Yamaha India, the Indian subsidiary of Japanese motorcycle major Yamaha Motor Co, has launched Gladiator Type SS (Stylish & Sporty) and Type RS (Racing Sports) bike in India.

The company says the Gladiator bike is one of the best in the fiercely competitive 125cc segment and comes packed with 28 new features.
 
It says the 4-stroke, 11 bhp and 5-speed bike is a combination of sports biking and style and is sure to kick-start a new sport biking lifestyle in the Indian market.

"The Gladiator Type SS and Type RS have been designed to be true to the Yamaha DNA," said T Maeda, chief marketing and sales officer, Yamaha Motor India.

Describing the Gladiator as a next generation bike Maeda said, "In its category, it is the only machine that can deliver a sport biking experience, which is intrinsic to Yamaha brand. Catering to the young, evolving lifestyle market, Gladiator Type SS and Type RS will target young students or young executives who seek a solid machine with good overall product balance and distinctive style. The Type SS and Type RS is a strong product and we are confident it will drive our sales to the fifth gear".

The company says Yamaha race-bred technology delivers an enhanced ride, agile cornering and precise braking. The result is enjoyable sport biking experience unmatched by any other bike in the category. Added to this, the new Gladiator Type SS and RS have been designed for substantial improvement in running performance, overall sporty design and product reliability with added advantages of practical functionality, fuel economy and cost effectiveness. 

The Gladiator showcases 125cc styling and a free-revving 11 bhp engine with Yamaha throttle position sensor (YTPS) technology that delivers good acceleration. Its 5-speed close ratio transmission allows the rider to make the most of a wide power band to experience performance in both around-turn and high-speed riding.

Aerodynamic racy under cowl, sporty tachometer, wind tunnel designed front cowl, lightweight aluminium wheels and powered front disc brakes gives it a dynamic yet sophisticated demeanour.

The bike is expected to deliver mileage of 67km per litre on actual city road conditions. The Gladiator Type SS will come in a choice of two colours, yellow and red while the Type RS would be in blue. The bike will be priced at Rs.46,350 onwards ex-showroom.

Yamaha entered India in 1985 and in 1996 entered into a 50:50 joint venture with the New Delhi-based Escorts Group. However, in August 2001, Yamaha acquired its Indian partner's stake, bringing the Indian operations under its complete control of Yamaha Motor Co of Japan.

Yamaha Motor India has a countrywide network of over 400 dealers to market its  product portfolio that includes Crux, Alba, G5, Gladiator and the recently launched YZF-R1 and MT01.