Yamaha

New Yamaha Grand Filano 125ccThe upgraded features on Yamaha Grand Filano and Nmax 155 could potentially make it on Indian Fascino and Aerox 155 respectivelyCurrently, Yamaha has three scooters on sale in India. Two of these scooters come equipped with a 125cc mild hybrid engine. They are Fascino classic scooter and RayZR sporty scooter. Third scooter in Yamaha’s lineup is the Aerox 155. Yamaha’s flagship scooter in India shares its liquid-cooled powertrain with R15 motorcycle.With demand for scooters on the rise, Yamaha may be planning to launch more scooters in India. At the recent Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, Yamaha has showcased two new scooters. These are Grand Filano 125cc and Nmax 155cc. How different are Grand Filano and Nmax 155 from Fascino and Aerox?Yamaha Nmax 155 and Grand Filano Debuts In IndiaYamaha Grand Filano 125 Debuts in IndiaFor starters, both Grand Filano and Fascino follow the same neo-retro design theme that sticks to classic scooter theme and proportions. Both are elegant and classy in their own way. Fascino and Grand Filano are powered by a 125cc engine, generating similar numbers (8.2 PS and 10.3 Nm).Componentry includes RSU telescopic front forks, 12-inch alloy wheel at the front wrapped with 90/90-12 tubeless tyre, rear 10-inch alloy wheel wrapped with a 110/90-10 tyre, a swingarm-mounted rear suspension and others. There is an optional front disc brake and Fascino tips the scale at just 99 kg.2023 Yamaha Grand Filano 125ccWhat’s unique about Grand Filano is that it looks like an upgraded version of Fascino. We say this because of added features and conveniences and a sleeker and upmarket overall design. Design is subjective, but feature lists are usually objective and we can derive one better than the other.New Yamaha Grand Filano 125ccGrand Filano packs an upgraded instrument cluster with a TFT screen, a hazard light, an external fuel filler cap, front storage behind apron, a keyless start with a smart key and other features that Fascino lacks. So, Yamaha might be considering launching Grand Filano in India owing to the rise in demand for 125cc premium scooters.Yamaha Nmax 155 Debuts in IndiaSame can be said about Aerox 155 and Nmax 155 as well. Nmax 155 does pack a slightly more premium design and looks like a proper maxi scooter too. Both Yamaha Nmax 155 and Aerox 155 feature the same 155cc single-cylinder engine shared with the R15 motorcycle.New Yamaha NMAX 155cc ScooterUnlike Grand Filano’s fairly simple 125cc unit, this 155cc unit gets liquid cooling hardware, a DOHC setup, 4V head, Yamaha’s famed VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) and a lot of associated performance. We’re talking about 14.75 bhp of peak power and 13.9 Nm of peak torque.Yamaha showcasing these scooters from its global portfolio in India was likely a hint of launch owing to a rise in sporty and premium scooters. Currently, Aprilia SXR 160 is the only logical rival to Yamaha’s 155cc scooters and Hero is keen on carving a piece of this pie for itself with Xoom 160. More

Image – Patna BikesYamaha FZ was the most in demand model both in domestic and global markets in December 2023 with over 21,000 units soldYamaha India sales in domestic markets have reported growth on a YoY basis but dipped MoM while exports have seen significant improvement both on a YoY and MoM basis. Yamaha Motor Company has reported a total (domestic + exports) of 63,375 units sold in December 2023 as against 80,844 units sold in November 2022, thus relating to volume de-growth of 17,469 unitsYamaha Domestic Sales December 2023Yamaha domestic sales stood at 40,042 units in December 2023. This was a 32.78 percent growth over 30,157 units sold in December 2022 relating to a 9,885 unit volume growth. MoM sales however saw every model in the company lineup post lower sales with an overall 33.50 percent de-growth from 60,212 units sold in November 2023. Yamaha FZ was the highest selling model in December 