The Yamaha Saluto RX is Yamahas entry-level offering in the lucrative 110cc commuter segment. A successor to the Yamaha Crux, the Saluto RX adopts a brand new platform and engine with BlueCore technology. Cosmetically, the Yamaha Saluto RX draws inspiration from its bigger 125cc sibling, the Saluto. It gets the same conservative styling complete with a host of elegant paint schemes. The front of the Saluto RX features a bikini fairing with a curvy headlamp unit, while the tank is sculpted to give it a slightly muscular look. The instrument cluster is minimalistic and integrates an analogue speedometer and fuel gauge along with other basic functionalities. Under the 2018 update, Yamaha has updated the colour palate with four new shades with corresponding new graphics. The Yamaha Saluto RX is powered by an 110cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, delivering 7.4bhp and 8.5Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a four-speed constant mesh transmission. Given the Saluto RXs target audience, Yamaha has developed the engine along the lines of BlueCore technology, to improve the efficiency without compromising on the performance. The Saluto RX tips the scales at just 98 kilograms, and this weight plays an important role in helping the bike deliver a company-claimed 82kmpl. Suspension duties are managed by telescopic fork up front and dual shock absorbers at the back. Braking is done by drum brakes at both ends and they come equipped with Yamahas new Unified Braking System (UBS). The Yamaha Saluto RX competes with other commuter motorcycles like the Hero Splendor iSmart 110, Mahindra Centuro, Honda CD 110 Dream and the TVS Victor
The Yamaha Ray has been a fairly successful scooter but was specifically targeted at female riders. To capture a greater share of the market, Yamaha launched the Ray-Z in May last year, which is nothing but the Ray with a masculine appeal. Mechanically, the scooter remains the same but carries some restyled bits and louder graphics. The Ray-Z features a smoked-finish visor, a new instrument panel, a carbon fibre patterned seat and aluminum rear grab-bars. The front features V-shaped headlights while the rear houses a stylish tail lamp assembly with clear-lens indicators. Despite the lean and sculpted body, the underseat storage, with a 15.5-litre capacity, is spacious enough for a full face helmet and the floor board has enough place for your legs. The Ray-Z continues to be powered by the standard 113cc engine which produces 7bhp and 8Nm of torque via a CVT gearbox. Yamaha claims that the roller-rockers and carburetor have been updated while the suspension has been tweaked. The engine is refined and suitable for city commute. The Ray-Z retains drum brakes on both wheels and now a UBS system which links both the front and rear brakes when the rear is applied, is an optional extra for Rs 500 more. This will become standard fitment, come April
The YZF-R1 is Yamahas flagship supersport motorcycle which has a few upgrades for 2018 to make it more competitive in the litre-class segment. The bike sports a sharp design language and LED headlamp unit with DRLs similar to the previous model. However, the new paint schemes and graphics give the YZF-R1 an aggressive look. It also gets technological upgrades like the revised Quick Shift System that allows clutch-less downshifting and an updated Lift Control System. Apart from these, the bikes electronic package includes slide control, launch control, anti-wheelie control, unified braking system and banking sensitive traction control. The bike uses Yamahas Deltabox frame which houses the 998cc cross plane four-cylinder motor that produces a whopping 197bhp at 13,500rpm and 112.4Nm of torque at 11,500rpm. This unit is mated to a six-speed transmission and breathes through a titanium exhaust system. The YZF-R1 gets an aluminium tank and magnesium wheels as weight saving measures and weighs 5kg lesser than the outgoing model at 199kg. The YZF-R1 rides on 43mm inverted front forks and a rear monoshock, sourced from KYB. Both the suspension parts are fully-adjustable
