The GT160S blends timeless British-inspired styling with modern technology, proving that retro scooters can still be practical for everyday Malaysian roads.
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Every time I see a Royal Alloy scooter, I can’t help but think of Britain’s golden era of music and scooters. Back in the 1960s, classic Lambrettas became a symbol of the famous Mod culture, where tailored suits, scooters and bands like The Who all went hand in hand. Even today, that retro spirit is still very much alive, and Royal Alloy has done an excellent job bringing it back through its metal-bodied scooters.
Even here in Malaysia, that retro culture has found its own following. I still remember when Royal Alloy collaborated with Kugiran Masdo to introduce the limited-edition “Dinda” Youth Edition, with only 50 units ever produced. It wasn’t just another special edition scooter. It celebrated the same lifestyle that Royal Alloy has always represented, combining classic design with modern riding.
Over the past few years, retro scooters have become increasingly popular, and it’s easy to understand why. Riders today aren’t just looking for something practical to get from A to B anymore. They also want something with personality, a scooter that turns heads every time it’s parked outside a café or waiting at the traffic lights. More importantly, buyers now expect modern features, everyday practicality and reliability without losing that timeless styling.
That’s exactly where the new Royal Alloy Gran Turismo (GT) lineup comes in. Recently launched in Malaysia, the range consists of two models, the GT125S, priced at RM9,800, and the GT160S, retailing at RM12,800, both excluding road tax, insurance and registration.
So when I got the chance to spend a week using the GT160S as my daily commuter, I wasn’t just curious about how it rode. I wanted to know whether there was more to it than its nostalgic looks. After a week of riding it through busy city traffic, daily commutes and late-night rides, I finally understood why Royal Alloy has built such a loyal following among scooter enthusiasts.
First Look & Impressions
Let’s be real, styling is the GT160S’s primary selling point. At first glance, it looks like a time capsule from the late 1950s or 60s. With its pressed metal construction, classic front link setup, faux-leather Italian seat, and sharp bodywork, it immediately evokes the iconic Lambretta aesthetics that scooter purists still obsess over.
Where some scooters just slap on a few vintage-style accessories, the GT160S embraces retro design wholeheartedly. It draws attention everywhere it goes as every park-up results in double takes and curious passersby asking about the brand. I took the Lemon Yellow colour which makes it more vibrant on the road.
Once the sun goes down, the scooter’s modern DNA comes to life. Between the glowing front grille, illuminated badge, and backlit handlebar controls, it exudes a level of nighttime sophistication you wouldn’t expect at this price point. Crucially, those illuminated switches serve a real purpose, making control placement intuitive after dark. It’s sharp, stylish, and hits the sweet spot between classic character and contemporary practicality.
Engine & Performance
The GT160S gets its momentum from a 158cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine mated to a CVT gearbox, putting down 16.9 hp at 8,500 rpm and 13.5 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Those specs might sound reasonable rather than radical, but the engine is tuned brilliantly for what this scooter is meant to do.
Off-the-line acceleration from traffic lights is smooth, and there’s plenty of eager response whenever you need to slip past slower city traffic. The low-end torque arrives early in the rev range, keeping power delivery persistent without much effort.
Well, this isn’t a machine built to break top-speed records, nor does it try to be. The GT160S is designed purely for urban mobility, so whether filtering through congested KL traffic or running quick errands around town, it never feels underpowered. Even with a pillion on board, pickup remains punchy and composed, making it an absolute go-to for daily commuting or grabbing a coffee on the weekend.
Riding Experience
A few days behind the handlebars make one thing obvious, the GT160S is built for effortless urban cruising. With its upright seating position and light steering, weaving through dense traffic requires very little physical effort.
If there is a drawback, it’s the front floorboard. At 177cm tall, I found the footwell a bit narrow, leaving my knees in a slightly unnatural posture. It’s far from a major flaw, but riders with longer legs will likely feel the squeeze on longer journeys. One detail worth mentioning comes straight from my pillion passenger, the rear footpegs feel slightly flimsy. Rather than snapping into a firm, rigid lock, they tend to feel somewhat loose and free-moving underfoot. It’s a minor detail, but locking mechanism refinements here would go a long way in giving pillions a more secure foot hold.
Suspension performance is perfectly acceptable given that this scooter isn’t built for off-road abuse, even if typical Malaysian roads leave a lot to be desired. Suspension duties are handled by dual hydraulic front shocks and twin rear shock absorbers, which do their job admirably.
Speed bumps and uneven pavement rarely upset the ride, yet there’s enough firmness to keep the scooter steady through corners. Unsurprisingly, the small 12-inch wheels still transmit a sharp thump over deeper ruts, but that’s simply part of the retro scooter package. Overall, the ride is universally approachable. The chassis inspires complete confidence, nimble enough for quick lane changes, yet planted enough to feel secure.
Features
Don’t let the retro looks fool you! The GT160S carries serious modern tech under the skin. Dual-channel ABS and Traction Control come as standard kit, setting a strong benchmark for a segment where basic safety features are often trimmed to save costs. Having that traction features during rainy commutes provided real reassurance, particularly when navigating slick painted road markings and greasy tarmac.
The only minor user-experience annoyance is the keyless switch logic. Having to navigate the main ignition dial just to pop the seat or access the fuel filler cap feels slightly tedious, though it becomes second nature after a few days. Once open, however, the underseat storage proves quite functional, easily fitting a full-sized work bag for daily commutes.
Verdict
A week aboard the Royal Alloy GT160S confirms that it’s much more than a simple style statement. While its classic lines easily make it one of the most attractive scooters in its class, I would say the underlying package delivers real-world comfort, easy riding dynamics, and solid practical value.
Rather than chasing outright speed, the GT160S focuses on providing an enjoyable urban ride that stands out against typical modern scooters on Malaysian streets.
If you want vintage aesthetics without relinquishing modern safeguards like ABS, traction control, and day-to-day dependability, the GT160S is well worth a spot on your shortlist. It masterfully demonstrates that classic heritage and modern convenience can go hand in hand.
Royal Alloy GT160S Specifications
Engine & Performance
- Displacement: 158 cc
- Engine Type: Single-cylinder, 4-valve, water-cooled
- Max Power: 16.9 hp @ 8,500 rpm
- Max Torque: 13.5 Nm of Torque @ 5,500 rpm
- Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
- Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Size & Weight
- Dimensions: 1920 mm (L) x 695 mm (W) x 1110 mm (H)
- Wheelbase: 1380 mm
- Seat Height: 750 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 9.0 Liters
- Net Weight: 152 kg
Chassis & Safety
- Brakes: Front and rear 220 mm discs with dual-channel ABS
- Tyres: 120/70-12 front and rear
- Suspension: Front hydraulic forks and twin rear shock absorbers
- Lighting: LED setup
- Convenience: Keyless start and digital/TFT meter options depending on the regional variant
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