Yamaha SS125 – The New Gladiator

Yamaha introduced the new bike SS125 to provide low cost option to the bikers and this one is the third option in the same segment. The other options in the segments are 100 cc, 125 cc and 150 cc engine, and the SS 125 is another version comes with the 4 stroke – air cooled 124 cc engines, which can deliver a better performance at a low cost. The new bike provides a combination of comfort and style, and it provides a better fuel economy.

Appearance

The external look of the bike has new graphics and the model has been launched in a combination of two colors Blue and Black, and Black and Red. The bold new graphics are impressive and the color scheme is also improved. The instrument panel is designed stylishly and the rear side has the unique tail lamp. Alloy wheel improve the robustness of the bike.

Dimension: The dimension of the bike is reduced as compared to the earlier model and the new bike is 1995mm in length that is 70 mm lesser as compared to Gladiator SS / RS but it has been made tall and the height is increased to 1110 mm .The saddle height is also increased from 790mm to 795mm.The overall change in height has made the bike comfortable for tall commuter.

Wheelbase: The wheelbase has been reduced by 5mm, although, the wheelbase should have been increased to improve stability and comfort, but the new wheelbase is 1295mm instead of 1300 mm.

Weight: As compared to Gladiator SS / RS, the weight of the new bike is reduced from 128 kg to 125 kg.

Fuel tank: Fuel tank’s size is increased and it can hold 0.6 liters of more fuel .The tank’s capacity has also increased from 13 liters to 13.6 liters.

Headlamp: The headlamp is changed and now it supports 12 volts and 35 /25 Watt as compared to 12V – 35 /35 W, and the new headlamp support improved visibility in night. The rear view look has also been improved.

Engine

4- stroke: The four stroke air cooled SOHC cc engine provides a peak power of 11 PS @ 7500 rpm and torque of 10.4 Nm @6500 rpm – which is almost same in the 125 cc range .It provides both the options — kick start and self start, and it comes with the CDI ignition feature.

Improved throttle position: The throttle position sensor has been joined to the acceleration system and it provides improved acceleration.

5-speed gearbox: The five speed gearbox enables the rider to get wide power and better performance. It enables the bike to be used for long drives on highways.

Carburetor fuel system: The bike has a carburetor fuel system, air cooling technology, 5 – speed mesh transmission gears and wet sump lubrication. The wet sump lubrication enables the bike to use the fuel completely and improve its efficiency.

Easy shifting between gears: The new bike enables easy shifting between the gears and air cooled technology improves the performance.

Ride and handling

The seat shape appears like a shoe and both the rider on the seat can find it very comfortable and stable, and the bike can provide full comfort even in long journeys. It has been featured to have sound brake system .In the front disc brake is present and drum brakes are provided on the rear which also enables easy deceleration and provide quick brake.

Suspension

The front side has the telescopic fork and the rear has the swing arm suspension which improves handling and positioning. The seating position is also improved because of the new features. The new suspension provides better stability and security to the passengers and prevents shocks and jumps on bumpy roads.

Improved features

1. Improved Air filter

2. Retractable footrest

3. Muffler to cover the tubes and to provide a better look

4. The low level engine cowl

5. Improved tachometer

6. The new disc brakes

7. Light weight aluminium wheels

8. New 5-speed gearbox

9. Better shock absorption using the du metal front fork

10. It gives an average mileage of 55 kmpl petrol

Benefits

1. The bike has higher efficiency and provides average mileage.

2. Its looks are improved.

3. It is cost effective bike of Yamaha.

Drawbacks

1. It will get strong competition from low range Honda bikes.

2. Buyers expect Yamaha to deliver greater efficiency and speed like sports bikes, which is not achieved by this model.

3. The wheelbase should be improved.

Cost

The bike has been priced at Rs 50,000 in Delhi.

