Yamaha?s much-awaited launch finally took place in the recent days with the YBR125 now available with the dealers, though still in limited numbers. We, at PBC, decided to visit a dealership and have some idea of the bike, to see if the bike is worth all that. It has been good three years since we first heard about Yamaha?s investment in organizing a motorcycle plant at Karachi.
The first bike launched, as we already know, is YBR125. Although three years ago Yamaha told us that the upcoming models would be 125cc and above equipped with modern technology and powered by EFI engines, Yamaha has not fulfilled the whole promise and the YBR125 comes with carbouretor to ignite the single cylinder 125cc air cooled engine, although internationally the bike is available with EFI technology. Available colours are Red, Blue and Grey and all of them suit the personality of the bike.
The very first look of the bike is quite catchy and we were like wow, this is something good. Overall build quality is pretty good. Especially we liked the fully enclosed plastic chain cover which is by far the most distinguished feature of this bike compared to other local brands. We have seen how chain covers easily get rusted and mar the looks of an otherwise clean bike, well that won?t be a problem in case of this bike.
On our query the dealer told us that everything on the bike is Japanese except the tyres, which are of Servis brand, thus made in Pakistan, but we have sincere doubts that the rest of the parts are all made in Japan. This is primarily because although the bike has a pretty impressive overall finish but a careful observation made us doubt that at least engine head, fuel key, self-starter and the handle grips are locally manufactured.
YBR?s wheels add to its beauty and will give the riders a smooth ride. Stock tyres are by Servis. Riders are advised to change the rear tyre as it may lose road grip in wet road conditions and muddy track because of the typical tread design which is good for dry on road use only. We have written to Yamaha authorities as well in this regard, but till the time Yamaha takes action we need to be cautious on our part. The good thing about the rims is, as informed by the dealer, the stock tyres can be used as tubeless tyres on this bike, which is a good news for long way riders.
Bike feels light weight and suspensions are soft too, that coupled with a soft seat will ensure a comfortable journey. Front brake is single calliper disk brake while the rear one is drum. The bike comes with 5 speed gear box and the gear pattern is one down, four up. Fuel capacity is 13 litres.
Before the launch of the bike there has been a lot of concern about the bike?s sound. And although it may be of great disappointment to many that the sound is quite humble and meek, I do not find it as of any negative trait as the bike is Euro standard and is not supposed to be noisy. Sound somewhat resembles to that of Piaggio but Piaggio?s sound is still louder, there you go..
Just as we were viewing the bike a brand new Piaggio was also available there and although YBR excels Piaggio in a number of ways, we noticed at least two parts that YBR should have borrowed from Piaggio; clip on handle bars and foot rests. YBR comes with regular handle bar and footrests don?t give the made in Japan impression at all, Piaggio has got them better.
YBR?s headlight is pretty stylish to look at, the performance and throw, however, we are not sure about yet. Obviously we didn?t get the chance to ride the bike else we would be able to share something about the riding experience as well but to sum it up, YBR is not just another bike in the market.
Rs. 129400/- is the price of the bike as announced by the company. However, the dealers are selling it at much higher prices taking advantage of the low supply and high demand situation. Riders are advised to wait instead of buying on ON price.
Cheers,
Ride safe!
