Jan 05, 2009 12:46 PM
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Before buying my first bike, I reviewed almost all the sites I could get. I compared Honda Shine, Bajaj XCD 125, TVS Flame, Hero Honda Super Splendor and Bajaj Discover 135 with Yamaha Gladiator SS Model.
I was surprised to find that the Gladiator scored above all the bikes in almost all categories. The only problem I found with Yamaha was their poor advertising and comparitively lesser dealer networks in Chennai.
I got to ride the Shine and the Super Splendor only, before getting my hands on the Gladiator. I bought my Gladiator SS Red Black color for 54K on road price from a sub dealer of Ambal Motors(in Velachery, Opposite to Rex Fashions, By-pass road). They gave me a tank cover, crash guard, indicator buzzer and a side foot rest in this price itself.
The Shine, as everyone mentioned in their reviews, is only meant for inside the city ride. It really vibrates when we cross around the 60 kmph mark. So I cancelled out this option. Otherwise, Shine is good in terms of pick up, ride quality and mileage. Braking was a bit less for the drum version.
XCD is meant for mileage, nothing more nothing less. It looks kinda cute n small. But I didn't want to risk my money for a long term investment as a bike. Braking is also an issue since no disc brakes in the front. Didn't get a chance to test ride it.
Regarding Flame - TVS is just a new entrant into bikes. Moreover Flame didn't look that attractive on looks or features. Pick up is also not that good I heard. Digital display is good but what is so special having a digital clock? The speedo is just analog only. Engine design is comparitively new, so problems might be there.
The Super Splendor seemed like a good option, but absence of disc brakes and old looks made me think against it.
Discover 135 was good in most categories except the front look, the price and the number of gears.
Regarding the Gladiator SS, the moment I sat on it, I knew this was a big bike meant for tall guys. Since it is tall, lesser back pain guaranteed. I was riding a Kinetice Honda DX before this. It was poor in all categories. My back is almost damaged riding it. Since Gladiator is a big bike and the suspension is good, we wont feel that much of a strain on our back.
Pick up is as good as any Yamaha-great. Mileage - that depends on your riding. Keep it around 45-55 kmph and you will get atleast 60 kmpl. Ride quality was excellent. You get good control of the bike.
One thing I requested the dealer to change was the gear shift lever which was a toe shift half pedal. But after riding the bike with this gear pedal, I found it to be more precise and sporty than the other traditional full length gear lever. So I wont change it after all.
Anyway I am happy that I am one of the few proud owners of a Yamaha Gladiator SS. Everyone just sees commercials on TV and goes behind a Hero honda or a Bajaj or a Honda. I feel sorry for them. I felt that this was value for money in this purchase. I dont understand why Yamaha sales dropped this much - maybe because of the reluctance to advertise more.
I would recommend anyone going for a 125 cc to try out the Gladiator SS too. You will definitely feel it standing out against the other 125 ccs. Special thanks to mouth shut for the relevant reviews I used in deciding my bike.
