India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has launched a new 125cc motorcycle named Saluto for the Indian market. The new commuter bike was launched in Chennai and will be available across the country for a price of Rs 52,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).
The Saluto looks more or less similar to the Yamaha SZ-R and gets basic features as that of a commuter bike. The company has provided a resin tank cover that will help to keep the heat at bay. The fuel tank is of 7.6 litres and the bike gets an electric start. Telescopic forks are seen at the front and dual shocks at the rear. The braking duty is performed by drum brakes on both the wheels.
The Yamaha Saluto comes powered by a 125cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, carburetted mill that produces 8.2bhp of power and 9.8Nm of torque. This motor comes mated to a four-speed gearbox. The motorcycle weighs 112kg and the Japanese maker says with the new 'Blue Core' technology the bike will deliver a good fuel economy.
Masaki Asano, MD, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd. Said, "The two-wheeler market in India reached 16 million units in 2014, thereby, becoming the world's largest two-wheeler market. The Motorcycle market constitutes about 68 per cent of the total two-wheeler market at 11 million units. Out of this, the 100-125cc motorcycle class is the largest category at 9 million units, comprising almost 83 per cent of the market. This is due to the economical nature of the category (including fuel efficiency and prices), and its practicality as it is highly praised by those purchasing a motorcycle for the first time, for pillion use, or for sharing with the family. The new Saluto is intended to expand sales in the largest demand category in India by offering one of the best fuel economy performances in the 125cc class."
The Yamaha Saluto goes up against the Bajaj Discover 125T, Hero Super Splendor, Honda CB Shine and TVS Phoenix in India. It will be manufactured by India Yamaha Motor (IYM) and marketed by Yamaha Motor India Sales (YMIS).
