My requirement was:
A 125cc bike(125cc is a segment where u will get bikes which blend performance and economy)
1)to commute between my room and office in Bengaluru traffic(40kms to-n-fro)
2)for occasional long drive(around 250kms)
My Budget was:
60k
In my list:
1) Yamaha ss125
2) Suzuki Sling Shot
3) Pulsar 135 ls
4) Honda Stunner
5) Honda Shine
6) Hero Honda Glamor
Dropped models and reason:
Suzuki Sling Shot:
Less power and top speed
New to the market
But test drive was impressive
Pulsar 135 ls:
Its not a pulsar
doubt in the bike’s build quality
Not a reliable brand
Exceeding the budget
Test drive doesn’t impressed me(sitting posture was very awkward)
Honda Stunner
Exceeding the budget
Vibration in top speeds
Honda Shine
Uncles’ bike;-)
Just a commuter bike, not suited for long rides
Vibration in top speeds
Hero Honda Glamor
Over priced
less power
Selected model and reason:
Yamaha ss 125(of-course)
Cousin’s feedback(he owns one)
Yamaha brand
Good reviews on internet
Details:
Purchased in Sept 2010
It cost me 61k on road, fully loaded
YAMAHA dealer:
Anurag Motors Chamrajpet B’lore
(near makkalakoota signal)
- Rarely u ll get a good Yamaha dealer
My Gladi’s condition today:
Odometer reads 6k+ kms
It returns not less than 48kms/ltr millage at any worst driving conditions and
I will not expect the millage to exceed 60kms/ltr bcoz this bike is not meant for it.
You can tune this bike for millage but you will hurt the engine.
Top speed of my bike is 105kmph
I always feel am going slower a bit if am not looking at speedometer. This bike has great stability and ultra refined engine and u will not feel the speed untill u cross 80kmph.
Bike is butter smooth while speedometer reads 60-70kmph in 5th gear around 4500rpm.
But Gladi’s torque @ lower rpm is not so exiting as Shine. You have to play between 1and 2 in slow traffic.
You should own a proper footwear and enough time to get used to its toe shift gear lever. Once u get used it you will really like bike’s sporty DNA.
Unique in ss125:
Gladi’s Engine cowl separates it from other 125cc bikes and gives it a sporty look.
Even the handle bar is unique. It gives u a feeling of confidence while riding which is missing in conventional bikes like splendor, passion, shine, discover etc.(Uncles’ bikes;-)
(I was with passion before Gladi)
Even Gladi’s exhaust note is different, pleasant, crispy and remains same in almost all the speeds.
Lastly, about service:
All knows how is Yamaha’s after sale service. But I never had any bad experience with my Yamaha service center - Anurag Motors.(Contact No.- 08026678022)
It cost me around 400bucks for engine oil/body oil/chain lubrication under free service.