2023 as sales grew to 10,783 units, up 76.68 percent YoY over 6,103 units sold in December 2022. MoM sales slipped by 33.57 percent over 16,233 units sold in November 2023.Yamaha sales breakup / exports Dec 2023 – YoY comparisonAt No. 2 was the Ray ZR which saw lower demand in domestic markets in December 2023 as sales fell to 8,643 units. This was an 11.02 percent YoY de-growth from 9,713 units sold in December 2022. MoM sales also ended down 24.20 percent over 11,402 units sold in November 2023. Yamaha Aerox sales stood at 1,302 units in the past month relating to a 63.85 percent MoM decline in sales from 3,602 units sold in November 2023.Yamaha R15 and MT15 have seen better performance with a 7.38 percent and 97.23 percent improvement in sales on a YoY basis respectively. There had been 7,331 units of the R15 and 6,404 units of the MT15 sold last month. Its MoM performance however continued in the red. Fascino sales also grew by 30.78 percent YoY to 5,579 units from 4,266 units sold in December 2022 while MoM sales fell by 34.86 percent over 8,565 units sold in November 2023.Yamaha sales breakup / exports Dec 2023 – MoM comparisonYamaha Exports Grow YoY and MoM in December 2023Yamaha has seen outstanding demand in global markets in December 2023. Exports grew to 23,333 units in the past month, up 7.68 percent YoY over 21,669 units shipped in December 2022. MoM exports also went up by 13.09 percent from 20,632 units sold in November 2023.As was also seen in domestic markets, it was the Yamaha FZ and RayZR that amassed most sales globally as well. FZ exports stood at 10,970 units, down 2.94 percent when compared to 11,302 units shipped in December 2022. It was a 5.68 percent growth on a MoM basis from 10,380 units sold in November 2023. The FZ currently commands a 50.31 percent share on the company’s export list.Ray ZR exports grew significantly YoY by 499.71 percent to 4,066 units from 678 units shipped in December 2022 while MoM sales were down 9.84 percent from 4,510 units shipped in November 2023. There was the Yamaha Saluto RX at No. 3 with 3,660 units shipped last month, down 22.75 percent from 4,738 units sold in December 2022 while MoM sales surged by 79.76 percent from 2,036 units sold in November 2023.The export list also had MT15 (1,340 units), SZ (1,300 units), FZ25 (978 units) and Saluto (526 units) while sales dipped significantly for the R15 (487 units) and Fascino (6 units) and exports of the Aerox fell to 0 units from 4 units sold in November 2023. Speaking about recent updates, the company launched the R3 and MT-03 More

Yamaha Launched New ColoursNone of these new colourways from Yamaha on FZ, FZ-X and R15 vehicles bear any mechanical changes than what was on beforeIn India, Yamaha is expanding its portfolio to include new motorcycles. We saw this with recent launch of YZF-R3 and MT-03. These are the first multi-cylinder motorcycles in Yamaha’s Indian lineup after a long time. Now, the company is offering new colours with its premium motorcycles to keep the lineup fresh for CY 2024.Yamaha Launched New ColoursTeam Blue had recently teased new colours on social media handles. Initial speculations pointed towards new colours for Yamaha’s scooters as the company often sits outside of top ten best-selling scooters list. Come 9th January, the new colours are actually for the brand’s FZ street bikes, FX-X neo-retro and R15 faired motorcycle.New added colours are very diverse with each motorcycle. The company intends to expand sales envelope with new colours and strengthen its position against rivals like Hero, Bajaj and TVS. Yamaha has launched three new colours with FZ-S FI Version 4.0 Deluxe and YZF-R15, two new colours with FZ-X and one new colour with FZ-S FI Version 3.0 and FZ FI.New colours with FZ V42024 FZ Version 4.0 DLX, 2024 FZ-S Version 3.0 and 2024 FZ FIWhenever Yamaha launches a new vehicle, it likes to keep the old model around to have a wider portfolio. That’s exactly the case with FZ lineup in