My first review on MS.
Yamaha, what should be said about this brand name, though they have severelly suffered in India after the end of RX era, still there is a class of performance lovers trusting without a doubt on this brand.
Unfortunately in 4 stroke era Yamaha has yet to deliver to match their own brand name and Gladiator seems to be a right but non-sufficient move in this direction.
Pros: Smooth riding, no vibrations at high speed(I went only upto 60 on a test ride from showroom, but I heard from friends that it is rock steady on 90kmph). Again smooth handling at curves and yamaha has again come up with good work at dynamics of their vehicle to ensure a safe and stable ride.
Another advantage is 8 free services higher than any other competitor offering. Warranty covers a longer race and longer duration. Gear box is butter smooth and engine is from Yamaha, so it doesn’t require any further explaination. Yamaha engines r good, trouble free and long run performers. Brakes r really excellent, I think best in this category. Though a 125cc bike could manage without diskbreak, still it is worth to have one in your bike.
Yamaha has been trying to study the Indian market and paying attention on looks and mileage. Well most of the bikes in this segment, give almost same mileage(50-60) and lookwise this bike is simply great. It seems Yamaha has come up with the prototype it plans to launch further at 150cc and higher range coz with these many features and style this bike could have been launched in atleast 150cc category, the hot selling segment where Yamaha should concentrate to regain the market.
Now coming to the cons.
Cons: Yamaha has overlooked the pickup crazy, power maniac customers who have always been faithful to this brand. Though with a good power in this category don’t expect the performance of legendry Rx, in fact Bajaj Discover is offering high power, better pick up and additionally more ground clearance. Which figure is better 11ps@7500rpm(YG) or 11.5ps@8000(BD) might be debatable but in 0-60kmph pick-up discover has a slight upper edge.
Next issue is after sales service, still you can’t find good yamaha service centers at small towns where Bajaj and HH takes an upper edge again. Also these many features make the deal bit costly that matters crucially in indiam market.
Though not addressed towards power maniacs, this bike has potential to attract customers desiring for smooth and soft riding, overall a very good offer. It is one of the best 125cc bikes in indian market today and I find only Bajaj Discover( with the only cons of typical infamous Bajaj gears) in the same leauge. HH bikes though good anyday, I recommend them to deliver SS and glamour with improved pick up.
I want to add that Yamaha shouldn’t forget their old customers and should come up in 150cc and above range with performance bikes offering great power and pick-up. Today die heart Yamaha lovers r getting disappointed to not see anything at 150cc from them and r compelled to look at other places. I hope glady150 n Fazor250 comes soon, who knows they might do the same job for Yamaha as pulsar did for Bajaj.
First review, don’t know how will be response. Comments and criticism both welcome.