Yamaha SS 125 specifications

Dimensions

· Overall length x width x height: 1995 x 730 x 1110 mm

· Seat height: 795 mm

· Wheelbase: 1,295 mm

· Ground clearance(min): 155 mm

· Fuel tank capacity: 13.6 litres

Engine

· Air cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, Forward-inclined single cylinder

· Displacement: 123cc

· Bore & Stroke: 54.0 x 54.0 mm

· Compression ratio: 10.0:1

· Maximum power: 11 PS/7500 rpm (8 KW@7500rpm)

· Maximum torque: 10.4 Nm/6,500 rpm

· Lubrication: Wet sump

· Fuel supply: Carburetor

· Starting method: Electric starter and kick starter

· Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc

· Ignition type: CDI

· Transmission type: 5-gear Constant mesh

· Chassis: Frame type: Diamond tubular type

· Suspension (front/rear): Telescopic fork, Swingarm

· Brake type (front/rear): Disk, drum

· Tyre size (front/rear):2.75-18.4PR, 3.00-18.6PR

· Battery: 12V-5AH

· Caster/Trail: 26.0 degree/90.0 mm

· Headlight: 12V 35/25W Halogen bulb

Yamaha YBR 110

Yamaha succeeded in selling bikes in 150 cc segment and the Japanese bike makers planned to launch a new model for the entry level market. The new bike resembles Yamaha Alba 106 but there are many differences .It has additional features such as mileage, look, comfort and self start, which attracts bikers. Yamaha targets the large rural market of India and the new bike has been launched in both kick start and self start models.The bike maker targeted to attract at least 10 % of the market and provide reliable low -cost bike. The bike has been launched in three colours red, black and one model has the combination of both black and red.

Style and design of Yamaha YBR 110

The bike has new graphics on its fuel tank and the silencer has been designed in black colour. The silencer has the perfect steel heat cover ,which makes it unique as compared to other Yamaha model. The tail is fixed below the grab rail and a carrier is present in the end .The bike has a perfectly located pillion and the tail lamp has been designed efficiently to be comfortable to use.

Yamaha YBR 110 has a multi reflector headlight, which increases night visibility and the wind tunnel aerodynamic silhouette designed cowl. The fuel tank is broad and designed stylishly, and the side panels and tail cowl appear strong. The seat is broad and it provides ample support to the biker .The seat is designed like a curve and is made in black colour. It allows two riders to have a smooth seating.

To add to the comfort footpegs and footrest are present on the  sides and the rear grab rail is designed perfectly to increase safely. The instrument console is designed to provide clear indication and the dashboard has embedded odometer and tachometer. The attraction of the bike is its imposing graphics and sporty outlook . The fuel meter is easy to read and is designed to look stylish. The bike has a broad outlook due to the broad sides.

 

Engine of Yamaha YBR 110

The bike uses the engine – air cooled – 4 stroke SOHC engines, which provides a conveniently low torque for uneven roads. Yamaha YBR 110 has a 106cc – four stroke – SOHC – two -valve engine and the highest power generated by the engine is 7.5bph@ 7500 rpm and the maximum torque generated is 7.8 Nm @6000 rpm. The bike can is expected to deliver 65-70 kmpl and it has 4 speed slick gearboxes which provide a powerful torque to match the rpm of the bike. The bike provides an easy drive as you do not need to change the gear frequently.

The suspension of Yamaha YBR 110 allows rebound and changes in speed .The handling gets easier due to easy movements .The twin cradle down tube provide balance and stability to the biker.

What is the difference between YBR and Alba?

YBR has the same black colour handles and rear mirrors as is found in Alba. Even the instrument panel appears the same but the overall shape is slightly changed. Other points of difference are:

1. The bike has been launched in three colours whereas Alba can be found only in two. The graphics on the fuel tank makes it appears stylish.

2. The silencer of Alba is different from YBR.

3. The steel heat shield of YBR is not found in Alba.

4. The tail of Alba is different as compared to YBR.

5. Tail lamp of Alba is bigger than YBR and it is not fitted to the rear carrier.

6. Alba is found only in Kick start model whereas YBR can be found in both kick start and self start.

Price

The ex-showroom price is Rs 41,000.After the launch of Yamaha YBR 110, the bike company plans to launch Yamaha SZ which will have 123.7cc engine taken from Gladiator. The bike may be priced at Rs 50,000.

 

Specific features:

1. The bike is launched in both kick start and self start models.

2. Engine is air cooled – 4 stroke SOHC

3. The bike is designed to give a mileage of 65-70 kmpl.

4. Suspension is telescopic Hydraulic / Adjustable and it provides compete support to bike .

5. The twin cradle down tube is provided to amplify support.

 

There are many bikes in the price range, which are in use in middle class market of India and this bike will get tough competition from these low cost bikes.