Yamaha introduced its sporty 150cc naked motorcycle, the FZ, back in 2008. It was soon followed by the semi-faired Fazer in 2009. Now that the FZ Version 2.0 is here and doing well in the market, the Japanese motorcycle brand has introduced the Fazer. As before, the Fazer mechanically remains identical to the new FZ and the FZ-S. Like the new FZ range, the Fazer Version 2.0 is offered with a new 149cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine. The highlighting upgrade here is the fact this engine now comes with fuel injection for better refinement and throttle response. Cosmetically, the Fazer continues with its semi-fairing and twin headlights at the front, which sets it apart from the FZ and FZ-S. The new 149cc, air-cooled engine develops 12.9bhp and 12.8Nm of torque through a five-speed gearbox. Despite being less powerful than the carburetted version, the new fuel-injected Fazer offers better performance and efficiency than the old model. The front gets conventional telescopic suspension and a monoshock with a swingarm at the rear. Stopping power is courtesy a disc brake in the front and drum brake at the rear
The Cygnus Ray ZR has been launched to complement the Ray-Z range. Based on the same platform as the Ray, the Cygnus Ray ZR is targeted towards young male consumers. The Yamaha Ray ZR features the same aggressive lines which made the Ray so popular among youngsters. The front gets a redesigned headlamp flanked by turn indicators. The profile also features revised lines, and the grab handle is big and easy to grab. The instrument cluster still doesnt have a digital display. Under the skin, the Cygnus Ray ZR retains the 113cc single-cylinder petrol engine, which develops 7bhp and 8Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a CVT transmission. The Cygnus Ray ZR rides on a telescopic front suspension and a rear monoshock. There is 21 litres of under seat storage. This scooter is available in four variants. Only one of those four has drum brakes with steel wheels. The other three are mechanically identical, with a front disc brake and alloy wheels. The two graphically different ones are the Street Rally edition that has different graphics, in red and blue. The Cygnus Ray ZR competes against the Hero Maestro Edge, Honda Activa 5G and the TVS Jupiter
The Fazer 25 is the faired version of the FZ25. Overall, both the bikes share the same parts and the Fazer 25 also has design elements of its naked sibling. Everything from the tail unit to its handlebar is the same as the FZ25 and the only big difference is the fairing. The fairing, which houses an LED headlamp, makes the bike look bigger and has added 6kg to the bike. The headlamp also has two LED pilot lamps positioned on either side. The Fazer 25 sports split seats, dual horns and an LED tail light. The instrument cluster on the Fazer 25 is an LCD unit which displays average fuel economy, trip meters and clock apart from speed and tachometer. Powering the bike is a 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, fuel-injected engine which produces 20bhp and 20Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox. The bike which is focused on touring uses a 14-litre fuel tank. Suspension duties are fulfilled by 41mm forks up front and a monoshock at the rear
Yamaha Motor India launched their third scooter, the Alpha at the 2014 Auto Expo. The scooter gets a front telescopic suspension and an upright type suspension at the rear. The scooter also has 21 litres of underseat storage. The Yamaha scooter is powered by an air-cooled four-stroke 113cc engine with CVT (Continuous variable transmission). The company claims that his new engine delivers fuel economy of 62kmpl. There is a front disc brake on offer, and linked brakes are an optional extra. The disc brake version costs approximately Rs 3000 more than the drum brake version, and the linked brakes for the drum brakes are a few hundred rupees more than the equivalent variant. The disc brake version with linked brakes will set you back by approximately Rs 600 more
Yamaha Mt 09
The KTM 200 Duke was updated for the 2017 model year, but the only mechanical change was its compliance with the BS4 emission norms. The power and torque figures remain the same, and the rest of the differences are cosmetic. The paint schemes are different, with three new ones in the lineup, and the wheels are orange. The price has climbed, keeping up with the times; it remains decent value when you consider what your get for your money, but if youre in the market for something that can do relaxed motoring, look elsewhere. There is now the option of dual-channel ABS for a premium of Rs 8000 over the non-ABS version, ex-showroom
