Review: Kinetic DX Is Back, But Not Like You Remember It

The Kinetic DX was an absolute favourite of the 1990s. Born out of the Honda-Kinetic partnership, the two-stroke scooter became a household name for nearly a decade and a half. For Boomers and Gen X, the humble yet loud 98cc Kinetic DX offered a break from the mundane. For many reasons, its journey came to an end in 1998.

Fast forward to 2026, and the Kinetic DX is back. True to its roots, it returns with a familiar silhouette, but this time with an electric heart. Will it strike the same chord as it once did? Let's find out in our first ride review of the Kinetic DX.

Kinetic DX Design and Features

The Kinetic DX pays homage to the original in terms of styling, but is that enough to grab buyers' attention today? The large, old-school face is unmistakably retro and is likely to divide opinions. Lighting, however, is thoroughly modern, with all-LED headlamps and tail-lamps. The DRLs, in particular, bring back a distinct retro vibe.

What works in its favour is the extensive use of metal. The front fender, side panels, and bodywork feel solid and robustly put together. That said, paint quality and panel gaps could certainly be improved.

The instrumentation is a fully digital unit with connectivity features, though it remains fairly basic in execution. You do get music playback on the go, but there are plenty of buttons on the handlebars, which take some getting used to. A neat touch is the flick-out rear footrests, which deploy with a simple switch.

Practicality is a strong suit. The under-seat storage is 38 litres, which is large enough to accommodate two helmets. There's also a USB charging port inside the boot.

Kinetic DX Drive Dynamics

The Kinetic DX runs on a 60V architecture and comes with an onboard charger. This helps the owner to walk away from the hassle of carrying a charger. A full charge of the 2.6 kWh LFP battery takes around four hours. 

In Eco mode, the claimed range is up to 105 km, while Turbo mode promises around 70 km. Top speed stands at 90 km/h for the DX+, with the standard DX capped at 80 km/h. Range is on par with rivals and feels adequate for the asking price.

Also Read - Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6 First Impressions Review: A Bold Step Into The Future

Performance-wise, Eco mode isn't dull, though speed is limited to about 50 km/h. Switch to Turbo and the scooter quickly builds pace up to around 80 km/h, with acceleration strong enough for quick overtakes. Overall, performance is tuned more for smoothness than outright aggression, which makes the DX well-suited for daily commuting.

Surprisingly, the regenerative braking from the 4.8 kW motor is almost negligible-a rather odd trait for an electric scooter. This results in a lot of coasting and greater reliance on the brakes.

Thankfully, the combi-braking setup feels sharp and reassuring. Unless you really grab a handful in a panic situation, the tyres maintain grip well. What feels slightly off, however, is the seating position. Riders over 5.7 feet may find their knees sitting unnaturally high, largely due to the placement of the battery pack.

Also Read - Yamaha EC-06 First Ride Review: Best Bet In Electric Scooter Business Yet?

Ride quality is impressively supple. The DX deals with bumps comfortably, aided by its 12-inch wheels and a respectable ground clearance of 165 mm.

Kinetic DX Verdict

The Kinetic DX is an electric scooter that doesn't shout for attention, but quietly does its job well. Comfortable, distinct in its design, and inherently practical as an EV, it is likely to strike a chord with many first-time adopters. Reviving an iconic nameplate with an electric heart, the DX blends nostalgia with modern EV technology. Priced from Rs 1.11 lakh (ex-showroom), it positions itself as a sensible, family-oriented scooter that prioritises usability over outright performance.