Specifications:

Engine

Engine Type=Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC

Cylinder Layout = Single Cylinder

Displacement=106cc

Bore x Stroke=49.0mm x 56.0mm

Compression Ratio=9.0:1

Maximum Output= 7.6Ps / 7500rpm

Maximum Torque=7.85 Nm / 6000rpm

Starting Method= Self

Lubrication Type=Wet sump

Engine Oil Volume=1.1 Ltrs

Fuel Tank=13 Ltrs

Ignition Type=C.D.I.

Dimensions

Length x Width x Height = 2000mm x 730mm x 1050mm

Wheelbase=1290mm

Minimum Ground Clearance=173mm

Kerb Weight=123Kg

Miscellaneous

Frame Type=Double Cradle type-Tubular

Clutch Type=Multi-plate wet Type

Gear Box=4-Speed Constant Mesh

Brake Type (front/rear) Drum / Drum (130mm Dia)

Battery 12V-5Ah (Self)

Suspension=Telescopic Hydraulic / Adjustable, Hydraulic Shock Absorber

Headlight=12V 35/35W Halogen Bulb (HS1)

Yamaha introduced the FZ 16 bikes that have been named “the lord of Streets” by Yamaha and it is also called the ‘naked street bike’ for its amazing looks. The company claimed the bike offers a high mileage and uninterrupted high speeds. FZ 16 is equipped with mono cross rear suspension, stubby silencer, self start, alloy wheels and in low speeds and on uneven roads, the bike is completely in control because of the heady grip. FZ 16 has been launched by the company for a cost of around Rs 65,000.

Looks and Style

The main attraction of FZ 16 is its appearance. FZ 16 is powerful outwardly and the advantage of the bike is the central mass restriction, the front forks makes it appear strong, the chassis has the beefy exteriors, the wide tyres add to the macho effect and the uneven non conventional shape is unique.

Most of the riders are fascinated to the looks of the bike. The bike has got a blue colored headlamp to resemble the bike’s overall exteriors. The aggressive looking FZ 16 also has an irregular shaped exhaust and the instrument panel is highly colorful. You can trace the speedometer, tachometer, trip meter and fuel gauge in the panel. The bike provides signal as the engine starts and it is a well-located addition. The rev counter is 9000 rpm. The trendy Full LDC display can be spotted on the bike.

Yamaha FZ 16 has engrossed the youngsters for its global looks. The bike is stylish and powerful. It comes with a big fuel tank and the bike is designed in a way to give extra confidence to rider at lower speeds and riding position has been made comfortable.

Power and Engine

FZ 16 has the 153 cc SOHC, air-cooled 14 bhp engine that delivers a maximum torque of 14Nm @ 6000rpm and a maximum output of 13.8bhp / 7500 rpm. Engine has two valves and the bike has got five gears and not six. The rear suspension provides a 129 mm of wheel travel and damping valve is to ensure better performance. The yellow color rear shock absorber and the tyres are made in a way to provide the riders a jerk free drive on irregular roads.

The petrol tank and silencer are wisely designed to enhance performance. Torque of Yamaha FZ16 is more than 160 Apache RTR .The fuel tank has a cover of plastic resin to make the bike look sporty. FZ 16 has a flared fuel tank with a knee recess. The exhaust pipe has two layers to reduce the heat effect and the muffler is irregular in shape. The tyres are wide measuring 140/60 R17 at rear and 100/80 R17 upfront. The complete brawny outlook is accredited to the big size and the big tyres.

Comfort and Drive

The mono cross rear suspension is mono shock and it provides a wheel travel of 120mm.The bike can be comfortable on craters. FZ 16 has the disc-drum combination where the disc is of 267mm-diameter in the front and it can be operated through a twin pot caliper. The bike has digital speedometer and fuel indicator and the riding position is extremely comfortable. You don’t feel vibrations in high speed above 120 km / hr. In low speed the comfortable design offers better grip.

