2016 Yamaha RX Saluto 110 Review, First Ride

20/11/2016

Yamaha RX Saluto 110 is Yamaha’s entry into the entry-level commuter segment as the motorcycle offers practicality in abundance and less features

Enchanting –

Well designed commuter
Superlative chassis, brakes, engine
Practical and Comfortable
Value for money

Unsatisfying –

No Disc brakes on offer
Missing pass light switch

Yamaha is all set to revive its entire motorcycle portfolio worldwide, giving the world large capacity motorcycles where needed, and lower capacity motorcycle where it is required. We fall in the latter option is what it looks like for now. However, time will come when we get both worlds and that would be great. For now, let’s concentrate on the motorcycle that Yamaha seems to be banking a lot these days. However, not in the news since the launch, Yamaha hasn’t made effort to make sure people get an idea of what the motorcycle is like. People have flocked to dealerships to get an idea of the same.

We get you an exclusive idea of what the Yamaha RX Saluto 110 is like to ride on the roads and we have some pretty interesting things to tell you about. Why? The motorcycle is something to look forward too as it has a distinct character, something the motorcycle has that sticks to one of the acronym in its name. Let’s find out!

Read this too: price specification and other numeric details of the Saluto RX110, here!

Design

First impression of the Yamaha RX Saluto 110 is that the motorcycle is well put together. Panels match together, finish is good, welds are done decently well and overall quality doesn’t feel downright cheap despite the lower price point. Design wise, we see the use of the MT series headlight in its ‘Micro’ avatar. Large headlight cowl along with a long chunky large side panel, which does feel minutely cheap and a long tail-piece which grabs a lot of attention. Alloy wheels are attention grabbing units on the motorcycle which are multi-spoke and look good.

Tank also has a multi color scheme which acts like a tank-pad and the shape of it at the front means the bikini fairing is in-built. Tail-light does help it stand out as it sits flush. Grab handle is very basic and is made of steel instead of aluminum seen on most premium commuters, but this isn’t one so that’s fine. Overall, a smart looking commuter despite it being a bare-bone-basic motorcycle.

Speedo and Switchgear

Basic theme continues here too. Large speedometer with usual tell-tale which includes non-solitary turn indicators, high beam and a neutral light. A tiny fuel gauge is also seen here. The lack of a single trip meter is a shocking move by Yamaha. When it comes to the switchgear, we don’t know why the brand chose to make new switch gear which no one liked in this format by critics as it is already seen on its rival (Honda). Headlight, high beam, turn-indicator and horn are all present on the left side. Right side is left with the start-button only. Pass light button is missing here.

Ergonomics

Seating position is upright and the handlebar are set to give the rider an upright stance. Seats are done well and are long enough for two people to commuter in comfort. Mirrors are well positioned and give a good view of what is behind. Front peg foot pegs liberate a lot of space for the pillion to move around.

Read this too: RayZR road test and ridden!

Performance and Gearbox

Until now it was a basic commuter, but now everything changes. The moment you start-up the 110cc 4-stroke air-cooled motor it has distinct start up note, what most people call ‘firing’. Slot into gear using the feather light clutch and smooth gearbox, the engine immediately after 3 kms tell you that is NOT your daily linear engine. It is a free revving motor, but not linear and that is the major highlight of the motor. The motor has characteristic of the two stroke of the past. The engine makes 7.5 PS of power and 8.5 Nm of torque and all of this power sent to a 4-speed gearbox.

No, there are no two powerbands here, but the non-linearity of the engine makes it fun to push harder or ride slow and enjoy it even more, depends on how you like your motoring. Gearing is taller and there is enough low-end torque to do town-duties. Mid-range torque is ample too, and it is actually comforting doing high speeds as well. The burbly exhaust and the non-linear engine (sorry to repeat again and again, but that is the exciting highlight here) Mileage is set to be around the similar 60-65 km/l like its rivals.

Dynamics

The Saluto RX 110 comes with the similar single down tube chassis and suspension setup which we see on Yamaha motorcycles of this size and price. The ride quality is good despite suspension setup is taut and stiff as it also help it go around corner with poise and enough grip. Overall dynamics are good for a commuter which mean it is extremely nimble in the city, agile in the corners and is good fun to ride with a spectacular motor attached to it. Tyres despite being TVS unit do a good job of providing good dynamics.

Light weight was the mantra for the motorcycle and hence, the chassis is ‘forged’ at the mounting area, there is a tubular swingarm to keep weight and cost in check and all of this means motorcycle weighs under 100 kgs (98 to be precise), which is quite shocking feat achieved by Yamaha. The Saluto is the lightest motorcycle in the 110cc category by far. Even the kick lever is forged to get the kerb weight lower.

Brakes are drum on both end and do a good job, disc is not offered as an option for now. The good news is that it is a better handler than the 125 Saluto which had mixed reactions from us. Despite a longer travel at the rear for the suspension and normal travel at the front, all of its done to carry load or multiple passenger in rural areas (let’s face it, this happens) Saluto RX 100 is clearly an all-rounder.

2016 Yamaha RX Saluto 110 Review, Verdict

When we call it an all-rounder, it means that we have scrutinized everything in our first ride. However, road test can reveal a bit more, but there a sense confidence that the motorcycle is apt for our conditions and is pretty much faultless in what it offers. The Saluto RX 110 does the job really well and this time, it has a distinct character too while it does everything.

Motorcycle looks right, has a great engine, superb chassis in typical Yamaha tradition and is priced well as it just falls under Rs. 60,000 mark in most cities. Saluto deserve a salute? Let’s wait for a comparison. However, for now it does deserve your attention if you are looking for a distinct commuter in every sense to do traditional duties.