Yamaha’s new offering – The Alba
Posted at April 28th, 2007 under Automobile, Bikes & Scooters | 
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For the Family..
Yamaha has launched a new bike named ‘alba’, if you are expecting a true Yamaha bike once again Yamaha disappoints you – Alba a 106cc bike targets the mass segment. The new Yamaha’s Alba is just a face lifted version of libero G5; but Yamaha’s new offering possesses some cool features. Yamaha wants to make a family bike; truly Yamaha has made some attempts with the new Alba. Let’s check the Alba!
Engine:
Alba is powered by the same engine which propels liberoG5 and Crux. The engine pumps out 7.6bhp@7500 rpm and a peak torque 80Nm at 6000rpm. Alba’s engine is mated to 4 speed gearbox (Yamaha’s favoured shift pattern – first down and the rest three up). Though the shift feel is not satisfactory, the gearbox feedback is good and the correctly spaced out gear ratios and the other technologies faciliates considerable levels of torque continue to be available even at lower rpm bands. Our test bike managed to chug along at 20 kmph on fourth gear (without knocking). Yamaha claims 85kpl in standard conditions but in our test drive we are able to get 65kpl. Alba is able to clock a top speed of 95kph and vibration is virtually non-existent even at top speeds but a cluttering sound grows as the speed increases.
Styling and Engineering:
Unlike the liberoG5 which aerodynamic styling spoils the friendly nature, Alba is styled to be cool. No stylish scoops for this family bike. Alba also differs from liberoG5 with its new stylish front cowl, Yamaha’s R1 type new indicator (though no clear lens) and new tail light. The fairing conceals a twin-pod instrument cluster that includes a circular speedometer, the fuel gauge and warning lights. As in the Libero G5, the turn indicator lights are placed between the two pods. Alloy wheels are offered optional. The horn knob is hard to find also Yamaha’s Alba fails to derive cues from TVS, no pilot lamps and no self start even as optional.
Ride and handling:
Alba demands a forward ride posture the long wheel base may be the factor. Unlike the Gladiator the seats are supportive, also the adjustable hydraulic shock absorber at the rear gives smoother ride. The 173mm ground clearance is retained and is a good option for a city bike like Alba. But unlike the libero G5 the pillion seat height has been reduced to make Alba a family bike. Straight line stability is as good as other Yamaha bike but Alba lacks flexibility especially when compared to Star city in corners.130mm drum brakes are standard on front and rear.
Colour and price:
Alba is available in four colours red, silver, black and blue. On the road the spoke wheeled Alba is priced Rs 43,500 and alloy wheel is priced Rs45,500. I wonder How Yamaha will position its Alba with this price when 99.3cc Bajaj’s Platina is available around Rs38000. Yamaha has been struggling to get the family bike image since 2001, yes, Alba is a right step in that direction. But whether the family image for the performance maker is necessary?
Update: Yamaha Alba’s exclusive pictures is available here
Yamaha restructuring plan:
In a bid to position itself as a fun bike maker, Yamaha Motor India is in the process of restructuring its India operations and polishing its image in the country. So far, India has posed to be a “tough nut to crack” for the Japanese motorcycle maker, which globally is the second largest motorcycle manufacturer.
According to industry sources, Yamaha is looking at pumping Rs 600 crore in the next two years.Yamaha Motor India MD Tomotaka Ishikawa told ET, “We are in the process of getting approval for investments for the Indian market. We will have concrete figures within a month or two.” The company might also look at another plant but that will take some time. Its current plant in Greater Noida has a capacity of 12 lakh units per annum.
Yamaha-fun bike maker:
“We are looking at positioning ourselves as the fun bike maker and would like to identify new segments outside the commuter segment. As per our original plan, we had lined up launches in 2007 but we scrapped that plan. We will come out with new models in 2008,” he says. The company is looking at tapping the 25-plus age group in the non-commuter segment. Currently, this segment consists of 4-5 lakh units and it is expected to double in the next five years,say industry experts. The company recently restructured its operations that included changes in top officials of finance and HR department. “In 2007, we are looking at re-structuring our sales & marketing operations and building the Yamaha brand. This essentially means educating and introducing the Indian consumer to the fun elements of biking,” says Mr Ishikawa.
Yamaha’s ambitious target:
Mr Ishikawa said he would like to see Yamaha grabbing a market share of 10% by 2011,which currently stands at about 3-4%. However for 2007, the company expects its sales to be flat at 230,000 units. Meanwhile,the company is looking at introducing its big bikes including the 998 cc YZF-R1. The company is also looking at introducing its high-powered scooters however motorcycles remains our priority area, added Mr Ishikawa.
Atleast we will pray this Rs600cr injection will help to revive the Yamaha India’s glory and true yamaha bike in Indian roads. Yamaha! please don’t make this as a yet another re-structuring plan.
source:economictimes
since YAMAHA has good plans to reposition itself. but this thing can only be achieved when YAMAHA release its slated to b launched r-15 at competitive prices for BAJAJ & HERO HONDA
Need more photographs of R-15 and Alba. Estimation cost and millage.
It is very difficult for yamaha to jump out of the box unless it competits in pricing, with both Bajaj & TVS. Hmsi which came few years back r in #2. But yamaha is no where near to that mark even. Honda doesn’t have a100 cc bike. When it launches one all will be!!! Yamaha should understand that it is still lacking in something which indians think is or are missing.According to me it lacks 1.An eye catching design 2. pricing of these bikes makes people to turn heads towards competitors. 3. The Adds for yamaha r a real mess. Never touched a common man. 4.Poor delar network and spare cost. 5. The very impotant MILAGE factor is missing compared to its competitors. Let yamaha comeup with new ideas & better competitive bikes for middle class people of india.
hay dude
need pictures of the bike … its like we need to see the portfolio of the babe before looking at the price tag… valuation is important…
http://www.dabberdesign.com
Hi,
Yamaha is very popular in youngsters. Alba is very powerful vehicle.