India Yamaha Motor today launched a variant of its 125cc Saluto commuter motorcycle equipped with a disc brake, mainly in the interest of safer riding.

The engine remains the same – an air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve motor which employs the company’s patented fuel-saving Blue Core Engine technology. The 113kg bike is claimed to deliver fuel efficiency of 78 kilometres per litre. The new Saluto is priced at Rs 54,500 (ex-showroom).

According to Roy Kurian, vice-president (Sales and Marketing), Yamaha Motor India Sales, said: “The new Saluto is aimed to provide safer and more controlled biking experience for city traffic conditions.

The Indian motorcycle market constitutes about 68% of the total two-wheeler market at 11 million units. Of this, the 100-125cc motorcycle class is the largest category at 9 million units, comprising almost 83% of the market. This is due to the economical nature of the category (including fuel efficiency and prices) and its practicality. The new Saluto is intended to expand sales in the largest demand category in India by offering one of the best fuel economy performances in the 125cc class. We are very bullish on the new product.”