[justwheels]

Yamaha : When you hear that name in India now a days, the only thing that comes to mind is R15, FZ, or for some R1, MT01 and for the classic lovers RD350, RX100,RX135. Well quite unfortunate for me and many owners none remember the Gladiator : Stop commuting start sport biking thing. It surely is quite a capable bike.

I wont go into specs, as thats not what this thread is all about, but I can tell you it is quite a capable bike for city commuting and I am overwhelmed with the handling. Amongst 125cc, it handles better than most of its competitors and the best cornering capabilities. Why then am I talking all this when its not for this thread, to be honest, talking my heart out.

So all the above was part OT (sorry for that), but coming to the point. I own a "Glady" since almost 1.5 years, clocked 9000 kms, with 8 months (cumulative) of no riding at all. That means when I am riding continuously, I am 1000km per month rider atleast. So whats with this modification thing. I have been out of India for 2 months now and the bike is with a friend of mine. I am coming back next week, so was thinking, lets try working on some parts of the bike. So lets talk of what I want to explore for modifications:

BIKE : Yamaha Gladiator SS 125cc
Color : Red Black (I like it, so no change)

1) Body : STRICT NO. I like the way it looks and I am contend with the designers at Yamaha. Do plan to get rid of the front number plate and get a sticker on the area above the headlight.

2) Engine : I dont think I can do anything about the 125cc mill, but what about K&N filters. Ask me why and honestly I don't know, but want to know and learn. So that can be a change I can be advised.

3) Tyres : Honestly, the rear tyre looks puny, but it does serve the purpose. So is the upgrade needed. I would like to explore the possibilty. A tubeless upgrade I like. Advise needed.

4) Seat : Now don't give strange looks, I know there's a question, what do you want to do with the seat. Honestly I am a bit jealous of split seats. So whats the option. Can I, Should I? Advise needed for a sense full decision.

5) HeadLights : I think I should upgrade them, with what, I told you I am still learning, so I don't know. I am a decent rider who drives at low beam at most times in city and use a lot (a lot) of dipper and scantily the horn. But sometimes, the light isn't very good, so please advise what upgrade is possible.

As of now, thats all that is in my mind. Please advise on the above stated thoughts, and I am open to any advise towards all/any performance related upgrades (road legal please).

***All "bong-land" (Kolkata) bike lovers, pls advise about good mechanics for such mods, that place called wellingdon street is a mess!

Looking ahead for some tips please.

[GreenmachinE]

I too am found of gladi and feel that its very unfortunate that its not selling well , when compared to honda's shine, HH glamour etc which are very average bikes. Now about mods

As to K&N, I have my doubts, as i tried running my bike (Uni) without an air filter for a short stretch , but didn't find much improvement in performance other then the increased intake noise.

Engine : Try upgrading to synthetic oil, my bike felt smoother

Tyres: See if you can fit R15's tyres. They are of a better compound and offer great grip it seems.

Seats: since you ride a lot try to improve comfort by adding more padding then going for looks

Headlight: How about projectors. see if P 220s projectors can be fitted in gladi's faring

[georgev]

may a bigger carb and filter combo , golden alloy wheels, freeflow short exhaust

a FZ top end can be mated on the Glady crank ?

[justwheels]

Originally Posted by georgev

may a bigger carb and filter combo , golden alloy wheels, freeflow short exhaust

a FZ top end can be mated on the Glady crank ?

Sorry to say but I hate that FZ fairing (to each his own). So no body changes, I wanted to know of any performance kits for Glady or may be the Filter change. Just don't know how to go ahead with all of it. Unfortunately, not much response from the forum!
Anyways, will update if am able to do something.

[justwheels]

5 months and not able to to do anything worthwhile with the Glady. Meanwhile got married, had to be out of India for sometime, so no riding since long. I am craving to hold those handle bars again.
Well Tbhp'ns you can't leave me starving for suggestions for my Glady. Seriously need some suggestions for the points I stated in my first post. Please do help. And any contacts of good machanics in Kolkata (Salt Lake is where I put up). Yamaha A*S*S is as good as road side wasing 'n' polishing business.
Hope to see some support.

[DevilsOwn]

justwheels:

1) Engine : KN filters have less to do with your engine than a port-polish-shave job (recommend you contact any of the well known 2 stroke tuners around Kol and NOT some random guy who will in all likelyhood F it up.) Once done, you can get a free flow filter and re-jet the carb so that it's tuned right for air/fuel and you're not running too lean.

3) Tyres : Switch to 100-90-18, its a direct fit I've seen done to many a happy Gladi owner. Suggesting this because you said you are learning and the extra grip/stability will help give you confidence while cornering/handling

4) Seat : You can get a split step seat made pretty easily and have the rear detachable with a cowl for when you ride alone, will look good too.

5) HeadLights : Change the brand and see if the quality differs Dont waste time/money on coil rewinding/converting to DC etc. Its just not worth the hassle in the long run (not to mention you will need a more powerful battery..)

Hope this helps, All the best!!!

[justwheels]

Originally Posted by DevilsOwn

justwheels:

1) Engine : KN filters have less to do with your engine than a port-polish-shave job (recommend you contact any of the well known 2 stroke tuners around Kol and NOT some random guy who will in all likelyhood F it up.) Once done, you can get a free flow filter and re-jet the carb so that it's tuned right for air/fuel and you're not running too lean.

3) Tyres : Switch to 100-90-18, its a direct fit I've seen done to many a happy Gladi owner. Suggesting this because you said you are learning and the extra grip/stability will help give you confidence while cornering/handling

4) Seat : You can get a split step seat made pretty easily and have the rear detachable with a cowl for when you ride alone, will look good too.

5) HeadLights : Change the brand and see if the quality differs Dont waste time/money on coil rewinding/converting to DC etc. Its just not worth the hassle in the long run (not to mention you will need a more powerful battery..)

Hope this helps, All the best!!!

Thanks for the suggestions man. It was nice to read through. As far as me still learning, it was about the modifications and not about riding, I have been on a bike since 5 years now, but nonetheless I appreciate your comments.

I think once I am back in India, I will right away go for the seat change and may be a tyre upgrade. If all goes well, the next plan will be executed.

[DevilsOwn]

Ah I thought it was about the riding you mentioned

Either way the marginally extra contact patch will help you have some fun, and as for performance mods, you can also do just a basic air filter / rejet to have some fun (free flow exhaust recommended but not essential). Dont go for the heavy stuff just yet, enjoy the step up in stages, that way it's more fun and you dont run out of options.

All the best!!