India. With 2024 FZ-S FI Version 3.0, Yamaha has added Matte Grey priced at Rs. 1,21,700 (ex-sh) and with 2024 FZ-S FI, Yamaha has introduced Matte Cyan priced at Rs. 1,16,500 (ex-sh).New colours with FZ V3There are no new colours added with FZ-S FI Version 4.0. However, FZ-S FI Version 4.0 DLX gets three new colours in the form of Racing Blue, Matte Black and Majesty Red. All of these get the same price, which is Rs. 1,29,700 (ex-sh).FZ-X Matte Titan2024 FZ-XColour additions with FZ range might seem slightly confusing with the naming scheme for many. That is not the case with FZ-X, though. With FZ-X, Yamaha has added Matte Titan colour shade priced at Rs. 1,37,200 (ex-sh). That’s not all. There is a new Chrome colour that is uber cool and complements FZ-X’s overall neo-retro theme.Upcoming FZ-X ChromeThe asking price for FZ-X Chrome is slightly higher owing to meticulous labour and time needed for a Chrome finish. It costs Rs. 1,37,200 (ex-sh) and it will be available on sale with February 2024, while Matte Titan can be had now.Yamaha R15 new colours2024 YZF-R15R15 is Yamaha’s prized possession and was the company’s flagship for a very long time. There is an M version of R15 too, that packs additional kit like gold-finished USD front telescopic forks, a quick-shifter, a fancier TFT instrument screen and more. That model doesn’t get any new colours as part of this update.It is the standard R15 that gets three new colours in the form of Vivid Magenta Metallic and Racing Blue priced at Rs. 1,87,000 (ex-sh) along with Metallic Red priced at Rs. 1,82,000 (ex-sh). Vivid Magenta Metallic is vivid, like the name suggests with strong pink accents on grey base coat. Customer reception for this colour would be interesting. More

Yamaha 9th Jan Event TeasedAmong many possibilities, Yamaha 9th Jan event could launch new colours for Fascino or Ray ZR, or R3 or MT-03 : Maybe a new EV launch tooYamaha recently announced a virtual launch event held on 9th of January, 2024. The event is expected to light up buyer’s world with “new hues”. The new colours could either be offered with company’s scooter range for MY2024, or motorcycles. Considering YamahaRacing hashtag was used in the post.Yamaha 9th Jan Event – What could it be?If we take a look at 2W market in India, scooters contribute to just as much volume as motorcycle does. Within scooter realm, Honda Activa is the one to beat. TVS has put up a spectacular show with Jupiter and is slowly inching towards 1 lakh per month mark. Suzuki often comes up in the top 10 scooters list too.If we take November 2023, Yamaha missed the cut-off to make it to top 10 scooter chart. Ray ZR 125 sold 11,402 units and Fascino sold 8,565 units. This is what we think Yamaha is working on. New colours to already stylish and retro scooter may bring a desired effect for intended buyers.The “new hues” could be with its sporty motorcycles too. Primary colours that we can see in the teaser are White, Purple and Blue. If we look at Yamaha’s portfolio internationally, there are Intensity White and a Phantom Purple on offer with R3 and others. These colours resemble the highlighted colours in Yamaha’s recent teaser.New colours for Fascino possibleYamaha R3 in India lacks both these colours and the MT-03 lacks Icon Blue, which is the third colour we can see in Yamaha’s teasers. Yamaha R3’s primary rivals are Aprilia RS457 which entered production recently and Kawasaki Ninja 400 and to some extent, KTM RC 390. The fiercest rival by far is RS457 which has more features, performance (on paper) and kit when compared to R3 and MT-03.More appealing colours could prove beneficial for Yamaha’s multi-cylinder offerings. If we take Fascino and Ray ZR, both lack White, Purple and Icon Blue shades as of writing this article. Also, Yamaha’s FZ lineup lacks these new teased colours too.Is Yamaha launching its first EV?We can’t deny the possibility of Yamaha launching its first EV on 9th January as well. The company has showcased multiple