Battle of Elegance
When Keeway entered the Indian market with not one but two 300cc scooters, enthusiasts took notice. The premium scooter segment in India has been relatively quiet, dominated by smaller displacement models. But Keeway decided to shake things up with the retro-styled Sixties 300i and the modern maxi-scooter Vieste 300. Both pack serious displacement under their floorboards, but they appeal to completely different personalities. Let’s dive deep into what makes each of these scooters special and help you decide which one deserves a spot in your garage.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Premium Scooter Proposition
Before we get into the specifics, let’s address the elephant in the room: do you really need a 300cc scooter? The answer depends on what you value. If you’re tired of underpowered scooters that struggle with two-up riding, if you crave highway capability, or if you simply want something different from the sea of 125cc scooters flooding Indian roads, then yes, these Keeways make perfect sense.
Both scooters are powered by a liquid-cooled 278.2cc engine that delivers around 18.44-18.95 bhp with torque figures of 22-23.5 Nm. This displacement advantage translates to real-world performance that’s simply impossible from smaller scooters. But more importantly, these aren’t just about raw power—they’re about style, presence, and making a statement every time you ride.
Price Points and Value Proposition
The Keeway Sixties 300i starts at approximately ₹3.30 lakh, while the Vieste 300 is priced around ₹3.25 lakh. Prices vary depending on color options, ranging between ₹3.03 lakh and ₹3.24 lakh ex-showroom. The pricing is quite close, which makes sense since they share the same mechanical foundation. However, this similarity in price means your decision will be driven more by design preference and intended use rather than budget considerations.
Yes, these are expensive scooters by Indian standards. But consider what you’re getting: a substantial engine, liquid cooling, quality build, distinctive styling, and a riding experience that’s leagues ahead of conventional scooters. For riders seeking premium two-wheeled transportation that’s not a motorcycle, these Keeways occupy a unique space.
Design Philosophy: Retro Charm vs Modern Aggression
This is where things get really interesting, because these two scooters couldn’t look more different if they tried.
Keeway Sixties 300i: Retro Done Right
The Sixties 300i is unabashedly retro, drawing inspiration from classic European scooters of the 1960s. It packs strong retro elements fused with latest functional hardware, featuring a rounded apron and fender that complement the squared-off LED headlight. The result is a scooter that looks like it time-traveled from a bygone era while packing thoroughly modern technology.
The design is clean, elegant, and deliberately simple. There are no aggressive angles or sharp cuts—just smooth, flowing lines that create a cohesive vintage aesthetic. The color options typically include classic shades that reinforce the retro vibe. When you’re riding the Sixties 300i, you’re making a fashion statement as much as a transportation choice.
The scooter runs on 12-inch wheels with a 110/70-12 front tire and 130/70-12 rear tire, contributing to stability and maneuverability in city traffic while helping tackle road imperfections. The relatively large wheel size for a scooter gives it a planted feel on the road.
Keeway Vieste 300: Maxi-Scooter Aggression
The Vieste is a legitimate maxi-scooter with aggressive styling and dimensions, featuring attractive headlights powered by four LED projectors with DRLs. It’s designed to keep up with demanding lifestyles and exceed the requirements of urban commuters, offering a perfect blend of sleek design and functionality with LED projector headlights with DRLs, LED taillights, and turn indicators.
The Vieste 300 looks fast standing still. Its sharp bodywork, angular lines, and purposeful stance communicate performance and capability. The turn indicators sit flush with the bodywork for a distinctly clean look, contributing to the premium aesthetic. This is a scooter for riders who want their vehicle to project modernity and sportiness.
The Vieste runs on 13-inch alloys with a 110/70 front and 130/70 rear tire, slightly larger wheels than the Sixties that contribute to highway stability and comfort.
Engine Performance and Riding Dynamics
Here’s where things get technical, and where both scooters reveal their true capabilities.
The 278.2cc petrol engine produces 18.95 PS at 6500 rpm with torque figures of 23.5 Nm at 5750 rpm for the Sixties 300i, while the Vieste 300 produces 18.95 PS at 6500 rpm with 22 Nm at 6000 rpm. The slight difference in torque delivery characteristics gives each scooter a subtly different personality, though in real-world riding, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference.
Despite the 146kg weight, the Sixties 300 is quick off the line, with the fuel-injected and liquid-cooled engine churning out 18.7bhp and 22Nm. The liquid cooling system ensures consistent performance even in Indian traffic and heat, preventing power loss from heat soak that plagues air-cooled engines.
What does this power feel like in practice? Imagine merging onto highways without anxiety, overtaking confidently, and carrying a pillion without the scooter feeling overwhelmed. The 278cc engine provides a cushion of power that makes everyday riding more relaxed because you’re never working the engine hard just to keep up with traffic.