Aprilia is a brand that has a rich racing heritage, and the company is applying that to the SR150 it is a sporty scooter whose introductory pricing is not premium at all. A part of the Piaggio Group along with the Vespa brand, the Aprilia SR150 is targeted at the youth who have performance and style as top priorities. The SR 150 is equipped with a disc brake in the front and drum brake at the rear. ABS is an option for an extra Rs 8000, but will be standard by April. The scooter rides on metallic black alloy wheels. At the front is a standard telescopic suspension while the rear gets a single-side coil spring. The headlamps are integrated into the cowl of the fascia, but the indicators have been positioned on the handlebar. The Aprilia SR 150 is powered by a 150cc engine, which is derived from the Vespa S150. The 154 cc engine makes 11.4 bhp and 11.5Nm of torque. For the 2018 model year, the SR150 has got an optional part-digital instrument cluster that retains an analogue speedometer but switches everything else to a digital unit. Paired with a downloadable mobile phone app, the features include tracking of the vehicle, and locating it in a parking lot, among other things. There are new variants available for the SR150 as of 2018: theres black, blue, and the red/white combination that were familiar with. Additionally, there is the Race version which echoes Aprilias racing program designs with the decals. Finally, theres the Carbon, which is an all-black variant that has faux carbonfibre all over it, and no chrome. The Aprilia SR 150 is fully localised and is manufactured at the companys Baramati facility. It competes with the Vespa LX125, Honda Grazia, TVS Ntorq and Suzuki Burgman Street 125
Aprilias SR125 scooter is an exact replica of its 150cc sibling, other than its SR125 sticker. The SR125 shares its engine with the Vespa LX125 producing 9.5bhp of maximum power and 8.2Nm of torque transferring power to the rear wheel via a CVT gearbox. The identical looks to the SR150 mean you get all the good and bad of its bigger sibling: the great twin-pod headlight and the 14-inch rims, and also the downmarket analogue instrument cluster which the SR150 is moving on from. The launch colour is a blue but we expect more colours to join the lineup at some point. Like the SR150, the SR125 is built on a tubular steel frame. A telescopic fork at the front and a single coil spring at the rear makes up for suspension duties while braking is done by a 220mm disc at the front and a 140mm drum at the rear. CBS is now an option worth Rs 2500, but will become standard by the time the new financial year rolls around. It retains the wide, sporty tyres of the SR150. The Aprilia SR125 will compete with the Vespa LX125, Honda Grazia and Suzuki Burgman Street
Aprilia launched the Shiver 900 in India along with the Dorsoduro 900. It was launched internationally at the start of 2017 as a replacement to the Shiver 750. The Shiver 900 made its debut at EICMA 2016, where the naked street fighter's details were revealed. Not only does it get a larger displacement V-Twin engine, but it also gets a comprehensive electronics package. As for its looks, the new front mud guard, fuel tank cover, side panels and the tail fairing make it look sportier than the Shiver 750. Like the Dorsoduro, it is built around a steel-tube trellis frame that is bolted on to aluminium side-plates and gets a bolt-on rear sub-frame. Since the Shiver 900 and the Dorsosuro are based on the same platform, they share various components too. The motorcycle boasts of a 4.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The background and font colours can be changed to adapt to different ambient lighting conditions in order to optimise visibility. A rider can also pair his smartphone to the bike's digital screen by opting for the AMP kit. Through this, he can access the contacts and audio files on the go. The electronics package includes features like a traction control system, a two-channel ABS, ride by wire technology with three ride modes - sport, touring and rain. The suspension setup on the bike includes 41mm Kayaba inverted front forks and an adjustable mono shock at the rear. Braking duties are taken care of by twin 320mm discs with four-piston Brembo calipers at the front and a single 240mm disc with a single-piston Brembo caliper at the rear. The Aprilia Shiver 900 is powered by an 896cc, V-twin power plant that belts out 94bhp of power at 8,750rpm and 90Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This mill comes mated to a six-speed gearbox.