electric scooters for Indian dealers in an event. Considering TVS X costs Rs. 2.5 lakh (ex-sh), Yamaha could initially import e-scooters at that price point and later take CKD approach, based on demand.Yamaha R3 and MT-03 launchedIn terms of functionality, Yamaha is not likely to fettle with mechanicals with any of its products. Both Fascino and Ray ZR get the same 125cc Fi Hybrid air-cooled motor that generates 8.2 PS of max power and 10.3 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a V-belt automatic transmission. Users should be able to experience tangible difference in terms of ascent, standing and passing acceleration. More

Image – R rohit RiderIn both domestic and export markets, it was the Yamaha FZ and RayZR that commanding highest salesYamaha India sales for Nov 2023 in domestic markets ended on a positive note though exports fell significantly on a YoY basis. Yamaha Motor Company has reported a total (domestic + exports) of 80,844 units sold in November 2023 as against 67,118 units sold in November 2022, thus relating to volume growth of 13,726 units.Yamaha Sales November 2023In domestic markets, the company sold a total of 60,212 units in November 2023. This was a 37.46 percent YoY growth as against 43,802 units sold in November 2022. However, on a MoM basis, sales declined by 11.17 percent from 67,784 units sold in October 2023. Yamaha FZ once again topped sales charts in domestic markets list last month with 16,233 units sold, up 103.22 percent YoY from 7,988 units sold in November 2022. This was volume growth of 8,245 units with the FZ capturing a 26.96 percent share in the company portfolio. MoM sales however, dipped 9.82 percent from 18,000 units sold in October 2023.Yamaha sales and exports Nov 2023 vs Nov 2022 – YoY comparisonRayZR has also seen a YoY growth by 5.62 percent to 11,402 units in November 2023, from 10,795 units sold in November 2022 to command an 18.94 percent share. MoM sales dipped by 17.79 percent as against 13,870 units sold in October 2023. At No. 3 on the domestic list was Yamaha R15 with significantly higher YoY sales by 33.74 percent to 11,270 units, up from 8,427 units sold in November 2022. However, MoM sales slipped by 13.07 percent over 12,964 units sold in October 2023.The only model in the company portfolio to post a YoY and MoM growth in sales was the Yamaha MT15. Sales improved by 44.28 percent YoY to 9,140 units from 6,335 units sold in November 2022 while MoM sales grew by 4.62 percent over 8,736 units sold in October 2023.Yamaha sales and exports Nov 2023 vs Oct 2023 – MoM comparisonFascino sales dipped 12.61 percent YoY and 26.23 percent MoM to 8,565 units while with 3,602 units of the Aerox sold last month, it was a 38.33 percent MoM growth from 2,604 units sold in October 2023. In October 2023, Yamaha also introduced the Monster Energy MotoGP Edition of the Aerox priced at Rs 1.48 lakh.Yamaha FZ, RayZR Command Exports ListExports in the past month stood at 20,632 units, down 11.51 percent YoY from 23,316 units sold in November 2022. MoM exports however, grew marginally by 2.72 percent from 20,085 units shipped in October 2023. In export markets as well, it was the Yamaha FZ and RayZR that claimed top spots. FZ exports dipped 15.21 percent YoY to 10,380 units, down from 12,424 units sold in November 2022 while MoM exports grew 13.87 percent when compared to 9,116 units shipped in October 2023. The FZ currently commands a 50.31 percent share on this list.RayZR exports grew YoY and MoM by 81.42 percent and 41.34 percent respectively to 4,510 units. There had been 2,486 units and 3,191 units shipped in November 2022 and October 2023 respectively. Saluto RX was next with a 1.90 percent YoY growth to 2,036 units while exports dipped 30.32 percent MoM from 2,922 units shipped in October 2023. It was followed by the MT15 which has seen increased overseas demand by 792.16 percent YoY to 1,820 units from 204 units shipped in November 2022 while MoM exports improved by 52.94 percent from 1,190 units shipped in October 2023.Yamaha export list also included R15 (692 units), SZ (480 units), FZ25 (438 units), Saluto (182 units), each of which have posted a YoY de-growth. However, R15 exports grew significantly on a MoM basis by 129.14 percent. The list also had Fascino (90 units) and Aerox (4 units).Yamaha has also been active in the Indian two wheeler segment with the recent launch of two new multi cylinder motorcycles – Yamaha YZF-R3 and MT-03. Both these models are being imported as CBUs and sold through select Blue Square showrooms across the country. More

