Yamaha Grand Filano

The Grand Filano 125 is what Yamaha is shaking up the Indian scooter market with. The scooter is aimed at urban riders who want style, performance, and the latest trends, and it is a premium, well designed scooter. Given the rising demand for 125cc scooters in India, Grand Filano 125 appears well set to make a mark.

Build Quality and Looks

 Neo-Retro Appeal

Crafted with neo retro aesthetic, Yamaha has put together the Grand Filano 125 as a modern take on classic scooter design. This has traditional styling but includes facets of a contemporary design that set it apart.

Distinctive Front Design

One of the most eye catching features is the diamond shaped vertical LED element located just below the LED headlight in the apron. The Grand Filano has a unique front end identity due to this detail, and it is instantly recognizable. It has a design that is modern with sleek indicator placement and LED rear light.

Color Options

The Grand Filano 125 comes in two classy colours Elixir Dark Silver and White Pearl. Instead of going for excessive chrome, Yamaha has gone for a more refined approach with darkened accents and a more sporty with contemporary look.

Performance and Engine

Engine Specs

The Grand Filano 125 gets an air cooled, four stroke, SOHC, two valve 124.86cc engine. At 6500 RPM, it produces 8.1 hp and at 5000 RPM, 10.4 Nm of peak torque. Having this setup offers a smooth, fuel efficient ride for city commutes.

Transmission & Riding Experience

The Grand Filano 125 is equipped with a centrifugal dry clutch and automatic V belt transmission for easy riding in congested urban areas. It’s predictable throttle response makes it a good choice for the experienced as well as the novice rider.

Features & Technology

Smart Key System

The smart key system of the scooter enables the riders to lock, unlock, and start the scooter without having to fumble with a mechanical key. This feature provides a layer of convenience and security on top of it.

Digital Instrument Cluster

For the instrument panel, the entire instrument panel is fully digital, and it features a blue-backlit LCD screen that shows the speed, the odometer readings, and the fuel consumption. There’s also a small TFT panel below the main console that gives connectivity with Yamaha’s smartphone app, a bit of tech savvy.

Storage & Practicality

With a generous 27L under-seat storage compartment and a 4.4L fuel tank, the Grand Filano 125 offers ample space for daily essentials. Rounding off the design are the fuel filler cap in the front apron, a bottle holder, and 12V charging socket that comes in handy today’s connected riders.

Safety & Comfort

Braking System

The scooter is equipped with a front disc brake and a rear drum brake to give it balanced stopping power. It also has Yamaha’s Combined Scissors Brakes (CSB) system that improves stability during sudden braking.

Suspension & Tires

The Grand Filano 125 is riding on wider 110/70 – 12 tyres fitted on 12 inch alloy wheels which provide excellent road grip. We are endowed with telescopic front fork and dual rear shock absorbers that ensure a smooth ride on different terrains.

Market Positioning & Competition

Pricing & Rivals

Yamaha hasn’t officially announced the price yet, but industry analysts have put the price of the Grand Filano 125 at around ?1 lakh (ex-showroom). Hence, it competes with the existing 125cc scooters such as the Suzuki Access 125, TVS NTorq 125 and Honda Activa 125.

The 125cc Market Landscape

India’s 125cc scooter premium segment is growing fast and is being led by the urban professionals looking for more power and features in their daily rides. “Amit Sharma, an industry expert, says: 'The segment has grown about 15% every year over the past three years due to the demand from the city commuters.'”

As a mix of design, features and efficiency, the Grand Filano 125 could find a place in the market, but it has to fight with established models that already enjoy the customer loyalty.

Future Outlook

As Yamaha is about to launch the Grand Filano 125 in India, a few key questions arise.

• What will established players in 125cc segment do to Yamaha’s entry?
  Would its premium looks and advanced features be worth its asking price?
  Could this scooter plant a new chapter in the country’s urban mobility space?

The Grand Filano 125, if it gains traction, may make other manufacturers launch more feature rich and premium scooters in the Indian market.

Final Thoughts

Yamaha Grand Filano 125 blends the right elements of style, modern tech and performance in a nice package. Firstly, it comes with a design that targets the urban riders who want more than just a basic scooter, something that is more of a blend between aesthetics and functionality.

With the launch of Grand Filano 125, Yamaha is all set to compete with the established competitors. Can it develop a following among India’s style aware urban riders? Time will tell. One thing is certain though, it is breathing some fresh air to the premium 125cc scooter segment.