Bikes have always found a soft corner in my heart. Somehow I am attracted to bikes. Maybe, I am not a “Bikeslave” but certainly I am a bike over. Especially bikes from Yamaha have always made a mark in my mind. Right from the time of RX-100 to now, I have been alongside Yamaha and at times I have been biased too. What I don’t like is that people drub Yamaha saying, it is not eco-friendly. It pollutes the already wonderful environment, is it? At times I find myself a loser when I can’t explain them what power is and what it is like to go on a ride on a RX-100 or any other power boosters. But there is an answer to all their questions. In the form of the “Yamaha-YBX”, a bike that gives power without pollution. And I believe, by reviewing this bike atleast, I can shun those people out who drub Yamaha megrely.
The “Yamaha YBX” stands proudly amidst other four-strokers, hoping to give a run for their money. Looks wise, the bike is wonderful. The design of the bike is awesome to say the least. Excellent head lamp fairing, Sleek and carved body and a converging, yet cute looking tail lamp unit personifies the bike. The sleek looking long silencer, is, of course, a beauty. Designing wise the bike gets full points from my side for the simple fact that I haven’t seen a better styled bike than this.
The YBX engine is a 125cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder one that develops power and torque at an impressive rate. A whole of 11 bhp is transmitted. I tell you what, the engine is a real performer. It almost falls in the two-stroke power bike genre for the power it develops. Maybe this is because, Yamaha always want to keep the two-stroke touch. As of engine, the bike gets full marks.
The build quality is also impressive. With single downtube chassis frame, the bike still reminds one of RX-100. But for a kerb weight of 100 kg, I would have preferred a double cradle frame for that would have been more feasible. With telescopic forks and excellent shock absorbers coming to the fore, the bike provides great suspension. With a relatively thinner wheelbase, the bike gets a boost in suspension. Especially on these unpredictable desi roads, the bike’s suspension comes as a life saviour.
Performance of the vehicle is so to say superb. Since the bike has got a top-quality switchgear and 5-speed gear that gives a great deal of joy while riding. Since the braking is equally good, the vehicle is able to perform under testing conditions. It is best suited for a lovely ride on a highway. With a top speed of 90 kmph, the bike gives the zeal that RX-100 used to give. Even at such high speeds, the bike doesn’t show a lot of jitters. This goes to show what kind of a performer it is.
Riding comfort in the vehicle is also good enough. The seats doesn’t hurt you much and believe me, I had a ride on this bike for around 2 hours in the burning heat and yet, I didn’t feel much in my butt. With its high back-lift, even the pillion rider feels a lot comfortable. This bike is the best for a ride with your girlfriend, because it feels so romantic and touching, you know! Full points here too.
If there was one aspect in this bike that disappointed me, then it got to be the fuel efficiency. Well, Yes, I agree that a bike giving a high power output cannot be expected to be all that fuel efficient, but mind you, this is a 4-stroker. Giving just 60 kmpl on an average, the bike looses a point or two out here. And the price too is a bit too much. I don’t think people would pay 48, 000 and buy this bike, when they can get a more efficient bike for a lesser price.
So, in conclusion, I would want to say that this bike is good looking, impressive, stable, powerful and eco-friendly. But what lets it down is the pricing if not mileage. Otherwise, this bike ought to be a winner. In my opinion, it deserves more than what it has got and certainly it is a good buy. The choice is yours.