Yamaha Gladiator SS or Yamaha SS 2012 Ed. Review on Yamaha Gladiator SS

I'm Arun. I purchased a Yamaha gladiator SS (2010 Ed.). I was in search of a unique bike which should be rarely seen on roads but should be with good looks, economical mileage and good performance which should match 150 cc bikes. Chose Gladiator 125 SS. Though people went on to say its an outdated bike, low mileage (Seeing Yamaha tag, and its not fully true coz, I get 48kmpl but was expecting 55 kmpl but its OK) and its 125 cc engine, I chose to buy it even after seeing its low sales n low profile keeping by Yamaha.

Gladiator was rechristened in Jul 2010, {New version is called Yamaha SS, only bodily modifications made in it, rest of all same).

Anyway, after using it for 2 years and riding almost 28, 000 kms, still love it , truly. Whatever people say, its a worth  match to most of the 150 cc bikes and there is no better bike available in market in 125 cc category (Read as for of 2010-11).

Pros:  Good looks, great speed (It still reaches 108 kmph and it is eager to move for more 4-3 kms! but I cant go :P),Refinement (It has came through great changes in its 04 years), styling, ride quality {From a Super Splendor like look in 2007 to a Racing bike look in 2009-12}. BEST IN ITS CLASS

Cons: Very slim tyres affecting road grip in slick and off road riding (Not a so serious problem, but just for saying), also it also effects the looks.Pick up should have been a little bit better. U feel a little sluggish when u ride in steep road and feel the engine pulling the bike a little backwards(Mean it could go around 45 kmph if u hold clutch but resists when engine is on and left free with no throttle and goes around 40 kmph on normal steep/down roads), andu have to give a lil' bit of throttle to avoid it. .Mileage: 45-53 kmpl (Its a 125cc but Pulsar 135 gives 3-4 kms more per litre n Unicorn gives more or less the same,  i was expecting about 50-55 even though Yamaha says 65-70, It would never give you more than 50-52 kmpl). Outdated look of the Petrol tank cap. Placement of front number plate above the head lights - Its awkward (And it cant be fixed, coz due to less space b/w shock absorbers and front mud guard, u cant fix ur number plate there). And that it.

THOUGH CONS COLUMN IS MORE LONG, U NEED NOT TO WORRY, ITS JUST LIKE U REMEMBER BAD THINGS MORE THAN GOOD THINGS IN LIFE :P

HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE 2 YEARS RIDE:

1. Non-stop 600 kms ride

2. Night outs

3. Frequent weekend touring

RACE-OFF:

Once, in a standard short duration race-off of 100 Metre with Pulsar 135:  Pulsar 135 moved its 1st 25 mts, Gladiator lacked behind at least 03-05 mtrs -

The race ended with Pulsar 135 going that 2-3mts ahead - Because Pulsar was a 135 cc, u can call the result a TIE )

But in a 5 kms race-off in city limits between a Pulsar 150 & Stunner, Gladiator, Gladiator won the race by 10 seconds! (Maybe it differs on how u ride a bike. Its also coz I had an edge as it was city outskirts and prevented Pulsar to reach top speeds in short periods.. Can call it the rider's ability or the bike's but I won the bet :P)

Maintenance: Never skipped regular serviceing (Had it done at least for once in 2500-3500 kms), so would suggest the same.

Major Repairs: Replaced Chain Sprocket and Chain as it got loosened after some wear and tear after some 25000 kms(Cost: Rs. 1500/-). Had to change one of the Cowls of Engine(Plastic mould covering engine) as once it got hit by a speedbreaker(Blame it on faulty road bumps, if not for Yamaha's design). Nothing much, Regular serviceing costs me about Rs. 400-700/- about once in 5-6 months/3500kms.

Similar Bikes: Yamaha SZ (Lot has changed since 2010 and the arrival of SZ - Now u can buy it at almost the same price of Gladiatior, a good buy, Off late - Honda Shine, Stunner and Hero Igniter are other options). Honda Stunner/Hero Igniter (If you are OK with the more high pricing! - It costs you Rs.7000 to 10, 000/- more).

FINAL VERDICT ON BIKE: Good SEMI PERFORMANCE bike to buy.  Would give 8.5 out of 10 points.

[Now a days u can even have a look at Yamaha SZ, as it is similarly priced and more advanced than SS, option is yours]

Bought a Yamaha Fazer on Jun 2012, using both the bikes now.... No match for the Fazer in whole 150> class! Enjoy riding it[Best in class, 40 kmpl mileage, great looks, class ride, eye catcher and what else do you want??]