Yamaha Crux 106

Yamaha became a famous brand in India only after the success of their much popular 100cc bike, RX 100. In the past few years, Yamaha has been struggling to mark its presence in the most crucial segment of entry level bikes in India. Crux is their cheapest entry level bike which tries to take on the market leading bikes from Hero. What to expect from this bike of Yamaha, let's find out.

This thing named Crux belongs to past in terms of appearance. It has a very basic design which borrows most of the styling bits from Yamaha's RX 100. At the front, it has a round shaped Multi reflector light with no cowl and visor similar to most of the entry level bikes. This headlight is accompanied by orange colored side indicators. Its chrome plated front fender just above its spoke wheels looks out-dated. There are flowing graphics on its side panels and fuel tank which differentiates this bike from others. Its chromed silencer and engine also lacks modernity. Yamaha has opted for black colored handlebar and rear carrier which don’t complement the overall styling of this bike. Its flat seat and outstretched rear fender are no good news either. It will be hard for you to find it stylish from any angle.

Yamaha Crux's analogue speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge completes its instrument console. Speedometer and odometer are housed together in one of the two circular pods while its fuel gauge and other indicators rest in the second dial. Its fuel gauge is a plus point for this bike as others like HF Dawn lacks this vital feature. Yamaha has used a single cylinder 106cc engine in Crux. This 4-stroke, air-cooled, 2valve engine has the potential to give a power and torque output of 7.5 bhp and 7.5 Nm. These figures can be achieved at 7500 rpm and 6000 rpm respectively. This engine is equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox which has one gear down and three gears up-shift pattern.

Technically, this bike is similar to its biggest rival, HF Dawn as these both bikes have almost same specifications. Yet, there is noticeable difference in the performance of these both bikes. Yamaha’s engine feels less refined and enthusiastic in comparison to Honda's engine. The city performance of Crux is on the slower side due to delay in its torque arrival. Crux achieves its maximum torque at 6000rpm which results into frequent gear shifting. This may bother you in city traffic but on highways this bike feels better than its competitors. The bike can reach the top speed of 90km/hr due to its strong high end performance. It has a taller fourth gear ratio which allows you to rev it hard and gives it an upper hand when it comes to highways. The power to weight ratios is also respectable. This engine turns a bit noisy only after the speed of 80km/hr. There are less vibrations but it isn't calm either. It feels strained when you push it hard. This bike does 0-60km/hr in less than 9 seconds which is respectable according to its class. The gear transitions of Crux are smooth and easy but can't go pass the quality of Hero bikes.

Yamaha claims it to return a mileage of 91km/ltr but in daily usage, expect this bike to return a fuel efficiency of around 64-70km/ltr. These figures definitely improve on highways and it may give you anything around 70-75km/ltr. The broad seat of this bike is the best thing that you can notice on it. It's extremely comfortable and its foot-pegs are also well placed. The bike offers commuter friendly riding posture which helps you to enjoy stress free rides. Interestingly, Yamaha has placed its handle bar way above than the regular position which feels quite convenient and optimum on long journeys. You can easily have a firm palm grip on this handlebar which comes with average quality of plastic buttons on it. Yamaha Crux features under seat storage space and a carrier at the back. The side panel also offers generous space. For your safety, Yamaha has equipped this bike with a powerful headlight and pass button. Moreover it has a front leg guard and rear saree guard. Yamaha Crux sports long telescopic forks at its front while it has swing arm with adjustable rear shock absorbers. The braking system consists of advanced 130mm drum brakes on its both wheels.

The bike feels superior to many of its competitors in this segment. The upwardly placed handlebar adds right feel to this bike and one can easily steer this bike in city traffic. Even on highways, it feels quite settle and grounded. Its broad tyres and effective braking system gives you a nice control of this bike. The bike takes most of the bumps easily and feels more confident than others on Indian roads. The ground clearance of 160mm makes it easy for you to cross high speed breakers and big potholes easily with this bike. Its suspension system is equally matched with its weight and it shows at high speeds. The extended wheelbase of 1260mm is best in its segment which gives it stability around corners. Even with a pillion rider, the ride and handling of this bike is quite impressive.