The bike comes with mini fazer technique to get high throttle response and fuel efficiency. The dimension of FZ 16 is 1,975mm × 770mm × 1,045mm and it has got 790mm of seat height and curb weight is 137 kg. Fuel tank stores 12 liters of fuel.

Some features of Yamaha FZ 16 are:

• Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve
• Displacement: – 153.0cm3
• Maximum output: 13.8bhp / 7500 rpm: Maximum torque: 14 Nm / 6000 rpm
• Electric starter
• Wet sump for lubrication
• Constant mesh wet multiplate clutch
• CDI Ignition
• Suspension: Telescopic (front) / Monocross (rear)
• Hydraulic single disc (front brake) / drum (rear brake)
• Tyres Front: 100/80-17: Rear: 140/60-R17
• Wheelbase – 1,335mm
• Minimum ground clearance – 160mm

Advantages and disadvantages of Yamaha FZ 16 are:

Advantages of Yamaha FZ 16:

• Electric starter, CDI Ignition
• Wet sump for lubrication
• Powerful look, comfortable drive, marvelous grip ,digital display, self start
• Constant mesh wet multiplate clutch
• Alloy wheel, wide rear tyres
• No vibration or noise in high speed and low speeds- In 8 seconds the speed goes above 90
• The chassis has the stylish exterior, wide tyres add to the macho effect and the shape is exclusive.

Disadvantages of Yamaha FZ 16 are:

• Mileage gets around 45km/l or less, bike is low on fuel efficiency.
• Sometimes problem in self start
• Seat is small
• Bikers report back seat problem
• Highway drive is not comfortable like city drive
• Tyres need to be inflated frequently
• Instrument cluster is not the best in looks

Cost:

The bike is priced at Rs 65,000 but the costs on road are around RS 73,000 in metro city.

Yamaha YZF R15 150cc

The Indian subsidiary of Yamaha Motors has planned to launch the new 150cc bike in India. The bike is expected to be based on the latest technology and it will be one of the fastest machines on roads. The new YZF R15 and FZ 150 cc bikes are being proposed by one of the best two wheeler company Yamaha and expectations about the specifications are being made by the buyers.

The company has currently not detailed upon, all the details related to the bike but assumptions are being made based on the display of the bike in the Auto Expo in New Delhi that was held in January. The bike may come up in market by Diwali.

Looks of the bike

The Yamaha bike YZF R15 has gorgeous looks and will be competent with the 150cc range contenders’ .The bike will come up with a complete black theme and it will be similar to the earlier YZF-R model of Yamaha. The look of the bike has been designed to keep up with the expectations of the rider and it will be truly amazing. It will have a fuel tank to store around 18 to 20 liters. The bike will have rear disc brake and liquid cooling facilities.

A delta Box frame will be present and various accessories like the riding gear and R1 style instrument console is also present in the bike. The headlights have the “2-eye” multi-reflector design that is found in the YZF-R kind of bikes.

Engine and Power of the Bike

Some of the specialties of the bike are new and for the first time the Yamaha bike will using a MotoGP technology .The engine of the bike will be a 4 stroke 150cc engine with SOHC and has a single-cylinder with a fuel-injected engine. The bike will be equipped with forged aluminum pistons in the engine, a Delta box frame and 6 speed gear box.

The bike will have a power of 15 bhp and has a non FI engine. The silencer in the bike will be unique and bigger than normal. The engine is a 4 stroke one equipped with 5 speed gearbox.

Comfort and Ride

The bike has an 80/90, 17 inch tubeless tyres in the front and 100/80 17 inch tubeless tyres at the rear. The tyres are made up of imported soft compound that provides better grip to the rider of the bike. The wheelbase will be 1290 mm and minimum ground clearance provided by the bike is 160mm

The bike has a disc brake in the front and drum brake at the back and on riding the fuel consumptions is expected to be less than 40 Kmpl. A R1 style instrument and a non digital console are present in the bike. The bike is one of the sports bike with high balancing and easy handling in crowds. The bike supports lovely movements on curves and crowds.

The bike has also cleared the environmental friendly tests to get clearance for the Bharat 4 emissions standards.

