New Yamaha Saluto 125 Test Ride Review

• May 21, 2015
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To strengthen its position in 125cc commuter class, Yamaha has recently launched brand new- Saluto, the bike intends to increase the market share of Yamaha in 125cc segment, which is currently ruling by HMSI's Honda Shine. Yamaha has virtually updated all its current product lineup with its latest Blue Core technology, and the new Saluto is not an exception, the bike is not only equipped with the latest 125cc Blue Core engine but also featured with all new design.

It's been long time Honda is enjoying the majority of market share in 125cc commuter segment with other manufacturers trying hard to fetch their piece of cake. Saluto is Yamaha's bid to claim its share, lets check it out how strong the claim of Yamaha is?

Design & Style:

Although, Yamaha has already got "SS" series offerings in 125cc commuter segment but they had started from the drawing board as far as designing Saluto is concerned. The design of new Saluto is fresh and it looks very descent. The front is featured with all new headlight, which is equipped with DRLs and small air scoops integrated with the bikini fairing. The fuel tank is also neat with plastic panels wrapped on both the sides whereas black metal strip separates the two ends of the tank. The fuel cap or lid is detachable and made up of steel, although there is no extra protection on the key hole of the fuel lid. The rear end of the bike is also new and refreshing, the tail-lamp is featured with LED and the blinkers come with clear glass. The metal brushed silver grab rail comes in one piece and looks very sturdy. Yamaha has incorporated an all new exhaust to the Saluto, the exhaust also follows the all black theme of the bike which gels really well with the all black 5-spoke alloy wheels, black engine and black full chain cover which is made of plastic. The exhaust of Saluto has unique machine-gun like opening on the top. Instrument Console & Switchgears:

The instrument cluster of Saluto is simple analog and displays speedometer, odometer and prominently displays fuel gauge. There are neutral light, blinker flasher and high beam light indicator placed on the dash board. The switchgears are made up of good quality plastic material and placed ergonomically, except the horn switch which I found a little awkwardly placed and small for pressing from the thumb. The pass light switch and choke lever is placed perfectly on the left hand side of the handle bar. The engine kill switch is missing as usual. Ergonomics:

The Yamaha Saluto is featured with long and comfortable seat made up of non slippery material. The small and stubby handlebar is perfect for city commute and the forward set foot-pegs give the chair like seating on the bike. The soft hand grips need to be specially mentioned here, which are really good for long commutes and coupled with plush and comfortable seat makes the bike ideal for city as well as fairly long distance rides. Engine & Transmission:

Yamaha equipped the new Saluto with 125cc 4-stroke air cooled engine, featured with Blue Core technology, yes the same technology with which Yamaha claimed maximum mileage with maximum performance in its Version 2.0 FZ, SZ and Scooters. The 125cc mill is capable of churning out 8.3 Ps of Power at 7000 Rpm and peak torque of 10.1 Nm at early 4500 Rpm. The long stroke engine has fair amount of torque as early as 2000 Rpm which peaks at 4500 Rpm, this really makes the Saluto fun to ride in city conditions. The good initial pick up and engine grunt is what will make it differentiate specially with Honda Shine. However, the transmission was felt a little harder, which will automatically become smoother after sometime. The 125cc motor is mated to 4-speed transmission and the gears can be engaged by the shifter which is heel oriented and a toe shifter is badly missing because all 4- gears are shifted down by the heal and for the up shifting you badly miss the toe shifter. Riding Dynamics:

The Yamaha Saluto is a typical no nonsense commuter bike, the front is equipped with telescopic suspension which soaks the potholes with ease, whereas at the rear there are dual spring loaded hydraulic suspensions doing their duty. The Saluto has conventional pipe type swingarm, which could have been replaced by box shaped swingarm for better handling.

The braking duty in been done by drum brakes at both the ends, however an optional disc brake could have been a delight for a comparatively quick Saluto. At least I felt the need of a disc brake while stopping abruptly on a zebra crossing at red light. Yamaha has provided CEAT tyres on Saluto, the "Secura Zoom +" behaves well on regular tarmac and on the gravel filled roads, whereas we could not test the bike on wet surface but I believe that the tyres will also perform good on wet conditions as well. Verdict:

All n all the Saluto is a true competitor of Honda CB Shine and can be considered a profit making model for Yamaha, provided they pitch it rightly and educate the masses about their product and aware the market with the bike. As Saluto is priced prudently and is a frugal bike with claimed mileage of 78 kmpl, which means in real World scenario 60+ Kmpl.

Motorcycle Courtesy: Speed Yamaha, Bhopal, M.P.