Yamaha Saluto

The Yamaha Saluto 125 is a premium commuter motorcycle that I regard as a well-engineered offering in the 125cc segment, powered by Yamaha's renowned Blue Core engine technology designed for optimal performance and efficiency. The motorcycle features a 125cc engine coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission, delivering smooth and responsive power delivery suitable for both urban and semi-urban commuting. With a modest kerb weight of just 112 kg and a 7.6-litre fuel tank capacity, the Saluto proves both nimble and practical for daily riding. The bike came equipped with pre-load adjustable rear suspension for enhanced comfort during long rides, and buyers could choose between drum and disc brake configurations, with the latter offering superior stopping power. Standing 805mm high, the seat height accommodates riders of varying statures comfortably. Available in multiple colour options including Brave Black, Victory Red, and Matt Green, the Saluto competed directly against established rivals like the Honda CB Shine, Hero Super Splendor, and Bajaj Discover 125, offering a refined alternative through its technological sophistication and build quality.

The Yamaha Saluto 125 is a premium commuter motorcycle designed for India’s competitive 125cc segment. It features Yamaha’s Blue Core 125cc engine technology which delivers a blend of decent power, smoothness, and high fuel efficiency. The bike weighs around 112 kg, contributing to agile handling and easy riding for beginners and daily commuters alike. It comes with a 4-speed manual gearbox, tubeless tyres, and front drum or disc brake options for enhanced safety. The 7.6-litre fuel tank provides good range between refills, and its seating height of 805 mm suits a wide range of riders comfortably. Available in multiple attractive color schemes, the Saluto competes directly with established rivals such as the Hero Super Splendor and Honda CB Shine. It is equipped with modern features and a reliable engine, making it a practical, economical motorcycle for urban and semi-urban riders who value efficiency, everyday usability, and Yamaha's build quality.

The Yamaha Saluto 125 represents a compelling choice in India's premium commuter segment, though it's important to note that Yamaha has discontinued production of this model. During its market run, it positioned itself as a sophisticated alternative to more common competitors like the Hero Super Splendor and Honda CB Shine. What impressed me most was Yamaha's Blue Core engine technology, which delivered commendable efficiency without compromising performance. The motorcycle offered a refined riding experience with its 4-speed manual transmission and weighing just 112 kg, making it agile for urban commuting. The tubeless tyres and pre-load adjustable rear suspension provided decent comfort and safety, while the available disc brake option elevated safety credentials. However, the discontinuation suggests it couldn't capture significant market share despite its technical merits. For buyers seeking a discontinued premium commuter with modern engineering, this remains a thoughtful choice, though availability and after-sales service may present challenges in the current market landscape.

The Yamaha Saluto 125 strikes a fine balance between efficiency, style, and usability in the overcrowded 125cc commuter motorcycle segment in India. Its design is contemporary yet understated, appealing to urban riders looking for a reliable daily commuter. The Blue Core engine technology ensures smooth power delivery and good fuel efficiency, while the lightweight chassis adds to nimble handling and ease of maneuvering in city traffic. The suspension setup, combined with tubeless tyres and optional front disc brakes, enhances ride confidence and safety. Though not a performance bike, it offers adequate power for city and occasional highway rides. The ergonomics are comfortable for most riders, making it suitable for daily commuting without strain. Its competitive pricing and practical features make it a solid choice against rivals like the Hero Super Splendor and Honda CB Shine, especially for those prioritizing fuel economy and dependable build quality. Overall, the Saluto 125 is a well-rounded motorcycle that serves its purpose efficiently for Indian riders looking for value and reliability.

Yamaha Motor India has introduced the Yamaha Saluto with a new matte green color scheme, adding a fresh look to the existing lineup. This update is part of Yamahas efforts to keep the model appealing to a wider audience. I think this new color will attract more buyers who are looking for a stylish commuter bike.

The Yamaha Saluto 125 and Saluto RX have been launched with the addition of Unified Braking System (UBS), enhancing the safety features of these models. This move is in line with the Indian governments safety regulations. I believe this addition will make the Saluto more competitive in the market.

Yamaha India has announced a price revision for the Saluto, with the base variant now priced at Rs. 54,398 and the top variant at Rs. 56,864. This adjustment reflects the current market conditions and consumer demand. It seems like Yamaha is trying to keep the Saluto competitive in the commuter segment.

The Yamaha Saluto has been discontinued in some markets, but it remains available in India with its 125cc engine. This decision might be due to shifting consumer preferences or regulatory changes. Im surprised its still popular here, given the strong competition.

Yamaha has set up its second R&D center in India, which is expected to focus on developing new models, including updates to the Saluto. This investment indicates Yamahas commitment to the Indian market and its intention to innovate. I think this will lead to more exciting updates for the Saluto in the future.

The Yamaha Saluto 125's ex-showroom pricing in India ranged between approximately Rs 53,898 and Rs 56,864 depending on the variant and location, with the drum brake version being more affordable than the disc brake option. On-road prices varied significantly across major cities, ranging from Rs 72,171 in Delhi to Rs 77,446 in Bangalore, with prices in Mumbai at Rs 76,600 and Pune at Rs 76,348. The price differential between ex-showroom and on-road reflected registration, insurance, and local taxes. In my assessment, the Saluto's pricing was positioned at the premium end of the 125cc commuter segment, reflecting its advanced Blue Core technology and refined engineering. The slight price variations across states made it accessible in most Indian markets, though the additional Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 premium for the disc brake variant was justified from a safety perspective. While discontinued now, these price points represented fair value for the quality and technology offered, though they ultimately positioned it as a niche offering compared to more budget-friendly competitors in this segment.

The Yamaha Saluto's ex-showroom price in India generally ranges from around Rs 56,000 to Rs 59,000 depending on the state, for example, Rs 58,510 in Karnataka and Rs 57,141 in Madhya Pradesh. On-road prices fluctuate between Rs 72,000 to Rs 77,000 in major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai due to taxes, insurance, and registration costs. The disc brake variant commands a slightly higher price, around Rs 60,500 ex-showroom in Delhi. Colour options and minor cosmetic upgrades like the matte green variant may carry a small premium, typically about Rs 1,000 extra. Considering similar models in the segment, the Saluto is well-positioned as a value-for-money bike offering modern features such as Blue Core engine tech, tubeless tyres, and ABS or UBS in certain variants. This makes it a compelling proposition for budget-conscious buyers who want the reassurance of Yamaha’s brand and quality reputation without stretching beyond the typical commuter price bracket in India.

The Yamaha Saluto 125 delivered an ARAI-certified mileage of 78 kmpl, which I found to be genuinely impressive for a refined 125cc commuter. Real-world owner data suggested an average of around 64 kmpl, indicating that actual mileage depends significantly on riding conditions, maintenance, and individual riding habits. For buyers concerned about running costs, this motorcycle presented excellent value, as the fuel efficiency translated to lower per-kilometer expenditure compared to less efficient alternatives in its class. The efficient Blue Core engine meant fewer fill-ups and reduced overall fuel expenses, making it economical for daily commuters covering significant distances annually. Combined with its light kerb weight of 112 kg and optimized combustion technology, the Saluto justified its premium positioning through genuine operational economy.

With an ARAI-certified mileage of 78 kmpl and real-world user averages around 64 kmpl, the Saluto promises excellent fuel efficiency, significantly reducing running costs. This makes it ideal for buyers focused on low cost of ownership and daily commuting efficiency across Indian city and semi-urban roads, where mileage is a top priority.