In front of the handlebar there is a medium-height smoked windscreen screen, behind which is the small TFT panel that includes speed, rev counter, clock, fuel level, as well as reserve warning lights and connectivity with the Smartphone via Bluetooth.
The management of changing the time and date is through two touch buttons at the bottom of the screen (Mode and SEL), but I was not able to get hold of it.
Ariic Gemma Test: How the Ariic Gemma Goes
The first impression as soon as I stood in front of the Ariic Gemma is pleasant. The design is good at distance and better up close: the manufacturing adjustments look very good, as well as the quality of the plastics used. Time will dictate, but the feeling is very good.
The maneuverability when standing is outstanding, to the point that you can put your hand under the back of the saddle to lift it from the back and move it laterally, for example, inside a van.
Once on top of it, you quickly realize that despite how pretty it may seem visually, its design is functional in every sense. It is valid for all types of sizes, being able to place your buttocks along the saddle, versatile in its shapes, hard at the bottom. It is not a serious problem in a vehicle designed for short trips either.
His start from a standing start is surprising, certainly energetic, but controlled. Getting into Ariic Gemma only takes a few moments, as everything happens with light naturalness. It turns on a tile and can be done with great ease. At all times she feels in control of the situation, as a result of her height and the absence of extra kilos.
It is designed to mouse around and get to the front row of traffic lights before anyone else. When leaving, it is fast, faster than most 125 ccs, although that thrust begins to decrease above 50 km/h, a speed at which it takes things more slowly. This does not prevent cruises of 85-90 km/h from being easily maintained with a reserve of gas, enough to drive on ring roads such as the M-30 in Madrid, where the maximum speed allowed ranges between 70 and 90 km/h. .
Another thing is if we go out onto fast roads where the maximum speed allowed is higher, where we will find ourselves stuck in the right lane, always paying attention to the rearview mirror. In terms of top speed, the engine can go up to 9,000 rpm, around 104 km/h, in favorable conditions.
Well thought out, more power and speed would not be advisable in the Ariic Gemma, since its performance is in line with its cycle part, which is what allows lightness and agility. The 12-inch wheels are not friendly to high speeds, but they are the most effective in the urban jungle, which is the habitat of this scooter and where it defends itself like a beast.
The brakes are sufficient and the combined braking system works well, but the feel of the front disc is certainly hard and requires strength (and the support of the rear) to obtain results. Nothing serious, because I'm sure that softer brake pads will do wonders for the front caliper; The feel of the standard ones is a little wooden.
I was so surprised by the good dynamic performance of the Ariic Gemma that I couldn't resist the temptation of taking it to one of my favorite twisty stretches, a testing ground for the most varied motorcycles.
With the obvious caveats that emanate from a 9 HP engine, it is a lot of fun, as it is capable of providing sensations to your hands from the 12-inch wheels, shod with CST tires, which are not exactly the sportiest thing in the field. Even so, it is capable of transmitting sensations, an important aspect if you like riding a motorcycle.
After a week with the Ariic Gemma I have remembered that recurring phrase, “less is more”, which applies emphatically here. Many times we get lost with the maximum power figures, pixels per inch, etc., when the solution to our problems is at hand in a beautiful, simple product at a reasonable price.
