Introduction:
Yamaha launched its latest assault in the highly lucrative 110cc commuter motorcycle segment with the new Saluto RX. Taking over the baton from the Yamaha Crux, the Saluto RX will now face cut-throat competition from the likes of Hero Passion XPro and the TVS Victor. We decided to stack up these three motorcycles against each other for a spec comparison.
Design and Engine:
The Yamaha Saluto RX gets the same elegant styling penned along the lines of its bigger 125cc sibling, the Saluto. The sculpted fuel tank and a bikini front fairing add a bit of flair to the elegantly styled Saluto RX, while the bright paint schemes contrast well with the blacked out chassis and alloy wheels.
The Passion XPro might be a decade-old motorcycle, but Hero has done a good job of evolving its design with the times. Though it still looks quite simple and quintessentially Hero, the side cowl and raked bikini fairing add a bit of zing to the design.
The TVS Victor also gets a simple and conservative design, though the big fuel tank and the big headlamp give it a bulkier appearance. All three motorcycles come with an elongated single-piece seat and neutral-set footpegs to offer a very comfortable and commuter-oriented seating position.
As far as the platform and engine is concerned, Yamaha claims to have to started off with a clean slate for the Saluto RX. The diamond frame was designed to keep weight at bay, with the intention of extracting maximum efficiency from the motorcycle. Even the brand new 110cc single-cylinder engine was designed along the lines of Blue Core powertrain development guidelines, which ensures minimal power loss with the help of smart engineering. This eventually helps the Saluto RX extract a company claimed efficiency of 82kmpl, without compromising on the performance. The Saluto RX can also boast of being one of the first BS IV emission norms compliant motorcycles in the country. The engine delivers 7.4bhp and 8.5Nm of torque, which makes it the least powerful motorcycle in this lot.
The Hero Passion XPro is built around a tubular steel frame, which houses the tried and tested 109cc single-cylinder engine derived from the Honda Dream series. Delivering 8.6bhp and 9.4Nm of torque, the engine comes armed with APDV (Advanced Pro-Series Digital Variable Ignition System) which delivers optimal levels of efficiency and performance with low emissions.
Though the TVS Victor hasn’t been designed from the ground up, it does get enough technological upgrades to justify the ‘new’ tag. It is built around a single tubular frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. The Victor is propelled by the same 110cc EcoThrust powertrain that we see on the Star City Plus, though the engine now features 3 [FV1] valves for better performance and fuel efficiency. Delivering 9.4bhp and 9.4Nm of torque, the Victor is the most powerful motorcycle in this lot. All three motorcycles are offered with a four-speed transmission.
Features and Cycle Parts:
Given that all three motorcycles here are commuters, there isn’t a lot to talk about in terms of features. While the Passion XPro rides on 18-inch wheels, the other two modern motorcycles come with 17-inch wheels. The trio here gets conventional telescopic forks up front and dual springs in the rear, though the ones in Passion XPro are five-step preload adjustable. Also, the three bikes come with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres as standard.
In terms of braking hardware, the Saluto RX is the only motorcycle to miss out on a front disc brake, which as of now isn’t offered even as an optional extra.
Both the Passion XPro and Victor come with a digital display to show the fuel gauge and odometer while the Saluto RX has to make do with a fully analogue instrument console. The Victor also gets a best in class 55W headlamp to offer better illumination as well as hazard lamps.
Price:
While the Yamaha Saluto RX does fall behind in terms of features and power, it does inch ahead in terms of pricing. As of now, the Yamaha Saluto RX is available in a single variant priced at Rs 46,400 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The TVS Victor is priced at Rs 49,490 (ex-showroom, Delhi), with the optional front disc brake commanding an extra premium of Rs 2,000. The Hero Passion XPro on the other hand, is available in no less than five variants. Prices start from Rs 49,525 for the entry-level spoke wheel, drum brake and kick start variant, going all the way up to Rs 54,500 for the fully-loaded alloy wheel, disc brake and electric start variant.
