Yamaha Saluto – Yamaha’s contribution to the 125cc segment – launched

Keeping in mind practicality and fuel economy, Yamaha India launched its 125cc Saluto today. The bike has been made keeping in mind a usual household in India and its needs.

Yamaha India has finally decided to put practicality ahead of performance. In a market that is majorly driven by fuel efficiency and practicality, Yamaha was not doing wonders in terms of sales. In order to boost the sales, the Japanese two-wheeler maker today launched Yamaha Saluto – its answer to the 125cc category.

Commenting on the motorcycle at the launch, Mr. Masaki Asano, Managing Director, 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% 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 almost83% 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 engine of the motorcycle is all new and the design of bike has been made to keep the weight minimum. That’s the reason this is lightest motorcycle – 112kgs – in the 125cc category. Yamaha Saluto’s suspension, footpegs’ position and seat have been designed to provide maximum comfort.

Yamaha claims that the motorcycle will achieve a fuel efficiency of 78km/l. The 125cc engine delivers 8.2bhp of maximum power and 10.1Nm of torque. The bike lacks fuel injection which might affect its responsiveness, but has a self-start. The bike has been priced at Rs. 52,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).