Both scooters feature fuel injection for smooth throttle response and better fuel efficiency compared to carbureted systems. The single-cylinder layout keeps things simple and serviceable while the liquid cooling maintains optimal operating temperatures for longevity and performance.
Chassis, Suspension, and Handling
Both models get telescopic fork suspension at the front and hydraulic shocks at the rear. This suspension setup is more sophisticated than what you’d find on typical scooters, providing better absorption of road imperfections and more composed handling during spirited riding.
The Sixties 300i offers slightly more ground clearance at 140mm compared to the Vieste 300’s 135mm. While not a massive difference, the extra 5mm on the Sixties could matter if you frequently encounter speed breakers or rough roads. That said, both offer adequate clearance for Indian road conditions.
The Vieste 300 has a seat height of 770mm, comes equipped with a 12-liter fuel tank, and weighs 147kg kerb weight. The slightly taller seat height suits taller riders better while the 12-liter tank provides decent range between fill-ups.
The larger wheels on both scooters compared to conventional 110cc scooters contribute significantly to stability, especially at highway speeds. They roll over obstacles more easily and provide better contact patch for improved grip and braking performance.
Features and Technology
The Vieste 300 has an analog-digital instrument console that looks like it’s borrowed from a car, providing comprehensive information to the rider. The semi-digital setup combines analog speedometer charm with digital readouts for essential information.
The Vieste 300 comes with an all-LED lighting setup with a twin-pod headlamp, ensuring excellent visibility during night riding. LED technology not only looks modern but also provides better illumination while consuming less power than conventional bulbs.
Both scooters feature keyless ignition, adding convenience to daily use. Simply having the key fob in your pocket allows you to start the scooter—a premium feature that enhances the ownership experience.
Safety features include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and disc brakes, crucial for a scooter with this much performance. ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, especially important on wet roads or in emergency situations. The disc brakes provide strong, progressive stopping power to match the engine’s performance.
Comfort and Practicality
Scooters need to be practical, and both Keeways don’t disappoint in this department. The under-seat storage on both models can accommodate a full-face helmet—essential for any serious scooter. Additional storage pockets and hooks provide space for everyday items, groceries, or backpacks.
The seating position on both scooters is spacious and comfortable for extended rides. The Sixties offers a more upright, relaxed posture fitting its retro character, while the Vieste’s slightly sportier ergonomics put you in a more engaged riding position.
Pillion comfort is good on both scooters, with adequate seat padding and grab rails for passenger confidence. The powerful engine means you won’t struggle carrying a passenger even on inclines or during overtakes.
Fuel Efficiency Considerations
With a 278cc engine, don’t expect the astronomical fuel economy figures of 125cc scooters. Realistically, you’re looking at somewhere between 25-30 kmpl in mixed riding conditions. Highway riding at steady speeds will yield better numbers, while aggressive city riding or continuous performance riding will lower efficiency.
However, fuel efficiency isn’t really why you buy a 300cc scooter. You’re prioritizing performance, capability, and character over maximum kilometers per liter. The 12-liter fuel tank provides decent range even with moderate fuel consumption, meaning you won’t be visiting fuel stations constantly.
Who Should Buy What?
Choose the Sixties 300i if you appreciate classic design, prefer a more relaxed riding position, want something that stands out for its elegance rather than aggression, and enjoy the conversation-starting appeal of retro styling. The Sixties suits riders who view their scooter as a lifestyle accessory as much as transportation.
Choose the Vieste 300 if you prefer modern, aggressive styling, want a maxi-scooter that looks fast and sporty, prioritize the latest design language over retro appeal, and desire slightly larger wheels for enhanced highway stability. The Vieste appeals to riders who want cutting-edge aesthetics and a sportier image.
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest: both these scooters are niche products in the Indian market. They’re expensive, overpowered for city commuting, and lack the extensive service network of established players. Parts availability and resale value remain question marks given Keeway’s relatively new presence in India.
But here’s the thing—if you’re considering one of these, you already know all that. You’re looking for something different, something special, something that makes your daily commute feel less mundane. Both the Sixties 300i and Vieste 300 deliver exactly that.
Final Verdict
The Keeway Sixties 300i and Vieste 300 prove that scooters don’t have to be boring, underpowered, or look like every other scooter on the road. They offer genuine performance, distinctive styling, and premium features at prices that, while high, reflect their unique positioning.
The choice between them comes down purely to aesthetic preference and intended use. Both ride well, perform admirably, and turn heads wherever they go. The Sixties channels vintage cool while the Vieste projects modern performance. Either way, you’re getting a scooter that makes riding special again.
In a market dominated by sensible, efficient, but utterly forgettable scooters, these Keeways dare to be different. And sometimes, that’s exactly what riding should be about.
