Jun 27, 2007

Yamaha's new 150: What's the story?

I heard a rumour that Mr Ishikawa, the totally cool-dude Yamaha top bloke, put the cat firmly among the pigeons. Apparently, at a meeting set up to review Yamaha's products for 2007, he essentially drew a thick red line through all the plans and told the assembled chaps to start thinking afresh.

As a result, Yamaha is unlikely to launch any new indian-made products during the current year. It also means, the Yamaha will start developing fresh products from scratch, due for launch from next year onwards. Ishikawa asked the team to re-focus. And the clear intention is to leave the gloomy commuter-bike maker image and concentrate on a new image – motorcycles for fun. Ishikawa, it appears, hinted that Yamaha would renew its volume market aspirations at a later date, once it's image had been reestablished.

If true, Ishikawa's sole launches within this calendar year could be the R1 and/or the MT-01. If the above is true, then Yamaha 150/165, due for a reveal at the AutoExpo 2008 and for launch shortly after, could be an all-new machine. Which means all the potential or latent fans of the V-Ixion can go cry into their usual bowls once more. And below in the links, you will read that the new 150 is likely to make 14 bhp. Hogwash. Despite Yamaha's record in India, they're not that stupid. I woulnd't put a 18 bhp, sports-only 165 past Yamaha. And I have a feeling Yamaha'll proudly claim, returns only 35 kpl. And trust me, I'll line up to buy one if I have to.

There were also rumours of a 250cc motorcycle ready for launch. Again, while I have no further information, the 2007 launch scrapping seems permanent, and that means, if Yamaha's second Indian-made motorcycle is to be a 250, that too will be all-new. Which, to me, means that is fantastic news, although it also means we all have to wait a bit.

Related links: Yamaha rides... | Yamaha's 2008 150

7 comments:

srivikas said...

is there anyway , u can put up a search bar in ur blog so that i can narrow down my search?
for eg, i wanna read the review u have posted on new honda unicorn. but how will i find it in such an array of posts u have?

rearset said...

just type in unicorn in the search box right on top (above the blog head, usually inside a grey or blue bar), it should find it instantly

first_synn said...

Hmmm...

Don't you think that the V-Ixion, with a bore-job could fit the bill perfectly?

And yes, the 14 BHp part can be attributed to the fact that the report was penned by a newspaper journo with possibly no clue whatsoever of automobilia and such.

The Fazer 250, unfortunately, does jack squat to "touch my heart". The blandness that encompasses this motorcycle is so frighteningly close to a Honda, that it ceases to be funny. Moreover, the examples I see here are no torch bearers for fit& finish. Clearly, a redesign/ replacement is long overdue.

If i could venture out into dreamland for a minute, I'd absolutely love to see a quarter litre engine (based on the V-Ixion engine family) in the chassis/ bodywork package of the TZR 50. 'd gladly chalk out 1.2-1.3 L for something on these lines...

if only...

Hrishi said...

I really hope that the elusive 250 becomes a reality. :(

Cheers...

Anonymous said...

After a long time now. Yamaha India website is finally back up in shape !!!

Anonymous said...

Hey I got news for you man. 2 days I got a call from Yamaha in Noida that they wanted to confirm my mobile and email address.

Then yesterday I got a mail saying that they would like to invite all the Gladiator owners to Cafe Coffee Day at a prime location in Chennai. So, what say you, surely is something new. Me looking forward to it. Will mail you the invitation as well as my feedback on the meet up once I attend it. You privy to any other Indian manufacturers doing such feedback.

Anonymous said...

As promised here is my scoop on the meet up!!!

It seems Yamaha has already started club activities in other cities for Gladiator owners and Chennai is the last one. The company is pushing for a complete make over of its image as was obvious with a no limits snacking session at CCD. Also given away were 3 Caterpillar Sunglasses priced at approximately INR 3000/- a piece to lucky winners out of the 40 odd club members.

The plan is to conduct bi monthly or so get togethers for touring, movies, rock shows and the likes. Yamaha claims to be open to paying 90% of these expenses (including tickets food and fuel for touring) 10% would be divided equally among the participants. Such trips have already taken place Delhi - Bharatpur and also from Pune and Bangalore. The company is also keen to improve the image of its showrooms and sales supports and as was made evident noticeable changes should be visible by beginning of 2008.