Yamaha @ Auto Expo 2008

Perhaps the most attractive Stand in the Motorcycle World at the Auto Expo 2008 was YAMAHA.

Yes I confess I am a true blue Yamaha Aficionado and I guess I spent maximum time out there at the Yamaha stall, so much that I actually wished if I could just LIVE at the stand for the 2 days I was in Delhi, much to the amusement of some of the Yamaha staff there. The press release officially announced the launch of some HIGH DECIBEL bikes from the Yamaha stables, High decibels indeed.... not only from the end cans but also from the voices of excited onlookers.


The Biggest and best attraction of this stand was obviously the Yamaha R 15, looking like the younger sibling of the beautiful & powerful Yamaha R1. Incidentally both the bikes were placed side by side, in same livery which drew a clear cut comparison between the both.



Entering into the Yamaha stall brought back a certain part of history alive as we had an appropriately (Bright Red Shirt, Smart Short Skirt, Knee Length black boots, straight out of modern 1980’s) dressed lady accompanying an RX 100 Gleaming Black and a RD 350 Lustrous Red; All Stock n Shiny Chromy Silencers reminding everyone of the wonder years.

More Pics of the Classic Beauties:

Next to them was the massive R1, in dual shades of menacing Black. This motorcycle was recently launched in India officially and today comes equipped with the standard road worth accessories – yes – saree guard etc etc – despite its racy form. I wonder how a saree clad damsel would ever reach the pillion seat and manage to sit sideways on the same. If anyone spots one like this please click a snap and send it across. It could be a sight worth seeing.

Rossi's M1 was also displayed alongside the Blue R1.



More Pics of the R1’s & M1:

There were 3 samples of the freshly developed R 15, one in exact same livery as the R1, Two Tone Menacing Black, and 2 in the Yamaha Blue livery. One Blue R 15 was displayed along with a set of accompanying accessories while the 2nd Blue babe adorned the centrestage along with a red outfitted Glam Brigade rider.




The unique 4 Valve engine with its forged aluminium piston, developed for this motorcycle and the Delta Box frame which formed the skeleton for the bike were displayed as independent show stoppers. The engine displayed had a cutaway section through which the technology behind the massive power generation was visible. It was also liquid cooled, unlike the engine oil which was cooled in some of the newly launched oil cooled bikes. Equipped with twin disc brakes front and rear, the R 15 is a thoroughbred race horse rather a wild mustang with well defined rearset foot pegs and a stance which could bring out the Moto Gp enthusiast even from within the most lethargic people. This was a shape which could entice, enthral and certainly blow one’s mind. We were lucky to meet up with the gentleman who was the brain behind this brainchild. Mr Tripathi - HATS OFF TO YOU SIR..!!! You have managed to conjure up a machine which as of date promises impressive figures on paper and now in Metal and GFP. Now its time to get this baby on to the tarmac and let us know what kind of decibels you would want to generate.


Add to it a couple of other strikingly good looking forms of the fairer gender and VOILA you have a deadly concoction.


Video of the R 15

More Pics of the R15:

The Gladiator was also present there, again in concept forms but perhaps now about to be launched into production. These upgraded versions were called the Gladiator SS in dual tone silver with either yellow gold or red trim while the RS was the true Yamaha Blue with striking graphics. Specs were quite same rather looked identical to the earlier Gladiator (Yes!! I too owned one at a time – the only 125 cc mills churning out double digit power ratings) but perhaps the trim and other smaller details had been changed.



More Gladiator Pics :




Beyond the Gladiator concepts was another Blue R1 alongside Rossi’s mean machine the M1. It was rumoured that Rossi might just drop down to grace the occasion with his presence but I guess I had to be satisfied with just my picture alongside the M1.

The Naked bikes section was right next to the main announcement booth and had great music playing continuously. There were 3 bikes adorning the stands there namely the (Brand New) FZ, the FZ-1 and the Torque Sports MT01. The FZ seemed to be a design marvel in its own category and sported practically possible specifications which could be mass produced in India thus making it perhaps a more financially viable motorcycle. It sported a very mean ‘street fighter’ like looks but had the standard 2 valve engine 150 cc in capacity perhaps churning out close to 16 – 18 horses.

Video of the FZ 150


Pics of the FZ Muscle Bike

Yamaha also made its presence felt through its riding gear displayed which actually complemented the awesome motorcycles present there.

Incidentally Yamaha was also the official Bike of the event as was visible by the numerous Gladiators, and Alba bikes running all over the venue ferrying people and light goods from one end to another.

As per Yamaha, most motorcycle owners ride, corner and brake almost unconsciously, however these 3 aspects form the core of motorcycling and when these are achieved with precision and control, the Man-Machine interaction is at its best and the rider experience is a far greater enjoyment.

This, as per Yamaha is the essence of their Motorcycle technology. Their technology has its roots in the highly competitive arena of racing, and they promise to bring the same benefit to people now through their recently to be launched beasts.


The cherry on the top of the cake perhaps was Rossi's Machine. ALthough it was rumuored that Rossi might just drop in to grace the pavillion, i guess i did the needful instead.



Overall Yamaha sounded very promising with 2 very impressive models being released just in time to cater to the ever increasing demand of powerful yet affordable motorcycle technology in India

More Pics

Look out for Yamaha in 2008!!!!!




Until then Keep Riding !!