Yamaha MT-03Despite being a single-cylinder bike, 2024 KTM 390 Duke highest power, torque, hardware, electronics and features than Speed 400 and MT-03Where Yamaha YZF-R3 used to be on sale in India, this is the first time Yamaha is launching its MT-03 in the Asian subcontinent. In India, however, Yamaha MT-03 is quite a niche as it is the only 300cc to 500cc multi-cylinder street naked motorcycle. So, we pit it against 40bhp+ naked motorcycles to see how MT-03 fares.Newly Launched Yamaha MT-03 Vs RivalsIn a recent post, we compared YZF-R3 vs its logical rivals. To compare MT-03, we have selected new 2024 KTM 390 Duke with a larger 398.63cc engine and Triumph Speed 400. We didn’t involve motorcycles like BMW G 310 R or the new TVS Apache RTR 310 as they are not close to 40 bhp. Dominar 400 is out because 2024 390 Duke is a better representation of Bajaj-KTM partnership.Zontes’ 350cc line and QJ Motor have worthy 40bhp+ contenders, but they’re not mainstream motorcycle brands in India yet and they cost more than 2024 KTM 390 Duke, which is not a good thing. So the trio for this comparo is Triumph Speed 400 priced at Rs. 2.33 lakh, 2024 KTM 390 Duke priced at Rs. 3.1 lakh and Yamaha MT-03 priced at Rs. 4.6 lakh (all prices ex-sh).Considering 40 bhp power and 37.5 Nm torque priced at Rs. 2.33 lakh (ex-sh), Triumph Speed 400 is the most affordable and will satisfy a wide variety of buyers that prefer old-school non techy motorcycles. It is the best-looking motorcycle in this comparison too, striking the right balance between neo and retro.Yamaha MT-03 Vs RivalsPowertrain hardware is top-notch too. DOHC, 4V head, liquid-cooling, throttle-by-wire, 6-speed gearbox, slip and assist clutch and associated performance. Both 390 Duke and MT-03 don’t have universally likeable designs as they take their aggressive appeal to the max, raising quite some brows and splitting opinions.Stepping to 390 Duke for Rs. 3.1 lakh (ex-sh) unlocks a host of electronic goodies, features and performance-related hardware updates along with actual performance. It boasts a 45.37 bhp and 39 Nm torque, highest in this comparison. It has ride modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, cornering ABS, traction control, launch control, supermoto ABS mode and more.2024 390 Duke from KTM offers the most valueThe 5-inch fully digital instrument cluster is a coloured TFT unit and is the only one to pack it in this trio. This unlocks smartphone connectivity along with turn-by-turn navigation. Front USD telescopic forks are fully adjustable for compression and rebound. While rear mono-shock unit offers compression and rebound adjustments. Brakes and fuel tank are the largest with Duke as well.Even at Rs. 4.6 lakh (ex-sh), Yamaha MT-03 feels quite bare bones. The high price is because Yamaha is bringing MT-03 to India via CBU route from Indonesia. It has a smaller 37mm USD telescopic front suspension setup, smallest brake rotor size, skinniest rear tyre and the least amount of features.But MT-03 is the only one with a twin-cylinder architecture and brings a high-revving engine that has a characteristic smoothness and sound that single-cylinder bikes can’t match. Yamaha MT-03 can strike a much better prospect in India if they bring it via CKD route, reducing price significantly. Until then, it remains the only multi-cylinder street naked motorcycle in 300cc to 500cc segment. More