Special features of the bike

* Engine: 150cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke
* Delta Box Frame
* 6 Hole type Fuel Injector
* High capacity air cleaner/filter
* Brakes: Front- Disc, Rear- Drum
* Fuel Tank: 12 Liters
* Environmental friendly
* Multi reflector headlights

Positive and Negative specifications of the bike:

Positive specifications of the bike:

* Improved technology has been equipped to the bike to provide MotoGP race experience
* All aluminum “DiASil Cylinder” has been brought for the first time in a bike
* The “Deltabox frame” is proved for good balance
* New kind of 150cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine is provided
* It is a great ride on the bike that makes the it easy and comfortable even in high speed

Negative specifications of the bike:

* The cost of the bike is still not known but if it is too high then the riders may opt for Nano car instead of a bike

Cost

The cost of the bike is expected to be around Rs 80,000 though the companies will try to make an economical bid as Tata has announced the launching of the 1 lakh car Nano.

Technical Specifications Yamaha YZF R15 150cc

Engine: 150cc, V4, SOHC
Power: 20bhp
Clearance: 160.00
Fuel Tank: 12.00
Wheelbase: 1290.00
Gears: 6 Automatic
Brakes: Disc

Features

Fuel Guage: Digital
Self Start: Yes
Tacho Meter: Digital
Trip Meter: Digital-1
Stand Alarm: Yes
Alloys: Yes

Yamaha MTR01 and YZF R1

Yamaha has launched its two bikes in India MTR01 and YZF R1.The Japanese Company’s spokesperson said that the company will be coming up with new products in the Expo held in January 2008.Both the bikes will initially be launched in major cities like Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai.

The launch bikes will be imported from European countries. The MTR01 has a 1,680 cc engine and YZF R1 is powered with a 998 cc engine. The bike may cost up to 10.5 lakhs when bought through an ex showroom in New Delhi and initially only five dealers will be given to sell the bikes. The dealers will increase to 50 by the end of the decade. The YZF-R1 is one of the most technically advanced bikes introduced in India by Yamaha that is one of the foremost Open-class production motorcycle.

Sporty Look of the Bike

The new bike has been improved with redesigned stylish head lights and a LED taillight. The design is fixed with a bigger ram-air intake and has got a screw less windscreen. The bike is attached with a multi-functional digital gauge that includes the adjustable shift light, dual trip meters, full-time clock, odometer, lap timer, temperature reader and a big 15,000 rpm analog tachometer.

The radial tyres are 120/70-ZR17 and 190/50-ZR17 that have great grasp on the roads and can be handled accurately by the biker. The foot pegs are also durable and light weighted. The hollow bolts and fasteners are helpful in reducing the overall weight of the bike. The toolkit is located conveniently and has a good storage space under the passenger seat of the bike. The drive chain is also a durable on having sealed O-ring. The bike is fixed with 8.6 AH battery light and compact battery.

Engine, Power, Torque

The bike is fixed with short stroke 4 cylinder (liquid cooled inline) powerful 998cc DOHC engine having 16-valves.The Yamaha’s Chip Control Throttle can also control the 32 bit ECU fuel injection system that helps it in giving a smooth power delivery .and it takes electronically adjusted funnel length between 65 or 140mm for a broad and immediate power liberation.

The fuel tank is located in the rear and the front has the Ram-Air-fed air box to increase power. The cylinder design helps in weight distribution and strengthens intake for improve cylinder filling and has a strong narrow engine and a narrow chassis.

The bike is equipped with high power and reduced frictions.MTR01 is strapped with a 1680 cc engine, YZF R1 has a 998 cc engine.

Comfort and Ride

Many changes have been made to the previous models of Yamaha as the earlier models were criticized for the power band and for it being out powered by other bikes like suzuki GSX-R1000 and kawasaki ZX-10R.The bike was inefficient in a crowded street due to the lack of low-end sound and the speed in mid ranges.

The new YZF-R1 bike is an advanced open class production motorcycle and all the 4 cylinders are powerful. The bike has the electronic variable length intake tunnel system and the throttle system has the YCC-T fly-by-wire system to provide control on the bike and the torque-limiting clutch is effective to slow the high speed of the bike. R1 has a very effective braking system. The bike has six-speed gearbox that makes it a compact bike that goes to higher velocities in less time

Engineering and Styling

Ramp-type slipper clutch helps it to stop with much ease and makes it fast on braking. The under seat exhaust system has a stainless steel midpipe and corner clearance is great. The radiator capacity on the new bike has been increased by 13% from the previous model and the aluminum liquid cooled oil cooler keeps the temp. stable of the bike. The ignition coils and dual-electrode spark plugs give an easy ignition as Deltabox frame is made up of aluminum.

