Mar 17, 2007 07:02 PM
17523 Views
(Updated Mar 28, 2007 06:31 PM)
I was thinking of going in for a 125cc or a 150cc bike, and was having difficulty in deciding. But having test-driven Yamaha Gladiator 125 cc, I settled for it. Now I have economy of 125 cc, a very powerful 125 cc Yamaha engine which easily takes on 150 cc bikes, 5 gears, good looks, no gimmicks, alloy wheels, self start. Do give Gladiator a try - it truely stands out its billing as a fun bike. Here is the analysis I carried out before deciding on Yamaha Gladiator.
Engine: Yamaha Gladiator engine is perfectly square 54mm bore and 54mm stroke - just like legendary RX100 was a square engine. And its not upscaled or downscaled from any other engine. Honda Shine engine is basically trim down from Honda Unicorn.
Engine Power/Torque: Gladiator engine is powerful enough to compete even with 150cc bikes. At 10.7 bhp its leading the pack alongwith Bajaj discover, but its much more smoother than Bajaj. Its also at lower rpm, so there is less wear and tear and longer life. Suzuki Zeus is way below in power at around 8.5 bhp.
Wheelbase: Wheelbase is more in Gladiator than in other bikes of this class, providing it stability. Suzuki's is shortest, and saddle height is also low, more appropriate for a short rider.
Cornering: Cornering is best with road-hugging Gladiator.
Gears: Gladiator has 5 Gears. One down and 4 up. Suzuki Zeus is also having 5 gears. This fifth gear translates into improved fuel economy.
Honda Shine and other 125 cc bikes from Bajaj and Hero Honda have 4 gears. Honda Shine has all -up 4 gears which is not as good as one down and rest up arrangement.
Gearbox is world-class in Gladiator and Zeus, okay in Shine, and quite poor in Bajaj.
Mileage: The manual claims 67 kmpl, and people reporting between 55 to 68 kmpl. A lot depends on driving style, initial 1000 kms run-in usage, type of traffic.
Meters: Suzuki Zeus rules here, Yamaha Gladiator coming second.
Looks: Gladiator beats any other commuter bike in the class, hands down.
Self Start, front disk brakes, and Alloy wheels: These options are available with Gladiator. Rest of the bikes in 125 cc segment have some of the add-on options - not all of these.
And you can start the bike in any gear - quite useful in city traffic, alongwith electric start option.
Run-In Precautions: A well run-in engine lasts longer. For a new bike its advisable to run initial 1000 kms below 50kmph speed. Do vary speeds, rather than running at same speeds for long stretches. Its advisable not to exceed 130kg payload in this phase though occasional double ride for short distance is okay. So most of the time try to travel solo till run-in is complete.
Customer Relationship Management: Yamaha India had a change at top management in Jan 2007, and things are looking up, as they are concentrating on niche market of this segment, and responding well to customers.
Price: All these bikes are in similar price range, Yamaha costing just a little bit more, justified by its superior quality.
Cons: Lack of tachometer, side-stand indicator.
Final Assessment: Yamaha Gladiator is a bike that gives you a feel of 150 cc class in power and handling, and running economy of a 125 cc makes it a real winner. And its fun to ride!
