Yamaha has always impressed us Indian bikers by giving us the best of their inventory and engineering. It’s been observed in the market since generations, Yamaha has always given bench mark vehicles for passionate motorcyclists. From the early 70s till today, they have been around with some or the other bike for enthusiasts to rely on.
Let us take you through the evolution of Yamaha over the years:
Yamaha RD350, Escorts Rajdoot350
Starting the legacy of biking in the early 80s, Yamaha launched their RD350 as Rajdoot 350 for the Indian market. RD350 was de-tuned for the Indian market, than its powered packed worldwide version and was assembled by Escorts, one of the leading Manufacturers & Suppliers of Agri Machinery, Construction Equipments & Auto Parts. In the beginning of their sales, Yamaha had introduced ‘High-Torque/HT’ version of the RD350 which churned out 30.5 bhp from it 2 stroke parallel twin, 350 cc engine block. HT version was only available in the market from 1983 to 1985.In 1986 came the ‘Low-torque’ version which churned out 27bhp which was tuned exclusively for Indians due to the emission norms. RD350 was eventually shut down in 1989 as the norms got stricter. Well before it got down from the assembly line, an impressive number RD350 were out sold due to its endorsing in the movie HERO (1983).
Yamaha RX100
Later by 1985, Yamaha brought their economic bike with a smaller displacement and lesser specification numbers. RX100 was a CKD from Japan in the year from 1985 to 1987, but later it was produced in India under Escorts. It had a 100cc 2 stroke block and gave out 10.5 bhp until Yamaha stopped its production in 1996. RX100 saw many upgrades and updates to its chassis and engine, due to the strict emission norms of the government. In the later 90s RX-G was introduced which did not fare well for the company until the launch of the 5 speed version of RX-G and RX-Z in the year 2001.
Yamaha FZ-S
In 2008, when the market was ruled by all commuter class bikes and monotonous styling, Yamaha brought in their game changer; FZ-S and FZ-16. Bikes with naked looks, fatter rear tire and sharp aggressive styling. With an affordable price bracket, FZ instantly became popular amongst the youngsters which helped YAMAHA with their sale numbers. FZ got the graphic upgrades from Yamaha on periodic intervals which secured the novelty of FZ-S and FZ-16. By mid 2015, FZ got a very impactful upgrade which gave it a significant advantage over the rivals.
Yamaha YZF-R15V2.0
It was Yamaha’s attempt to up their technology game and with the launch of R15 in 2008, Yamaha had an advantage on the technology front over other bikes in the market. By 2011, Yamaha gave the Indian bike market a very purposeful and a track oriented sports motorcycle; YZF R15V2.0. Churning out the right power figures, giving a feature full and equipped motorcycle for a tempting price Yamaha was back in their top game. Liquid cooled 150 cc fuel injected 4 stroke engine with a power output of 17 bhp, It was one of the best pick for enthusiasts.
Yamaha YZF-R3
With the success of their previous bikes and a market study of what enthusiasts are waiting for, Yamaha came up with YZF-R3. An opening class bike offered to bikers who are looking for anupgrade. 320 cc Parallel twin motor making 42 bhp at crank is one big gun from Yamaha to take on its competitors as well as the market. Being the successor to the YZF-R25, R3 has better power figures and is still a bike which could be lived with on daily basis.
Yamaha is one of those few brands who have stuck with us since a long time now and we’re glad they did!
