Yamaha SS125 Road Test Review

[Akash]

Yamaha, The Legendary name for motorcycles is a Japanese manufacturer which began the journey on July 1, 1955. Their logo is comprised of three tuning forks placed on top of each other in a triangular pattern. Yamaha has been a producer of the most loved 100cc bike RX100, which even today does not miss to craze the youth. Both RX100 and its elder brother, RX135 enjoyed comparatively good amount of sales till they existed in market.

In mid 2000, Yamaha came out with number of 100cc and 125cc bikes like Alba, Fazer, Gladiator, etc. and most of them were not such a huge success however. Now, with battle ground only heating up, recently company has launched face lifted version of Gladiator christened as SS125. This bike sports some apparent cosmetic changes with certain refinement done on the engine. The Automotive India finds out how it performs.

[Akash]

SS125 is more or less a face lift version of Gladiator, Nonetheless it is still a good renovation. To start with, the visor houses flimsy air vent which allows air to pass through thereby tumbling resistance and in turn leads to better drive-ability. The headlamp design is pretty simple and matches with old Alba. Coming to side; one will be amazed to see a sudden change in the style quotient. The side profile looks impressive and pertinent use of graphics has made SS125 appear sportier than predecessor. Tank scoop holds Yamaha logo together with graphics which flow till the closing stages of body. The SS125 comes with racy Engine guard which adds to sporty personality of bike.

Instrument cluster design is basic wearing a couple of dials and fuel gauge in middle. On left dial sits the speedometer, while the right one has tachometer in it, both gauges is easy to read but somewhat lack a visual appeal. The quality of plastics is usual, after all one can’t much anticipate top notch quality from bike of this segment. An all black engine is complimented by matching dyed 5 spoke alloy wheels, which is further enhanced by the use of Aluminum foot steps and sporty chain cover.

From rear, tail lamp is again identical to Gladiator. Herein, sits the brake lamp and integrated turn signals. However, newly designed rear fender looks nice and improves the rear form. Also, Aluminum finished silencer has a macho muffler end which is silver finished and coated by a black shield to give a fair look to the ride. On the whole, SS125 may not be a head turner; still it manages to attract attention amongst traffic, with sporty touches all around.

[Akash]

We are quite overwhelmed by performance of this new entrant in 125cc segment; the same 125cc engine from Gladiator has been planted into SS125. Now since Gladiator was much reputed for its superior engine, this is no different.

Push the self start and it takes a moment or two to realize that engine has by now started already. The starter is super silent and so is the engine, in spite of revving hard, reverberation is not at all hurting. Slot in the first gear and gearbox feel is smooth enough, unlike other bikes in same league; the first gear engagement isn’t noisy, although while on move, fair amount of effort is needed to switch to different gears. Overall, the engine churns out 123cc and is able to pump 11BHP and a maximum torque of 10.2 NM @ 6500 RPM, which is equivalent to the 125cc bike from Honda, the Stunner.

The 0-60 Kmp/h speed can be achieved in no time, thanks to short gear ratios which lead to higher acceleration in lower gears but once needle is near 90 – 95 Kmp/h, the engine runs out of breath and you need to have a lot of patience to cross the 100kmph mark. High-speed handling is pretty good with almost no vibrations even at higher RPMs.

[Akash]

How it Handles?
Yamaha bikes always have a great handling ability and the SS125 carries exactly same DNA. Zooming to high speeds though isn’t very easy; it still feels safe while touching those speeds due to minimum vibration. However, one must be watchful while cornering since this bike comes with lean tires, we wish if they had been a bit wide and handling would have improved further to an extent. Front disc is accurate in its application and does job well; Handle bar end weight provides extra stability to the handle there by leading to better riding pleasure.

How Much is Returns?
Well, This Yamaha isn’t thirsty at all. Company claims that SS125 is capable of covering 70kms in a liter of fuel. So, we can at least expect to extract minimum fuel efficiency of 55 - 60 Kmpl in City traffic conditions.

The Final Word:
Overall, SS125 is a good threat to some established 125cc bikes like Honda Shine, Hero Honda Glamour and TVS Flame, with power output on par with many and also perhaps the style. If you are eying for fuel efficient, powerful city commuter bike and already a fan of Gladiator's design, then no wonder why Yamaha SS125 is the one which could suit you just well.

[Akash]

What We Like About SS125?

• Looks and Design
• Smooth and Silent Engine
• Fuel Efficiency
• Optimum Power

What We Dis-Like About SS125?

• Basic Instrument Cluster
• Tires Could have been Better

Star Ratings:

• Looks and Design: (3.5/5)
  
• Engine and Performance: (4/5)
  
• Handling and Ride Quality: (4/5)
  
• Fuel Efficiency: (4.5/5)
  
• Value For Money: (4/5)

[Akash]

• Price: Rs.46,600 (Ex.Showroom)
• Official Website: Click Here

Engine:

• Type: Air cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC
• Displacement: 123cc
• Maximum Power: 11 PS/7500 RPM
• Maximum Torque: 10.4 Nm/6,500 RPM
• Starting Method: Electric starter and kick starter
• Clutch Type: Wet, multiple-disc
• Ignition Type: CDI

Transmission:

• Type: 5-gear Constant mesh
• Gear Ratios: 1st - 33/11 (3.000) 2nd - 32/18 (1.778) 3rd - 25/19 (1.316) 4th - 23/22 (1.045) 5th - 21/24 (0.875)

Chassis:

• Frame type: Diamond tubular type
• Suspension (front/rear): Telescopic fork / Swing arm
• Brake type (front/rear): Disk / Drum
• Tire size (front/rear): 2.75-18.4PR / 3.00-18.6PR

Electricals:

• Battery: 12V-5AH
• Headlight: 12V 35/25W Halogen bulb

Colors Available:

• Red
• Racing Blue
• Black Red

Dimensions:

• Overall length x width x height: 1995 x 730 x 1110 mm
• Seat height: 795 mm
• Wheelbase: 1,295 mm
• Minimum ground clearance: 155 mm
• Fuel tank capacity: 13.6 liters
• Engine oil volume: 1 liter

Report Credits:
Road Test & Photography: Akash
Edit & Format: 350Z

(C) 2008 - 2010. The Automotive India. Our reviews and images are protected and can not be reproduced in any form without written permission of our authority.

[350Z]

Yamaha SS125 Road Test Review Now on Air.

Drive Safe,
350Z

[type-r]

it looks good. but they should have changed the rear lights which i found always to look bad. anyhow, good review.

[Akash]

Thanks Archit. I agree to that. The rear profile isnt as exciting as the side profile.

[RSM]

Great work Akash, once again.

Yamaha has changed its image with recent launches and all are getting good market response. Yamaha is back.

Brilliant pictures and nice narration.

[mukeshus]

Good review Akash.
And reports by Vibhor.
The tail lamp resembles the new Karizma-ZMR.

[Akash]

@Mukesh- Thansk man.

Originally Posted by RSM

Great work Akash, once again.

Yamaha has changed its image with recent launches and all are getting good market response. Yamaha is back.

Brilliant pictures and nice narration.

Thanks RSM, Yamaha looks to have understood the indian markets. The success of R15, FZ16 and Fazer proves this. But i would certainly appreciate if they come out with sportier and fresher design for the economy segment bikes.

[bittu]

Excellent pictures & review.....

[Akash]

Originally Posted by mukeshus

The tail lamp resembles the new Karizma-ZMR.

Only the sloping shape somewhat resembles(1%). You must be having older Karizma(R) taillamp design in mind.