The Saluto retains Yamaha's typical character with a smooth and efficient engine, while the understated looks ensure a wider appeal for the bike, says Indian motoring website MotorBeam.
Just when we were thinking that Yamaha was beginning to slack a little in the competitive Indian two-wheeler industry, the Japanese automaker has introduced its new mass market offering the Saluto in the country.
Not a bike for the Yamaha purists though, the automaker is aiming to tap a different market base with the Saluto in a bid to gain more volumes. With the company promising a refined motor, its efficient Blue Core technology and trademark dynamics, MotorBeam took the Saluto out for a spin on our rain drenched roads to see if it indeed has the Yamaha DNA.
The Yamaha Saluto comes with neutral styling in order to appeal to a wider audience. However, there are some bits that do stand out including the aerodynamically designed headlight cluster with an overhead pilot lamp, and the black tinted visor that compliments the matte black finished lower half of the bike.
The fuel tank features an arrow design with sharp creases, while the silver finished lower side panels look elegant. The rear gets a chunky tail light cluster, but ends up making the rear tyre look smaller than it already is.
The mudguards are longer than usual on the Saluto and the exhaust tip comes from the scooter offerings, different from other motorcycles in the segment. With a mix of positive and negative elements, the Saluto isn't attention seeking but pleases the eye.
An all-analog instrument cluster graces the Yamaha Saluto and houses a speedometer on the left and fuel gauge on the right. The turn signal, neutral and light indicators are located on top.
We would have appreciated at least a digital display unit with more information available, especially in this day and age. The switchgear feels dated in every sense and Yamaha seemed to have benchmarked the Honda CB Shine in the segment, as the Saluto does not get an engine kill switch either.
You do get an electric starter on the right, while all other switches are on the left handle.
The upright handlebar, elongated seat and properly positioned foot pegs ensure that the Saluto is a comfortable bike. The rider sits upright, so long commuting hours won't be a hassle. However, the absence of rubberised brake pedal and gear lever do not provide the ideal grip.
A cost cutting, Yamaha should've avoided. For the pillion too, the bike feels pretty comfortable with right positioned footpegs, saree guard and silver finished grab rail that do the job well. The exhaust cover is massive and makes sure to protect the rider and pillion from the heat.
True to the brand identity, Yamaha has offered a sweet sounding motor on the 2015 Saluto with power coming from a 125cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that belts out 8.3 PS at 7000 RPM and 10.1 Nm of torque at 4500 RPM. Torque delivery comes in early while power kicks in late and this makes the Saluto a quick motorcycle for its size, being stable at high speeds.
The engine is paired to a smooth shifting 4-speed gearbox and the first two gears help hit the 60 km/hr mark, while the rest two help achieve a top speed of 88 km/hr (as per our VBOX tests).
0-60 km/hr though comes up in a slow 9.34 seconds. With longer gear ratios and Yamaha's Blue Core technology, the Saluto has been tuned for enhanced fuel efficiency and returns an ARAI certified 78 km/l.
The low-end torque and lightweight makes the Saluto quick off the line and a fun to ride motorcycle. However, the thin CEAT Secura rubber lacks grip and does not compliment the capable chassis.
The suspension too is fine tuned for offering a pliant ride and there's nothing to complain about on that front. However, braking performance is simply average from the dual drum brakes and an optional front disc should have been on offer.
Unlike the Yamaha models that we know, the Saluto 125 is not an outright performer. Instead, it offers a good blend of aesthetic value, decent performance and great economy.
That said, this also puts the motorcycle in a large pile of executive 125cc motorcycles which are currently on sale today. At Rs 65,550 (on-road, Mumbai), the Yamaha Saluto is priced with optimism, but does offer a good build quality and refined motor for the premium. However, if you seek fun in a 125cc Yamaha, the SS125 is a better buy.
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