While the Yamaha brand is globally renowned for its high-performance and sports bikes, the Yamaha Saluto 125cc model in the 125cc commuter segment has gained significant popularity primarily for its excellent mileage and comfortable riding experience during daily commutes. Its lightweight build, reliable engine, and commendable fuel efficiency make it a trusted name among commuter bike enthusiasts.
Design and Outlook
The design of the Saluto 125 essentially embodies the philosophy of a family-friendly and modern commuter motorcycle. Its styling is sleek, decent, and perfectly suited for everyday use.
The bike is typically offered in attractive colour variants with sporty graphics, lending it a slightly more modern and premium look compared to other bikes in the segment.
The aerodynamic cowl features an aerodynamic design, providing the bike with an attractive front profile and contributing to a comfortable ride.
It features a long, comfortable Single-piece Seat, ensuring ease for both the rider and the pillion. The handlebar position facilitates an upright and relaxed riding posture, which is highly beneficial for extended journeys. Built on a Diamond Type Chassis, the bike has a low Kerb Weight of only 112 to 114 kg, making it extremely easy to handle and manoeuvre in crowded city traffic.
Engine and Performance
The Saluto 125's powertrain is engineered based on Yamaha’s 'Blue Core' technology, which assures dependable performance alongside great mileage.It is equipped with a 125cc, Air-Cooled, 4-Stroke, SOHC, 2-Valve Engine. This engine produces a maximum power of 8.3 PS @ 7,000 RPM and a peak torque of 10.1 Nm @ 4,500 RPM. Since the peak torque is achieved at relatively low RPMs, the bike is well-suited for city traffic and offers good initial Pick-up.It comes with a 4-speed Constant Mesh Gearbox.
Brakes, Suspension, and Tyres
It is usually fitted with a Disc Brake (in some variants) or a Drum Brake at the front, and a Drum Brake at the rear. This setup provides balanced and safe braking.
It uses a Telescopic Fork suspension at the front and a Swingarm suspension at the rear, ensuring a comfortable ride even on uneven road surfaces.
The bike features Tubeless Tyres on 18-inch alloy wheels. Tubeless tyres are a significant safety addition as they prevent sudden air loss in case of a puncture, offering enhanced safety and convenience to the rider.
UBS Breaking
The primary function of the UBS is to automatically distribute the braking force between both the front and rear wheels during braking, especially when the rider applies the rear brake. This balanced distribution of braking force ensures that the bike maintains better balance and stability during emergency braking, and it reduces the risk of skidding. As a result, the rider gains better control over braking, and it becomes possible to stop the bike safely in a shorter distance. In short, when the rear brake is pressed, the UBS partially engages the front brake as well, which increases overall braking performance and safety.
Instrument Panel and Electrical
It has a basic cluster with an Analogue Speedometer and Odometer, focusing on essential information like mileage and fuel saving. It includes a Fuel Gauge and other necessary indicator lights.The bike uses a traditional Halogen Headlamp and taillamp.
Conclusion
The Yamaha Saluto 125cc is an ideal choice for riders seeking excellent mileage, reliability, and a comfortable motorcycle for daily commuting. Its light weight, efficient engine, and relaxed seating position make it perfectly suited for navigating city congestion smoothly. While not a sports bike, it stands as a highly functional and popular option within the 125cc commuter segment.