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The Gladiator shows that Yamaha is changing in India. For the better?

Yamaha India is making a comeback. Okay so this isn't the first time that's happening. And neither is it the first time that they are doing it with a 125.

The difference this time is that they are playing it safe. At least as far as the headlamp is concerned. As for the rest of the motorcycle, Yamaha have stuck with the rest of the good looking bits from the Fazer.

Bear in mind though, that even if it might look like one, the Gladiator isn't a repaint job. So while the gawky headlamp has given way to a beakier front fairing the painted bits are a direct carry over. There are some minor tweaks too, like a new seat and meters (no tacho, sadly).

The indicators are off the Yamaha R1 (we kid you not) and the bike also has neat, very international-Yamaha stickering. All though we wish they had an anniversary/Kenny Roberts yellow/black as well.

On the motor side, the intake and exhaust headers are new, as is the entire clutch and most of the 5-speed gearbox. Yamaha said they didn't make any serious chassis changes because the Fazer's chassis was excellent. Was it really? Actually, it was, but the potential was hidden by the weak-feeling engine and too-soft suspension.

We rode the Fazer around Shimla on a 130 kilometer loop and as we headed uphill it instantly became clear that the chassis, indeed, is special. The front forks and the rear shocks felt sorted and the feel was a stable, forgiving one.

As we raised the pace, the Gladiator responded with a serious turn of corner speed. Through quite a few of the bumpier corners, it stayed true to its line on the bumpiest of lines, on and off the throttle.

But apart from the biggest ones, the Gladiator absorbed the spikes and held its line. Braking, similarly, is superb. The bite was just right "" not grabby and not lax "" and the force build up was impressive and feedback-filled. The Dunlop tyres too felt up to the task.

The engine, unlike the chassis, is not an eye-opener. At least at first. The 125cc, 10.48 bhp motor feels weak but then you realise that its superb refinement (only at top revs does it sound stressed) probably makes it feel slower than it is.

On the other hand, while following a hired car at a steady 50-odd kph, there was a time when the motor felt electric-smooth (we couldn't tell it was running at all).

Yamaha is promising a 5.8 second run to 60 kph and a 67 kpl in daily use: good, solid numbers. Oh and we since we are talking good things, let us also mention that the slick, sure and positive gearbox is easily one of the best in the country.

Actually at Rs 41,990 for the standard version and Rs 44,990 for the fully loaded, disc-brake, self-start version the Yamaha Gladiator promises to be one of the best 125s in the market. It is refined, possesses outstanding handling, slick ride quality (at least over mid-corner bumps) and for short, quick trips, is very comfy as well.

Most of all, after a few years worth of relatively benign and uninspiring products, Yamaha finally have a motorcycle that is exciting and fun to ride. But what's even more exciting is what we heard from the Yamaha management about their plans for the future.

Obviously a large part is off the record, but it would appear that Yamaha have got their mojo back. We know you've probably read that before, but this time we are sure.