Ather Konarc S Owner’s First Ride Experience: Stats Say Rizta Sibling, Road Says Differents After getting to know the Ather Konarc S on better terms, it is easy to identify the two very different schools of thought that define this scooter. On the one hand, looking purely at the spec stats and the equipment seems to hint towards a close relation to the Rizta. However, on a real-world experience, it transforms into something else equally interesting but on a different front, while retaining the Ather spirit. Taking a step back to look at the bigger picture, the pricing of the Konarc S is extremely close to the Rizta S 3.5 kWh variant without the Atherstack Pro.
The actual complete spec sheet of the Konarc S has yet to come out, so the analysis will focus on the real-life experience. It brings forward the same basic 7-inch Deep View display as seen on the Rizta S and 450S, a joystick and handlebar control set that is intuitive and pleasant to use. It shares some visual similarities to the Rizta in certain angles, but switches to a metal body. Brakes are a front disc and rear drum combo. The seat is large and wide, and the front legroom is generous enough that even with my backpack there is still ample room. Under-seat storage provides a decent 31 litres, albeit the S variant does not feature a boot lamp as well as MagicKey and Auto Pop functions.
Interestingly, a button is still found at the rear, hinting that the same body construction is used, but the functions of the boot lamp are not utilised in the S variant. A half helmet fits comfortably inside the boot, while my larger range testing helmet does not fit in the normal orientation, but will fit when rotated. There is also the convenience of a small front pocket as well as a USB-C charging port. Leaving the specs aside, and getting to the business of actually riding the Konarc S provides further evidence to the differences on offer.
The scooter is larger and broader than the Rizta. Paper says the wheelbase is 65 mm longer and while actual overall dimensions will be released soon, it certainly feels like it. It takes a while to get used to, but it certainly provides its benefits on the longer run. The scooter displays exceptional stability on the open road, as well as a more comfortable riding experience on pitted roads. The 14-inch front wheels absorb most of the harshness, so much so that the front section feels particularly settled on bad roads, while the slightly softer suspension keeps the pillion rider comfortable too. The riding posture and rake angle settle into a comfortable, neutral stance that I personally found myself preferring over the Rizta.
The rear-view mirrors are the same pragmatic set-ups as seen on the 450 and the Rizta, which I find is a welcome set of choices. A simpler side stand, sturdy pillion footrests and, for the first time on an Ather scooter, a proper centre stand make the scooter more of a daily practical tool. The colour options are neat, especially with the shade I have ridden and the subtle blueish accents around the front leg area and handlebar space. Performance-wise the differences continue as the motor is swing-arm mounted with no belt drive, meaning the familiar whining sound is gone, and this scooter is impressively silent. Offers slightly more power than the Rizta while also providing a tad less torque.
The Air-Walk feature performs well in practice, as does the Auto Hold function, which should be able to hold the scooter for more than nine minutes without a pillion. Taken together, the Konarc S may look very similar on the spec sheet to the Rizta, but the combination of greater overall size, improved ride experience, silent power delivery and a number of practical features makes it a more distinct and enjoyable experience that feels pure Ather.