5 years on my gladiator. Review on Yamaha Gladiator

I bought Gladiator in March 2006 after searching various bikes in 125cc segment and took the advice of Autocar India.

I perfectly followed less than 20kmph till first 100km and less than 30kmph till 300km 40kmph till 500km and crossed 40kmph barrier after first service. Thereafter I have taken it to 50kmph till second service.

After second service(1800km), I have crossed 50kmph barrier and used full throttle.

I have logged 40000km so far and here is my experience with this bike.

Initially, it gave me starting problem and many times I thought I have made a wrong decision. However, it was found that it is due to improper flow of petrol and this rectified at third service. Thereafter, I didn't experience any starting trouble till now and for that matter any kind of trouble so far. I purchased the bike with extended warranty(5 years or 75000km) by paying additional Rs699 and I have not faced any problems so far in first 5 years.

I had always get my bike serviced at Yamaha showrooms or Castrol bike zones.

Apartfrom periodical servicing at servicing intervals, I only spent Rs 600 for front fort oil seals as this got some leakage at 27000km.

Ofcourse, my riding style is smooth and my riding style is safe with minimal use of cluth and brake.

I took decision to purchase Gladiator solely due to its riding comfort and handling charecteristics.

After using this bike for five years, I feel it is time to tell good things and bad things about this bike.

Good factors:

1. Excellent suspension

   
   




2. Soft and wide seat

   
   




3. Excellent handling charecter

   
   




4. Excellent ergonomics(Didn't feel strained after raiding 350km single day with a pillion)

   
   




5. Smooth gearshift

   
   




6. No vibrations

   
   




7. Durability and Reliability(no problems till 40000+ km so far)

   
   




8. High quality switch gear

   
   

Bad factors:

1. Engine sound slightly higher

   
   




2. Sluggish performance at 2nd and 3rd gear

   
   




3. Accelerator is slightly hard

   
   

Mileage: First year after second service, I got 60 and thereafter consistently getting 57/58 as most of the time I will be on top gear and around 50kmph. Worst I got so far is 52 under full throttle. Though, I didn't expect a good mileage from Yamaha, 57/58 is not bad in Hyderabad city and I didn't get affected much.

Last but not the least, after riding this Gladiator in Hyderabad city, I never really felt of a need of four wheeler and addicted to it for the comfort it is giving. Same confirmed by my wife as well.

Narayana Murthy