The Open-class handling new truss-type swingarm improves the performance for the bike. The front brakes are 310 mm discs to give more braking power to R1.A new fully adjustable inverted KYB telescopic front fork has been added to the chassis. The calipers are also new that are six-piston radial-mount type and 5 –spoke wheel makes the bike to be easily brought in action and to be stopped immediately.

Special features

* MTR01 is a 1680 cc engine; YZF R1 has a 998 cc engine.
* Bike has 4 cylinder powerful 998cc DOHC engine having 16-valbes
* Bike has a Titanium underseat exhaust system having stainless steel midpipe
* Dual-electrode spark plugs system
* Dual 310mm front disc brakes
* High- and low-speed compression adjustable in the rear shock
* Five-spoke wheels
* 8.6 AH battery light
* Radial tyres are 120/70-ZR17 and 190/50-ZR17

Some positive and negative specifications of the bike

Positive features of the bike

* The bike has huge power and easy control system
* The gearbox functioning and brakes are powerful
* Grin factor is high
* Looks are just fantastic and stylish.
* Narrow bike with 8 headlights
* The bike is light and very fast.
* Replacement of exhaust is good.
* Road control is high

Negatives features of the bike

* At high speeds the bike makes sound and has vibrations
* A few bikers are complaining of uncomfortable riding position
* The seat gets heated on speeding the bike for some time due to the under seat pipes.
* Corner gets a bit wider and you need to put your weight to the front
* High wear factor

Cost

The bikes MTR01 and YZF R1 premium cost Rs 10.5 lakh in Indian in an ex-showroom in Delhi.

Technical Specification YZF R1

Type	Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, forward inclined, parallel 4-cylinder
Displacement	998 cc
Bore and stroke	77.0 x 53.6 mm
Compression ratio	12.7:1
Max. power (with direct air induction)	139 kW (189 HP) @ 12,500 rpm
Max. power (without direct air induction)	132.4 kW (180 HP) @ 12,500 rpm
Max. torque (with direct air induction)	118.3 Nm (12.1 kg-m) @ 10,000 rpm
Max. torque (without direct air induction)	112.7 Nm (11.5 kg-m) @ 10,000 rpm
Lubrication	Wet sump
Carburettor/Fuel supply	Fuel injection
Clutch type	Wet multiple-disc coil spring
Ignition	TCI
Starter system	Electric
Transmission	Constant mesh, 6 speed
Final transmission	Chain
Primary reduction ratio	65/43 1.512
Secondary reduction ratio	45/17 2.647
Gear ratio: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th	38/15 2.533, 33/16 2.063, 37/21 1.762, 35/23 1.522, 30/22 1.364, 33/26 1.269

Frame	Aluminium die-cast Deltabox
Front suspension	Telescopic forks, Ø 43 mm
Front wheel travel	120 mm
Rear suspension	Swingarm
Rear wheel travel	130 mm
Caster angle	24º
Trial	102 mm
Front brake	Dual discs, Ø 310 mm
Rear brake	Single disc, Ø 220 mm
Front tyre	120/70 ZR17MC (58W)
Rear tyre	190/50 ZR17MC (73W)

Dimensions
Overall length	2,060 mm
Overall width	720 mm
Overall height	1,110 mm
Seat height	835 mm
Wheelbase	1,415 mm
Min. ground clearance	135 mm
Dry weight	177 kg
Fuel tank capacity (reserve)	18 litres (3.4 litres)
Oil capacity	3.83 litres

The Gladiator is a new model developed on the concept of a “next generation Fun bike”. It features a power unit coupled with a new 5-speed transmission and mounted on a body with a design that suggests dynamic motion. The 5-speed transmission lets the rider make the most of a wide power band to experience excellent performance in both around-town and high-speed riding.

