[Passiautonate]

Not sure a right strategy from Yamaha!!! More like "We would like to walk in a running markt", don't think Fazer, FZ and R15 will keep selling in decent numbers till 2015, with plethora of high performing bikes coming into fray every year. As I see Yamaha is not into fuel efficient commuters nor into high performing vehicle category- So who will be their target audience till 2015

One futuristic thought might be that our baby booming population subisidizing down and ample 40 plus people who wish to buy a scooter to get grocery . Would we be requiring Yamaha's expertise their as we have ample cheaper options.

[nitro.1000bhp]

Yamaha had clearly stated right from the beginning that they are going to concentrate on mass market products only (although with a touch of style & tech). They are'nt doing what honda or Kawa are ie. who are building global products.

The whole biking scene is witnessing a paradigm shift in respective needs. While developing countries are shifting from 100-150cc machines to quat-litre ones, the more developed nations are downgrading from litre bikes and supersports machines to quat-L bikes thanks to recession, fuel price hike and a new intermediate HP limit for young bikers .

I guess Yamaha is yet to see the significance of this shift while Honda and kawa have wisely exploited it and are continuing to do so with more variations within the segment. KTM is the new kid on the block and they have certainly stolen the show with the Dukes.
Even Triumph is rumoured to be developing a 350 single.

Yamaha may be able to make great sales with these sub 150cc products in the short term but Honda, KTM and Kawa are going to run away with it on the long-run IMO, and Yamaha will suddenly find itself trying hard to catch-up.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Sheel

And handling is quite relative. Not even 5% of R15 riders can do this to their tire, forget doing it on the 250R.

Attachment 1009744

Bro with all due respect, I've seen such photos elsewhere as well with a lot of oohing and aahing.

The truth is, with the cross section of the CBR tyre, its not really that difficult to do.

[Passiautonate]

As far as scooters are conceren most important consideration are

Comfort,
Mileage
& Price

All 3 have never been forte of Yamaha. I think Honda's; Suzuki even TVS & Hero are miles ahead of them in those departments. Why would anybody want to go against there core competencies. They were not that successful in 100-150cc commuter class because they didn,t had any of the above 3.

This is in best terms I could call as brand diversification into unknown terriorties. Yamaha is good in perfromance biking so why not try to excel it. At one time R15 was the best performance bike in the country- Why not improve on those fronts only.

God save Yamaha as I cannot see them competing in mass scooter market with established players. With no exciting product launch till 2015 I am afraid Yamaha is looking to play a Rabbit and Tortoise game once again. My friend's father had a Yamaha Escort dealership which they had to sell off in 2005. Bit presumptous but somehow I cannot stop myself visualizing it- being a Yamaha Fan.

YAMAHA coming from Ashes in 2017- Any Takers???

[Sheel]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Bro with all due respect, I've seen such photos elsewhere as well with a lot of oohing and aahing.

The truth is, with the cross section of the CBR tyre, its not really that difficult to do.

That oohing & aahing is because most can't do this on the CBR-250R. Yes, it might be a lot easier on the R15 & KTM, but not so here.

Doc, I can't take corners on the CBR, the way I used to on the R15. And it is something which most will agree.

I had posted a short impression of an RE Electra which I had ridden from Patna to Purnea. My solo RE ride for the first time. I was scared to take corners at a decent clip and Akshay and few others said that it is damn easy to do so on the RE. Maybe my riding abilities are rather limited.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Sheel

That oohing & aahing is because most can't do this on the CBR-250R. Yes, it might be a lot easier on the R15 & KTM, but not so here.

Doc, I can't take corners on the CBR, the way I used to on the R15. And it is something which most will agree.

I had posted a short impression of an RE Electra which I had ridden from Patna to Purnea. My solo RE ride for the first time. I was scared to take corners at a decent clip and Akshay and few others said that it is damn easy to do so on the RE. Maybe my riding abilities are rather limited.

Me and Navendu have spent many private moments joking about this bro.

The point is, the tyre of the CBR has a flattish more than rounded contact patch - unlike the very extreme oval KTM tyre.

So you need not be very technical/proficient, nor does the bike need to be a super corner carver/handler, to use up the entire contact patch and get those dark black post corner carving photos.

Its not difficult. A moderate session on any half decent ghat run will ensure that.

So its got nothing to do with you as a rider or how good the bike is.

See the MRF Nylogrips of the Bullet - square profile.

You will use all of the contact patch and half the side shoulder - always - any corner - any half decent lean.

The last arrow heads you will never touch.

Just as the last cm on the KTM tyres you will never touch.

Not unless your bike is also touching the ground (with or without you on it!)

[Sheel]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Me and Navendu have spent many private moments joking about this bro.

Joking about CBR's tire being squarish (flat) & despite that riders not able to get rid of strips? .

Did something like this?

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Sheel

Joking about CBR's tire being squarish (flat) & despite that riders not able to get rid of strips? .

Did something like this?

No, just the opposite.

The CBR tyre being flattish and full-contact photos being put up as badges of honor.

[neerajpv87]

“We will focus on the scooters category for next two years, but in 2014 we will launch powerful sporty 250cc bike in the Indian market. There is a good market for this premium segment which we would like to tap.” - Mr Hiroyuki Suzuki (MD & CEO- Yamaha Motor India)

So 2014 it is !!

[vroomsome]

Originally Posted by neerajpv87

“We will focus on the scooters category for next two years, but in 2014 we will launch powerful sporty 250cc bike in the Indian market. There is a good market for this premium segment which we would like to tap.” - Mr Hiroyuki Suzuki (MD & CEO- Yamaha Motor India)

So 2014 it is !!

by that time the ktms, the pulsars and Hondas would have tapped the 250 cc market to their hearts content. seems like a bit too late.

[aargee]

Thanks to Yamaha to delay the much awaited R25 & see now, who's angry...

http://youtu.be/fUkuIaOaS_E

This is the utmost insult that Yamaha India can get; pls wake up & give us the much awaited R25

[apachelongbow]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Me and Navendu have spent many private moments joking about this bro.

The point is, the tyre of the CBR has a flattish more than rounded contact patch - unlike the very extreme oval KTM tyre.

Completely OT regarding this thread, but I have a question. I find it difficult to take corners properly on my TB500. Is it because of the tyre profile (zapper 120/80/18 inch rear and 100/90/19 inch front)? I find the rear constantly on a almost slide outwards on the corner and I have to keep giving mid corner corrections. Is it the tyre/profile or the cruiser like ride dynamics of the bike? Your inputs please.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by apachelongbow

Completely OT regarding this thread, but I have a question. I find it difficult to take corners properly on my TB500. Is it because of the tyre profile (zapper 120/80/18 inch rear and 100/90/19 inch front)? I find the rear constantly on a almost slide outwards on the corner and I have to keep giving mid corner corrections. Is it the tyre/profile or the cruiser like ride dynamics of the bike? Your inputs please.

I rode a C5 for 3000+ kms. Same type of tyres, though the ergos were that of a standard vs a cruiser like the TB500. I was never as comfortable on it as I was on my Std 500 and LB500. Those I throw around and manhandle at whim. Never got around to being as confident with the C5. To be honest, the Zapper Qs I had on my Std 500 when both wheels were 18 inchers, gave me a lot more feedback and confidence. Lovely tyres.

[neerajpv87]

http://motoroids.com/news/young-maga...250-rendering/

Jap magazine YOUNG's rendering of R25.

[sriramv.iyer]

Thanks for posting the Hitler / R25 link - It was outrageously funny! I can understand the frustration of Yam's fans