The Hindu Business Line : New Crux is in the performance

THE entry-level commuter bike segment has witnessed a lot of action during the past few months. Emerging as a significant sub-segment, entry-level motorcycles have contributed smartly to many a two-wheeler manufacturers' overall share in the market.

After gaining a strong following, many entry-level bikes are now going through the next stage in their evolution. Upgraded versions, fairing-free variants and such modified models are being introduced by manufacturers who are now constantly attempting to offer more to the customer, compared to competing bikes.

Yamaha entered the fray with the Crux — its entry-level bike in 2001. The original Crux and its `R' variant have done considerably well, especially in a few niche markets and specific States such as Kerala. However, sales of this model have been sliding for some time now and unfortunately for Yamaha, it was not even due to a relatively lower quality compared to the other bikes in this segment.

Now, to catch up with the other entry-level bikes, which have themselves been put through an upgrade, and meet the latest, more stringent emission norms, Yamaha has introduced a new variant, CruxS, which features stepped up looks and lowered exhaust emission.

The new Yamaha CruxS seems extremely focussed about its offering. There are only three colour options, but they are richer and will tend to be preferred even if there were more options. New stickering or decals bring more novelty to the bike and the stylish graphics accentuate the shape of the bike's body panels.

The front of the CruxS sports the same plain-Jane looks that have by now become pretty common to the entry-level bike segment, including the fairing-free front side. Yamaha has chosen to retain the large round headlamp and twin-pod instrument cluster. The naked, open to air instrument cluster includes a speedo and warning lights for the turn indicators, high beam and the neutral gear indicator.

The earlier Crux version's chrome-plated mudguard has been replaced with a painted, better finished fender. The previous variant's round winkers have given way to more compact, oval turn indicators.

The fuel tank and the side body panels have been retained (except for the new decals), so has the double cradle type, tube frame and tubular swing arm. Towards the rear of the bike, the significant changes in the CruxS include the new contoured seat, with improved thigh support (compared to the flat board seat of the previous variant) and the new tail lamp and rear panel combo. The gradually rising, sleek rear panel is topped by a new more compact grab rail.

Yamaha has also managed to reduce the kerb weight of the CruxS to 103 kg compared to the 113 kg of its predecessor. Ground clearance has also been enhanced, from 150 mm to 160 mm.

Economising is inevitable for an entry-level bike and it is reflected in the CruxS' material quality, including switches, though, overall build quality is on a par with the others in this segment. Also typical of entry-level bikes, optional additions such as disc brakes and electric self-start are not offered.

Another carry forward from the previous Crux variant is the four-stroke, 106cc, single cylinder mill in the new `S' version. Yamaha has however, added a new air induction system to increase air intake for better burn and cleaner exhausts.

Yamaha says that this new advanced technological modification has dramatically cut down the level of key exhaust gases from the bike's emissions. The changes to the engine have lead to a marginal fall in peak power and maximum torque, which are now listed as 7.3 PS at 7,500 rpm and 7.85 Nm at 6,000 rpm.

Tyres remain the same, at 2.5-inch in front and 2.75-inch at the rear. Braking is provided by 130 mm drums in both the wheels and the suspension set-up includes oil dampened telescopic fork and coil springs in the front and swing arms and coil springs at the rear.

The CruxS comes with a four-speed gearbox, another standard feature in this entry-level segment. Gearbox feedback is excellent and the shift feel is better than most in this segment. The new version also incorporates Yamaha's favoured first down, the rest three up shift pattern, which is executed with the help of a heel and toe shift lever.

With a stiff, fairly flex-free chassis construction, the CruxS offers a firm ride, though it also offers the bike confident cornering abilities. The engine's power rating is lower than a few competing bikes, but does not lag on overall performance. Vibration is virtually non-existent, as are false neutrals in the four-speed gearbox. Engine and gearbox refinement are above par for this segment. The bike gives a mileage of around 55 kmpl in city and 62 kmpl on the highway.

The CruxS epitomises the characteristics that all Yamaha bikes have been known for. Standing out with good build quality, a reliable engine and a refined gearbox, the CruxS will still be pulled down by its design or rather the lack of it. Yamaha also seems to suffer from a relatively lower brand recall compared to its competition.

Competing bikes such as Bajaj CT 100, TVS Star Deluxe and Hero Honda CD Deluxe dominate the entry-level segment. The Yamaha CruxS will find taking the fight to the competition quite a tough task.

But priced at about Rs 34,000, the CruxS could be a good option to consider for bike buyers who are keen on performance and refinement rather than just good looks.

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