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Aug 9, 2010

5 Yamaha Alba, G5, Gladiator discontinued

Yamaha India discontinues 3 models, the Alba, G5, Gladiator..

Yes, the Alba, G5 and the Gladiator has been officially discontinued. According to the news published on Hindu Businessline, the production of these 3 models has been discontinued since April 2010..!!

To most Indians, if it’s not a performance motorcycle; it’s not a Yamaha..!!

Low demand for these models seem to be the reason for the discontinuation for these models. But according to me it is just a rejig and repositioning of the product portfolio of Yamaha India (as the Alba and Gladiator is still present in the form of the YBR 110 and the SS125 and YBR 125).

Yamaha Gladiator, Alba, G5 Discontinued

The discontinuation of these 3 models is probably a good thing for Yamaha India. The Yamaha product lineup for India was really getting cluttered and confusing.

For example, the Alba, G5 and YBR 110 had the same 106 cc, 4 stroke engines. The G5 at least had different body panels but the Alba and the YBR 110 were essentially the same bikes. Similarly the Gladiator, the SS125 and the YBR 125 also have the same engine (the SS 125 is virtually the Gladiator with a different name; therefore one won’t miss the Gladiator 125 too much).

So basically the discontinued models were the same type of wine in bottles with different labels.

I therefore see the discontinuation of a couple of those models as rationalization of the current line up and also making the positioning of the current models clearer. With the discontinuation of the Gladiator, G5 and the Alba; the current model positioning (domestic) of Yamaha models in India, according to me stands as follows

  • Crux [Entry Level Budget 100 cc model]

  • YBR 110 [One level above the Crux, but an affordable 100 cc model nevertheless]


  • YBR 125 [Affordable 125 cc model]

  • SS 125 [One level above the YBR 125]


  • SZ & SZ-X [Affordable 150 cc commuter models]


  • FZ-16/S/Fazer [Sporty 150 cc models]

  • R15 [Super Sports inspired 150 cc model]

The above lineup now doesn’t appear that cluttered. Without the Gladiator 125, Alba and G5 it’s less of confusion as well. According to me Yamaha India is trying to position the YBR (110 & 125) as a simple commuter friendly brand and the SS 125 and SZ, SZ-X as stylish cum commuter friendly brands.

But I just have one apprehension- the Yamaha brand to me has always stood for performance/racing. I am sure that to most Indians, if it’s not a performance motorcycle; it’s not a Yamaha..!!

Even though I have ridden models like the Crux and found it as good as any other commuter motorcycle in the market, somehow it’s still difficult for me to associate words like commuter and efficient with the Yamaha brand. I know that it’s just a mental block but that’s the way it is.








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This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.







5 Comments:

Sid Soni said...

Don't think Yamaha wants to acknowledge the good part i.e. performance yet.

It's simple they should ride on the perception of 'performance' and come up a model which can be christened 'commuter performance'. Wait before you pounce on me :).

Yes I know 'commuter = high mileage and rugged and reliable and all that'. But just ask a question. Why does it have to be so? This is like any conflict in life. And it needs a solution which can be win-win for all parties involved. My guess is, that's what will unlock the demand for Yamahas in this country.

R15 was a solution on the same lines. Affordable Super Sport types. Commuter Performance is it. Pulsar 135 is in the same spirit. Of course they call it Light Sports...

Unknown said...

bikes is my passion I would like Hero honda bikes.

bikes

Sajal said...

This is very sad.... Yamaha should not have discontinued the Glady!! It was one hell of a 125cc performer :(

Payeng said...

@Sajal,

yes, but the Gladiator seems to be around in its "SS125" avatar.
only the branding seems to have changed.

Shital said...

bikes is my passion I would like Hero honda bikes.

bikes

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