Yamaha Saluto 125

Yamaha has always presented its motorcycles in a very aggressive form, doesn't matter its 125 cc or a 1000 cc machine. It recently launched its new commuter, the Saluto 125, which shows some mix of the SZ and Crux DNA. The bike looks pretty good for the segment and specifications by Yamaha has made the deal more interesting. The front of the Yamaha Saluto 125 resembles the beak of an eagle, which a lot more aggression than other 125 cc bikes, making it an attractive yet economical offering. Whole of the body has muscular edges and at no angle you can guess that the bike is made with more orientation toward the economic sector of the society. The long and edgy exhaust has been kept black which matches with the body and creates a perfect shot from every angle. The negligible fairing near the fuel tank looks appealing and silently performs its beautifying function.

Yamaha has developed a new 1-cylinder, 125cc engine for the Saluto which uses the Yamaha Blue Core technology in order to provide refined performance and mileage. It produces 8.18 BHP @ 7000 rpm and 10.1 NM @ 4500 rpm. The engine is surprisingly mated to a 4-speed gearbox, and more surprisingly giving a mileage of 78 kmpl. The problem of gear changing at regular intervals will be solved with this, but the 5th gear would be sorely missed on the highway. The engine remains air-cooled. Being a commuter motorcycle, the Saluto 125 will be a very comfortable ride with its upright sitting position and a normal design handlebar. City riding would be pleased with the 4-speed transmission as gear changing at lower speeds would be avoided many times with its high torque value. The seat is said to be longest in its class, making it comfortable offering for longer rides also. The seat height has been kept average, taking in account the comfort of riders with a medium or short height.

Braking has been assigned to 130 mm drum brakes for both the front and rear wheel. A disc brake of 240 mm was most expected from Yamaha, but they missed on it. Front gets the telescopic forks whereas rear gets a pair of shock absorber, 1 for each side. This sounds old but truly saying, a monoshock would not have suited the decent image of the bike. The Saluto 125 is available in two very decent yet attractive shades namely Brave Black and Victory Red. The use of black parts including the exhaust and other cowls has made it look more aggressive in both the colors, specially the combination of Red with Black parts looks amazing. Yamaha missed the fact that India is getting safety oriented and it should have at-least added an optional trim with a disc brake. Every other bike in the competition is offering one and they have a lot of time to think over it. Rest everything feels warm for the newcomer. Hope, Yamaha makes a mark this time.