The Tuono V4 1100 is the most powerful naked motorcycle from Aprilias line-up. In fact, there are very few motorcycles in the world that are powerful as this Italian machine. And this is possible due to the marriage of a brilliant updated engine and electronics. The overall design of the Tuono V4 1100 is almost like its elder cousin the RSV4. However, absence of the full fairing and the presence of a taller handlebar, helps us differentiate between the two. Powering this Italian machine is a 1077cc V4 engine that produces 175bhp at 11,000rpm and peak torque of 121Nm at 9000rpm. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. This engine comes with three maps track, sports and race, and the rider can change these settings on the fly. The suspension duties are taken care of by top spec Ohlins suspension which comes with fully adjustable preload and rebound. The steering damper is from Ohlins too. In the braking department too, Aprilia has employed the top of the line Brembo dual 320mm disc at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. Aprilia is known for equipping its motorcycles with some outrageous electronics and we can see that on the Tuono V4 1100 Factory as well. It gets the patented Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), Aprilia Traction Control (ATC), Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC), Aprilia Launch Control (ALC) and the Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS). The ATC gets eight different settings, which can be selected via the usage of mode buttons on the switchgear. The Tuono V4 1100 Factory competes with the MV Agusta Brutale 1090 when it comes to price, performance and product. However, the pricing makes this bike little inaccessible to a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts
The Vespa SXL 125 is a refreshed version of the Vespa S scooter. It is the most expensive and premium 125cc model in Vespas line-up of lifestyle scooters. The Vespa SXL 125 gets a refreshed design which is tune with the Italian marques retro character. It has been updated with a host of new paint schemes, a refreshed instrument cluster with an electronic display and a new mode button on the switch gear. The headlamp and the mirrors get a square design with chrome embellishment. It also gets a trendy design for the blacked-out alloy wheels and a 3D logo for the SXL branding. The Vespa SXL 125 is based on the same single piece steel monocoque chassis, which is used in the rest of Vespas scooter lineup. The Vespa SXL 125 continues to be powered by the same carburetted 125cc single-cylinder engine that produces 10bhp and 10Nm of torque. It comes mated to a CVT gearbox. Suspension duties are performed by a single side arm suspension at the front and a hydraulic monoshock in the rear. The Vespa SXL 125 rides on beefy 110-70 and 120-70 section tubeless Maxxis tyres. CBS is now a Rs 3000 option on the SXL 125, and will gradually be the only option once current stocks get sold out. The Vespa SXL 125 is available in orange, matt black, white and azure blue paint schemes. Vespa also offers a host of optional extras like a front chrome bumper guard, a perimeter kit and a retro visor for its range of scooters
The Vespa LX is the entry-level model in Piaggios scooter line-up in India. A modern incarnation of the original the Italian scooters from the 1960s, the LX is offered in a single variant with a 125cc engine. The Vespa LX continues to embody the simple-looking original design philosophy that made retro scooters so popular. The design theme includes the round headlight, curvy body panels and a slightly forward leaning stance. The Vespa LX is powered by a 125cc single cylinder unit that produces 10bhp and 10.6Nm of torque, and is mated to a CVT gearbox. Standard features include an electric start, front disc brake, single piece analogue instrument cluster that provides speed and amount of fuel in the tank. The Vespa LX rides on modern single side arm hydraulic front suspension and a hydraulic rear shock. Stopping power is provided by 150mm front and 140mm rear drum brakes. The Vespa LX 125 is available in four funky colours - monte bianco (white), giallo lime (yellow), rosso dragon (red) and nero matt black. The LX 125 competes with the Suzuki Access 125 and the Honda Activa 125, though it is way more expensive than these scooters
