Yamaha had finally got the equation right with the new Galdiator125. I had done a short test drive on it.

Engine:

On specs part, it is a 125cc engine with CV carb and 5 gears. I swing over the seat and kicked with a light kick. Absolute silence. No sound but a distant murmur. Slot to first in universal pattern. Moved on absolute refinement. Unbeleivable smoothness. Quickly shifted to 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th. Ride on. No baulking. No chain snatching. Seamless power. almost like automatic scooter. wide wide wide power band like nothing in the market at present. Great pulling that’s TWO up.

Suspension :

Absolute nirvana for people having back problem. soooo smooth, butter smooth. Just glides over the road. Same for flickability and handling. No surprises. Just very conservative.

GearBox :

Nice Precise and predictable shifts. No hunting for gears. No false neutrals. Just slot it.

Brakes :
I rode the disk brake version and had excellent stopping power in panic stopping conditions. Just a finger tap will stop the bike.

Looks :

Subjective. Great functional looks. Good headlamp design. Any way Fazer was good looker barring the headlamps. Now that too is rectified.

Pride of Ownership:

Yamaha from my child hood days had a different meaning. Men love it. Women love men riding it. Shall I say more.....

Test ride You are going to fall in love with new gladiator

Wish List :
1. Alloy wheels
2. RPM Meter
3. Tuff Up Tubes

Any body who are driving herohonda, bajaj,tvs etc in 100cc guise can move to new Yamaha Galdiator since it is a bike which won’t surprise a middle aged man. Design is also conservative.

** I thank Yamaha Dealership at Kochi, near Manorama Junction for arranging a test drive for me.