Vento Colt 2012 — Specifications

When the affordable custom market starts to cough, Vento releases a Colt and tries to create an illusion. This 2012 machine, with its 249 cc V-twin, does not claim to rival Harley-Davidson or Honda Shadow models. It aims lower, much lower, and that is probably where its only interest lies: offering a cruiser silhouette for the price of a mid-range scooter.

Its atmospheric V2 engine, with a bore of 53.2 mm and a stroke of 67.6 mm, delivers a power of 17.7 horsepower at 8000 rpm. The torque, announced at 16 Nm at 6000 rpm, is not going to tear up the asphalt. The power curve resembles that of a well-fed large moped, but the sound of the V-twin, even a small one, retains a certain charm for those not seeking performance. The five-speed gearbox and belt drive complete a simple mechanical package, reliable as long as you don't ask the impossible of it.

With a dry weight of 140 kilos and a seat height of 699 mm, the Vento Colt plays the card of absolute accessibility. A beginner or a rider of small stature will feel at home instantly. The steel frame, hydraulic fork, and twin rear shock absorbers promise basic handling, sufficient for urban rides or short getaways on secondary roads. The single disc brakes, front and rear, are a reminder that you'll need to anticipate slowing down.

The silhouette, however, is full of character with its 110/90-21 front tire and 130/90-16 rear tire, typical of customs. The 13-liter fuel tank indicates modest range, perfectly in line with the urban and suburban use for which this motorcycle is intended. This is clearly a styling exercise, a minimalist representation of the American cruiser, stripped of any technical pretension or superfluous power.

The Vento Colt finds its audience among novices who want a first custom experience without breaking the bank, or city dwellers looking for a light and maneuverable machine with a bold look. Compared to a Honda Rebel 250 or used small Yamaha Virago models, it offers a new alternative at a price that was undoubtedly its main selling point. It's a compromise bike, which fully accepts its limitations to offer a straightforward gateway into an often intimidating world.