Notte is the Italian word for night. As such, the Vespa Notte is a cosmetic variant of the Vespa VXL125 that has blacked out everything. The bodywork is cloaked in matte black, the wheels are black, and there is no chrome to be seen anywhere on it. It runs the same 9.5bhp/9.9Nm 125cc air-cooled single cylinder engine as the regular VXL 125. The cosmetic enhancement is expected to be coupled with restricted numbers, to help its desirability and bump up the asking price. There is no real competition for the Vespa Notte other than products in the Vespa range and scooters from its sister brand, Aprilia
The Vespa SXL 150 is a facelifted version of the Vespa S scooter. Powered by a bigger 150cc engine, the Vespa SXL 150 is the flagship model in the companys line-up of lifestyle scooters. The Vespa SXL 150s retro design has been heavily influenced by the iconic Vespa scooters of yesteryears. The chrome detailing on the rectangular headlamp, mirrors, front suspension and the exhaust shield enhances the scooters retro appeal. The new seat offers extra support and comfort for the rider and the pillion. It also gets a new trendy design for the blacked-out alloy wheels, a 3D logo for the SXL branding and a revised instrument cluster with an electronic display. Bluetooth connectivity is now standard, with features like the ability to find service centres nearby using GPS. Owners can also use it to track their Vespa. The SXL 150 also a feature called Find Me that allows the owner to find it in a crowded parking lot. The Vespa SXL 150 is powered by a carburetted 150cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. This engine delivers 11bhp and 11Nm of torque through a CVT gearbox. Suspension duties are performed by a single side arm suspension at the front and a hydraulic monoshock in the rear. The Vespa SXL rides on beefier 11-inch 110/70 front and 10-inch 120/70 section tubeless Maxxis tyres, which should improve the scooters riding dynamics. It gets a 200mm ventilated disc brake at the front and a 140mm drum brake in the rear. ABS is an option worth Rs 8000, but will become standard fitment by April. The Vespa SXL 150 is available in six paint schemes - orange, matte black, white, matte red, matte yellow, and blue. It doesnt have any competition in the Indian market.
There are over 60 electric scooters on sale in India, but the Ather scooters are the most aspirational of them all. It may cost a kings ransom, too, but here is what is on offer: a 60km riding range, a colour touchscreen instead of an instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, OTA updates, diagnostics that can be run via your phone (and the app), a top speed of 70kmph, front and rear disc brakes, a reverse gear, and the ability to charge to 80 per cent in 60 minutes. Ather has launched the S340 only in Bengaluru for now, because they aim to set up charging infrastructure along with the sales of the product. Their aim for The Garden City is to have a charging station within 4km of any point in the city. There is no real competition for the Ather S340, although the Okinawa Praise is something worth considering for anyone outside of Bengaluru.
The Optima Plus is an eco-friendly electric scooter made by Hero Electric. The scooter has a sleek body with a broad comfortable seat. The Optima Plus doesnt have a start button and all you need to start the scooter is a twist of the key. Being an electric scooter, you need not register the Optima Plus and it can be driven around without a number plate or a licence. The top speed of the Optima Plus is capped at 25kmph. The power output of the scooter is rated at less than 250 watts or 0.33bhp. The bike takes six to eight hours to recharge completely and can travel for a maximum of 70kms with full battery. The Optima Plus is available in three colour schemes, Classic Black, Burgundy Red and Stone Grey.
Hero Electric is one of the leading electric two wheeler makers in the country. The brand offers a wide range of models that are manufactured in Ludhiana, Punjab. Amongst its newer range of model is the new electric scooter called Photon. The new Photon is a high speed electric scooter which features two drive modes: Power and Economy. The former mode allows the scooter to attain a top speed of 45kmph which is fairly decent considering the competition. As for economy, Hero says the new Photon can cover up to 50 km on full charge when using Power model. However, the more efficient Economy mode claims an even higher range of 80 km on full charge. Standard features on the Photon include a polycarbonate head lamp for clear night vision, front telescopic suspension, a front disc brake and an anti-theft alarm. Unlike a few other models in its class, the new Photon requires its rider to have a license and complete registration for the two wheeler. The Photon is now available on sale in tree colours black, burgundy, white.