Touching Your Heart. Review on Yamaha Libero

In the age, when power segment is doing much better than performance segment, Yamaha Motors India Ltd. comes out another commuter bike, to take on the likes of Victor and Splendor. Libero is a redesigned version of Crux, which though successful, didn't put the roads on fire. Nevertheless Libero is a individual bike with lots of enhancements over its predecessor.

The Body

Libero is styled very nicely. With the styling done as for the 21st century, it comes out with High Fuel Capacity Tank (13.00lts., reserve 1.70lts.). Comes along with couple of Air Scoops and brilliantly done Headlights (personal opinion). Aesthetically done Tachometer comes with Backlight, the pass-by switch is handy while overtaking and the push-button indicator keeps up with latest requirement. Saddle is done at 50 incline, which makes it look like a high end power bike. The flat-lockable pillion keeps the bike noise free even at motion.

The Legs

With Libero comes the best shockers and suspensions for Indian roads. The sturdy suspension system keeps you unknown with the potholes on road. I personally drove it on Farm for 4 months with absolutely non-existent roads, still didn't complain about it. Surprising only Enfield Electra was another model which survived the cruel pathway for long; Caliber, Passion, Splendor and 4S, none lasted more 6 months on those cruel test tracks. Libero's Front-Suspension is Telescopic Fork, but the Back-Suspension is Adjustable 5-step, Oil damped Spring Coil. Libero also have higher ground clearance (173 mm), which does help on bumps. Longer wheelbase (1290 mm) ensures stability and provides you with better road grip and ensures stability.

The Heart

The Advantech engine facilitates optimum power delivery. The Engine is 106cc, churning out a max of 7.6 BHP @ 7500 rpm. User manual suggests the top speed of 110kmph (Solo), but 90kmph (Solo) is what it actually delivers. But it is 50-60kmph were it provides the most comfortable ride and the bikes performs the best. It takes around 7-8sec to do 0-60kmph. The carburetor is from Keihin, which is better than the one the used on Crux.

Notable Features

Beautiful Styling.

Superb Suspensions.

Good Engine.

Longer Wheelbase.

Kerb Weight - 109kgs, actually weighing a bit more when fully loaded.

Headlights makes driving at night a breeze.

Vehicle Balance is very good.

130mm Diameter brakes both front and back.

Loses Out On

Engine power delivery.

Fails expectations on performance charts.

Pillion rider sitting not comfortable on long rides.

Heavy single beam leg-guard, causes a dent on front mudguard.

Side view mirrors are not proper.

Overall

At Rs. 42,000, Libero is the bike you can take a look at considering the mileage (avg. 68-72kmpl). But upcoming version of Victor(125cc) and the current best seller Passion Plus, are the two bikes with better odds of surviving the long list of customer demands.