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Heartburn over Gladiator

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  • #1

    Heartburn over Gladiator

    Today, I took a friend's new Pulsar 135LS for a spin and immediately my mind was beset with doubts as to my Gladiator.

    The Gladi has been a fairly reliable companion for a rookie biker like me but some doubts have kept coming up - its fuel efficiency, repeated faults in the electrical system, vibrations at particular RPMs, breakdown of the switchgear in the monsoon, etc.

    None of this would have been a problem if only the guys at Yamaha Service Centre had done their jobs. Most of these problems have repeatedly brought to their notice, noted down on the job card and marked as done. My biggest grouse is that non R15, FZ and Fazer owners are given the short end of the stick. May be because its simply not their market. I have yet to see another Gladiator in the service center! Even accessories are in short supply! I tried for 6 months in vain to get the rear sari guard - not only in Yamaha, but also in a couple of stores in the suburbs and Mumbai - but failed.

    As against this, Bajaj has a wide network of service centers plus practically any mechanic (that we trust) can service the bike.

    The 135LS also meets my criteria of a sub-150cc bike with a tacho ( we are talking Bajaj here - no doubt about the goodies) and a disc brake. Plus I have rode it - its a sweet handler.

    Funnily, as if in reaction to my doubts, the Gladi rode really well on the way home from office... I can't make sense anymore. A good bike has been destroyed by poor service and ownership Defintely I am frustrated at Yamaha's casual attitude towards my bike.

    So my question is: I have a Gladi with 3500KM on the odo, 10 months old, 5 services done. And I am thinking about selling it off and getting the Pulsar 135LS.

    Am I being rational? Or do my parents need to take away my license and credit card?
    2016 Suzuki Access 125 (Matte Grey)
    2009 Yamaha Gladiator Type SS (Black Red)
    Tags: None
  • #2
    General biking discussion approved.
    (Been There Done That) x 3.25

    Comment

    • #3
      Hmmm... Had to think a bit to answer this.

      Did you try any other Yamaha SVC?? If no, then make a try.
      But if you've already tried, then I suggest you shoot an email to Yamaha (search their website for the address). Most probably, you'll be contacted by them and all your problems will be rectified. But even then if you are not satisfied, then you can go for Pulsar 135. But have a good read of the P135 ownership thread before going for it.
      From variable Bhps to a constant 17.6 Bhp.

      Comment

      • #4
        now thats almost a new bike with just 3500 kms on ODO. give it some time.

        looks like root cause of your problem is ASS of yamaha. gladi is considered as one of the very good bikes among 125cc category and it ruled the roost for very long.

        IMO 135ls is different bike - its design ethos are different agile-light-street figher
        RX 135

        Save the endangered species!! Save the Two Strokes!!

        http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gi...&v=info&ref=mf

        Comment

        • #5
          First of all, thanks to Sunil for allowing me to vent my frustration

          @bhpistorqintorpm and @fast_ferocious, it is true Yamaha ASS has made me feel like a second-class citizen.

          But as the hours passed today, I realized that my bike welfare is my responsibility too. I listed the issues with my bike and except for fuel efficiency check and vibration noise at 5K rpm, all other issues could be tackled by me initially. Which is what I am going to do. Besides, the switchgear issue also seems to be fading with the monsoon. Next year, I will use those plastic covers

          Also, I am going to check out a few trusty bike mechanics and of course, alternative service centers as you have suggested.

          I also realized today that I will definitely get this feeling each time I ride a new bike. But deciding to switch bikes is not a trivial issue. Neither is owning one.
          2016 Suzuki Access 125 (Matte Grey)
          2009 Yamaha Gladiator Type SS (Black Red)

          Comment

          • #6
            Originally posted by rvbhute View Post
            First of all, thanks to Sunil for allowing me to vent my frustration

            @bhpistorqintorpm and @fast_ferocious, it is true Yamaha ASS has made me feel like a second-class citizen.

            But as the hours passed today, I realized that my bike welfare is my responsibility too. I listed the issues with my bike and except for fuel efficiency check and vibration noise at 5K rpm, all other issues could be tackled by me initially. Which is what I am going to do. Besides, the switchgear issue also seems to be fading with the monsoon. Next year, I will use those plastic covers

            Also, I am going to check out a few trusty bike mechanics and of course, alternative service centers as you have suggested.

            I also realized today that I will definitely get this feeling each time I ride a new bike. But deciding to switch bikes is not a trivial issue. Neither is owning one.
            Good to hear that. Best of luck with your Gladi.

            @mods: Thread served its purpose, needs to be closed.
            From variable Bhps to a constant 17.6 Bhp.

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by rvbhute View Post
              First of all, thanks to Sunil for allowing me to vent my frustration

              @bhpistorqintorpm and @fast_ferocious, it is true Yamaha ASS has made me feel like a second-class citizen.

              But as the hours passed today, I realized that my bike welfare is my responsibility too. I listed the issues with my bike and except for fuel efficiency check and vibration noise at 5K rpm, all other issues could be tackled by me initially. Which is what I am going to do. Besides, the switchgear issue also seems to be fading with the monsoon. Next year, I will use those plastic covers

              Also, I am going to check out a few trusty bike mechanics and of course, alternative service centers as you have suggested.

