Aug 25, 2006 01:18 AM
8380 Views
Hi Guys,
I have been riding bikes for close to 2 decades now and in when I was in college, 2-strokes ruled the roost(one still does in my garage not a yammi though). It wasn't until Yamaha bought the RX that the youth tasted some real power and a magical sound(well that RD350 is a diff class altogether). RX was one bike which guys didn't just ride but lived with it 24hrs a day. I mean it got U totally involved into a ride.
I don't think any of the models after the legendary RX from Yamaha made any mark on sales or hearts the way RX did.
We now have bikes that are much more advanced, smooth, silent and efficient but believe me nothing like those good old days.
Yamaha were down but not out all these years while the Splendors and Pulsars ruled the roads. Quiet a few attempts went in vain but this time around looks like the king has woken up again and looking at the Gladiator and the soon to be released Yamaha's it appears all the homework has been done.
Yamaha conducted a `Ride tech challenge' in our city last sunday(Aug 20th 2006) and I happened to be a part of it. This probably is one of those very few bikes which stuns U with its looks from any angle. The Tank, cowl, brakes lights+indicators are the highlights with of course some real sexy graphics.
Believe me, it looks almost a 150cc, yes, its the biggest in its category and handles like a dream. The 5-speed close matched gearbox is superb and will liven up your day be it the city traffic or a close to 3-digit cruise on a highway. The 5th cog is definetly gonna help you extract some good mileage out of those litres tells me that it will be pretty decent. Its a bike which isn't made for efficiency alone. It has the looks and the power. So on a good day when U wanna have some adrenaline rush, it can get U there with all its 11 horses and great handling and U will wish the roads never ended, probably the only thing that might stop U - the ever increasing gas prices.
With the Gladiator, what I felt is Yamaha has found a great balance between power and economy and the looks are in a class of its own. Did anyone notice the GOLDEN nuts/bolts on the bikes?
I am just dreaming what the Gladiator 150 might be like. My next will be a Gladiator 250 :) Yes guys Yamaha might come out with a awesome 250cc machine in the very near future. Or should I go and get myself Two new Gladiators :).
Atlast Yamaha is back in the race. Watch out competion! U r gonna get smoked.
