We told you a few days back that Yamaha is readying three new vehicles to be launched before October 2010. The first of them is the SZ 150, which is scheduled for a 5th August launch. We were told that the SZ150 and the Fazer 250 are coming for sure, but our sources were not sure what the third bike was and speculated that it could be a 135cc step-thru that Yamaha was collecting customer feedback for. However, it seems that the step-thru has been put on the backburner for now. The bike is actually the one that has raised its head as a ‘new model’ called the ‘SS125’. It is a 125cc motorcycle that has mysteriously made its way onto the Yamaha India website. Whats even more mysterious is that it looks exactly similar to a certain bike called the ‘Gladiator 125’. Now we are sure you don’t remember that bike, so let us remind you – it was the same 125cc model which, inspite of many cosmetic upgrades, never attracted your attention when you went to the Yamaha showroom to repeatedly drool on the R1, R15 and the FZ.
So this time around Yamaha has thought of giving it a new name – the SS125 and are making it stand alongside the Gladiator in the showrooms and on the website as if the SS125 were the Gladiator’s angelic twin! C’mon Yamaha, we know you desperately want a scoop from Hero Honda’s market share, but that doesn’t mean you start acting like them and start giving your bikes new names and colours and claiming they are new vehicles altogether!
As for the Fazer 250, there is a small update. We are told that Yamaha is planning an event similar to the ‘India Bike Rally (IBR)’ that they organised last year. This event is expected to go on for three weeks and will conclude with the launch of the Fazer 250. Sounds like a great idea to us – now thats the kind of stuff we expect from you Yam!
KIDS ACTIVITY:
Yamaha SS125 Technical Specifications
Engine
Type Air cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC
Cylinder layout Forward-inclined single cylinder
Displacement 123cc
Bore & Stroke 54.0 x 54.0 mm
Compression ratio 10.0:1
Maximum output 11 PS/7500 rpm (8 KW@7500rpm)
Maximum torque 10.4 Nm/6,500 rpm
Lubrication system Wet sump
Fuel supply Carburettor
Starting method Electric starter and kickstarter
Clutch type Wet, multiple-disc
Ignition type CDI
Transmission
Type 5-gear Constant mesh
Primary/Secondary reduction ratio Prim r = 68/20 (3.400); sec r = 45/14 (3.214)
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, Swingarm
Brake type (front/rear) Disk, drum
Tyre size (front/rear) 2.75-18.4PR, 3.00-18.6PR
Battery 12V-5AH
Caster/Trail 26.0 degree/90.0 mm
Headlight 12V 35/25W Halogen bulb
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
With oil and fuel 125 kg
Fuel tank capacity 13.6 litres
Engine oil volume 1 litres
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