The Gladiator engine features the latest technologies. The 125 cc single cylinder churns out a maximum power output of 8.0kW (11 PS) at 7,500 rpm and a max torque of 10.4 Nm (1.06 kgf-m) at 6,500 rpm, delivering an outstanding standing acceleration. The powerful performance of the Gladiator is much above the current executive bikes and is at par with bikes in the deluxe category. Starting in any gear adds to the convenience factor and its handling during cornering is very precise.

Yamaha Gladiator standard version will come for at Rs 41,990 ex-Delhi, while the Gladiator DX is tagged at Rs 44,990. The Yamaha Gladiator DX will have electric start and 240 mm front disc brakes, while the standard Yamaha Gladiator will come with drum brakes and kick start. The 11 PS, four stroke bikes is the first in a line of three bikes which Yamaha India plans to launch this year. Said Yamaha Motor India CEO and managing director Tom taka Ishikawa: “True to Yamaha’s belief of setting new benchmarks by offering products that surpass customer expectations, the Gladiator will kick starts a new biking lifestyle in the Indian market. Developed as a next generation fun bike, Gladiator brings with it the added values of superb performance, new styling, greater handling and comfort”.

Its 125 cc single cylinder churns out a maximum power output of 8.0kW (11 PS) at 7,500 rpm and a max torque of 10.4 Nm (1.06 kgf-m) at 6,500 rpm, a notch above most bikes in the category. Moreover, the bike can be started in any gear and offer excellent corner handling. Yamaha claimed that the Gladiator bike will be able to give a mileage of 67 kmpl in actual city conditions. The Yamaha Gladiator power unit is characterized by its 5 speed transmission, a first for any executive category bike, with optimized gear ratios. The smooth transition of gears makes it possible to bring out optimum torque throughout the torque-band. Yamaha claims that the Gladiator is equally at ease in stop and start conditions of urban traffic and the open highways. Yamaha has also started a new campaign to promote the Yamaha Gladiator in India.

At the launch of Yamaha Gladiator in India, company officials also announced said that Yamaha plans to sell 4 lakh bikes in India this year and six lakhs next. Yamaha will also be setting up a new plant to manufacture two wheelers in India between 2008 and 2010. Yamaha also has plans to foray into the scooter segment, for which a feasibility survey is under way. Yamaha, which was one of the path breakers in the 100cc category back in the eighties and early nineties has been steadily losing market share in the last few years. Now, it commands a small 4% of the two-wheeler market, which it hopes to raise to 10%.

Tech Specifications

Type : Single Cylinder Air Cooled, 4 Stroke Sohc
Valve Train : 2 Valve
Displacement : 123.7cc
Bore and Stroke : 54 X 54 MM
Comp. Ratio : 10.0:1

Performance

Max. Power : 8.0 KW @ 7,500 RPM
Max. Torque : 10.4 NM @ 6,500 RPM
Idle Speed : 1,400 +- 100 RPM
Starting : Kick Start / Electric Start
Spark Plug : NGK CR7HSA – R

Transmission

Gear Box : 5 Speed Constant Mesh
Shift Pattern : 1 Down, 4up
Primary Red’n : 3.4
Final Reduction : 3.214
Gear Ratio : 1 St: 3.000, 2nd:1.777. 3rd: 1.316, 4th:1.045, 5th: 0.875
Clutch : Multiplate Wet Type

Electricals

Battery : 12V- 2.5AH(Kick) / 5AH(Self)
Head Light : 12HS1(12v 35/35 W Halogen Bulb
Tail Lamp : 12v 21/5w
Indicator : 12v 10w

Chassis

Type : Diamond Tubular Type
Caster/ Trail : 26 degree/ 90mm
Suspension : Front-Telescopic Hydraulic Type ;Rear-Rectangular Swing Arm With Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Brakes : Front-Drum Type/ Disc Type;Rear-Drum Type
Tyre : Front-2.75 X 18″ 42 P ; Rear-3.00 X 18″ 6pr, 52 P

Dimensions

Kerb Weight : Kerb Wt – 123kg (Standards)/ 127kg (Deluxe)
Max Payload : 130K
Wheel Base : 1,300mm
Length : 2,065mm
Width : 730mm
Overall Height : 1,100mm
Ground Clear’ : 160mm
Tank Capacity : 13 Lts.