              I also realized today that I will definitely get this feeling each time I ride a new bike. But deciding to switch bikes is not a trivial issue. Neither is owning one.
              Monsoon messing up the electricals is a common issue in India especially in places like Mumbai where it rains like crazy and even the air is too humid. Your bike will run good only if you take efforts to make it run good. DIY works best for small issues. Else go to any mechanic and ask him to do the things you intend to do whilst standing there and observing what he is doing and learning in the process.

              For the switchgear issue use WD40 spray. Spray using the fine tube supplied with the spraycan. It drives away water from the contact points and also cleans the surfaces. It also removes the corrosion coat that is seen on electrical contact points on our bikes especially in the monsoons.
              Last edited by pavanchirmade; 10-06-2010, 10:40 PM.

              Comment

              • #8
                From a Glady owner

                I am one of the initial owners of Galdy SS (already 2 yrs) and thoroughly satified till date. This is really surprising to hear that you are thinkin of a new bie withing few months of owning. ASS is a problem i admit, but i feel it is the same for all bikes. You need to try out a few ASS before settling in. I have tried at least 4 and finally got servicing done to my satisfaction. Also a reliable road side mechanic can help.
                Now when i go on long drives with friends (pulsar 150, unicorn, GS150), surprisingly its Glady that attracts me. Reasons - Minimal vibration that too at >6500rpm. No offence meant bu 1.5 yrs old unicorn and 2.5 yrs old pulsars feel like vibrators (GS 150 smoothness is in another league). And no back ache or body pain even after 80-100Kms continuous drive. I ve touched 115Kmph (speedo), but then the 150 guys still beat me on that.
                Issues and irritants I have faced:
                Open chain gets hell lot of mud and chain spocket needs regular cleaning and lubrication, makes some annoying sound at low speed (<15kmph)
                Headlight is poor and light throw is pathetic
                Suspension and chassis is so good, it begs for a more powerful (at least 13BHP engine)
                Mileage 40kmpl, Dont regret at all ( bike brings enough smile to compensate for extra 5km)

                The one thing that I enjoy most with my Glady is the exclusivity. Even R15s are more common that mah Galdy!!!

                Comment

                • #9
                  My take on this is entirely different and I won't say a word about service etc.

                  P-135LS is a sporty Motorcycle which corners good, has power in the upper reaches and will bring a smile to a rider whose dream bike is a Motorcycle which is dynamically accomplished.

                  Whereas, Gladiator (SS-125) is a cruiser and a very good commuting Motorcycle, almost perfect and (un)arguably the best in its segment.

                  Both are entirely different Motorcycles suited for different riders. (Sporty and somewhat laid-back respectively)

                  I rode the R15 for the first time and hated my Karizma, but then thats me, I like Motorcycles with peakier power-plants, revv-happy engine, best dynamics, rear-sets.
                  Whereas my best friend prefers the torquey nature and Karizma's ability to much miles with ruffling him.

                  Those two are different Motorcycles and you ride both differently and someone who likes the Gladiator won't even look at P-135LS and vice-versa.

                  ^Change your SVC.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Originally posted by omzworld View Post
                    Now when i go on long drives with friends (pulsar 150, unicorn, GS150), surprisingly its Glady that attracts me. Reasons - Minimal vibration that too at >6500rpm. No offence meant bu 1.5 yrs old unicorn and 2.5 yrs old pulsars feel like vibrators (GS 150 smoothness is in another league). And no back ache or body pain even after 80-100Kms continuous drive. I ve touched 115Kmph (speedo), but then the 150 guys still beat me on that.
                    Issues and irritants I have faced:
                    Open chain gets hell lot of mud and chain spocket needs regular cleaning and lubrication, makes some annoying sound at low speed (<15kmph)
                    Headlight is poor and light throw is pathetic
                    Suspension and chassis is so good, it begs for a more powerful (at least 13BHP engine)
                    Mileage 40kmpl, Dont regret at all ( bike brings enough smile to compensate for extra 5km)

                    The one thing that I enjoy most with my Glady is the exclusivity. Even R15s are more common that mah Galdy!!!
                    3 of the many solid reasons why the bike will always be special for me. The issue of the chain getting dirty and poor headlight persists but they can always be taken care of.

                    rvbhute, just try different service centres, or find a good experienced mechanic.
                    Right now, 11 Bhp at 7500 Rpm.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Stick with Gladiator. Changing the new bike for another in the same segment doesn't make too much sense, much less financially. You will lose good amount of money on Gladi, when you resale the new P135 the resale will be low too. Save the money and go for a big bike after a while.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        @Everyone,

                        I think I got badly affected by October heat I am sticking with my Gladiator till I get 45-50K on the odo.

                        BTW, the Pulsar 135LS was only the third two wheeler I have ridden for more than a kilometer. First was a colleague's Shine I used to get my biking gyaan and next was my Gladiator. It is like a bhramachari thrown into a ladies bar

                        I am taking DIY notes and hope to start with basic weekly jobs soon. I had sent a email to [email protected], and the manager of Factory Shop, Mumbai called me up and assured me that my missing side guard would be fabricated and delivered. I have his cell number to follow up in 15 days.

                        As soon as I settle some matters in my non-biking life, I will get other niggles sorted out at the service center - Factory Shop or Kamala Yamaha. And start going on mini-tours to free up the bike
                        2016 Suzuki Access 125 (Matte Grey)
                        2009 Yamaha Gladiator Type SS (Black Red)

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