Yamaha’s next launch in India will be the Saluto 125. It is an all new 125cc commuter bike which will strengthen the brand’s position in the segment.
You read it first on MotorBeam! Yamaha is developing a new motorcycle which has been named ‘Saluto’ and will be powered by a 125cc engine. The company wants to increase its market share in the 125cc commuter segment where its previous offerings didn’t do too well. It currently sells two models in the segment – SS125 and YBR 125. The new bike will be the next launch by the Japanese bikemaker in the country (launch in April 2015) and will be positioned as a premium commuter. The motorcycle is expected to look similar to other Yamaha 125cc bikes and won’t be sporty like say the Hero Ignitor.
We expect the Yamaha Saluto to feature the same 125cc engine that the current models use but with some tweaks to improve its power and efficiency. It is expected to churn out around 11 PS or power and 10.5 Nm of torque which will ensure it is fast enough to zip through city traffic. The current 5-speed gearbox will most likely be used on the new commuter. A disc brake might be offered as an option to add to the premium-ness of the bike.
Yamaha could never really do well in the 125cc segment due to one reason or the other. Their previous offerings like the Gladiator 125 failed to impress people. The present offerings, SS125 and YBR 125 aren’t helping the company get the volumes it wants. The Yamaha Saluto 125 is expected to be priced at around Rs. 60,000/- (ex-showroom) which puts it between the SS125 and the SZ in the product portfolio of the company. It remains to be seen how well people accept a premium commuter bike from the stable of Yamaha. The company will also be launching a 125cc scooter as well as the R3 in India later this year.
