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Yamaha SZ-R: A no-nonsense bike
Yamaha has never been known for making average bikes. The Japanese motorcycle maker makes some of the most exciting bikes in the world and off late they have even launched a few in India. Take the R15 for example, the 'racing instinct' machine created a new segment of its own.
Later followed the FZ16, FZ-S and the Fazer. While all these bikes were very exciting, none of them actually were for the mass market. To increase sales, the company has now launched the SZ series.
We check out the SZ-R to find out, how it ranks in the crowded 150cc segment.
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Design
In design the SZ-R resemebles its elder sibling, the FZ, but only slightly. The angle of the headlamps is slightly different, whereas the tank has good support for the thighs. The side fairing houses the Yamaha logo, which looks cool.
The taillights have a black plastic splitting the lamp in two, giving a bigger than it is feeling to the rear of the bike. A rear sari guard is another feature not usually seen in Yamaha bikes. Overall the design is quite contemporary for a commuter.
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Performance and mileage
Whenever one talks about a 150cc engine, the last thing to talk about is performance, but the first is always mileage. We will get back to that later but first the specifications of this motor.
The 153cc motor in the SZ-R is the same as that of the FZ but with slightly detuning. With 12.1 PS of power at 7500 RPM and 12.8 NM of torque at 4500RPM, the SZ is no slouch. The bike responds quickly to throttle inputs at low speeds and will comfortably touch 80kmph with almost no effort. However take it on the highway and the low power becomes apparent.
But then, this is no cruiser bike. Mileage figures are very good with 55 kmpl in mixed riding conditions. The five-speed gearbox of the SZ is silky smooth and shifts effortlessly. The huge FZ tyres don't feature on the SZ and the bike does with thin yet mileage favourable 100/90/17 ones.
Reader invite:
Are you a biking enthusiast? Write to us
There are few things more intoxicating than a good bike ride. Ask Gul Panag if you don't believe us! Her baraat arrived on a fleet of Royal Enfields!
If you're one bike and travel enthusiast, you're the one we're looking out for!
Have you travelled great distances on your two-wheeler and have memories you want to share of the trip?
Simply write us an email (subject line: 'Motorcycle diaries') with your travelogue and we will publish the best ones right here on rediff.com.
Don't forget to add pictures or videos (you can log into http://ishare.rediff.com, upload the video and mail the link to us along with photographs) of your ride if you happen to have shot some!
Who knows you might just inspire someone to take to the bike!
Handling
Yamaha bikes are well known for their handling and the SZ is certainly no exception. Featuring telescopic front and dual spring dampers, the SZ glides over potholes. The comfortable seating position builds confidence in the rider and the broad seat cushions one's derriere very well.
Weighing in at 132 kg, the SZ-R features 245 mm disc brake at the front, which inspires braking confidence. The diamond type frame helps in cornering the bike at decent speeds without shaking you up.
Reader invite:
Are you a biking enthusiast? Write to us
There are few things more intoxicating than a good bike ride. Ask Gul Panag if you don't believe us! Her baraat arrived on a fleet of Royal Enfields!
If you're one bike and travel enthusiast, you're the one we're looking out for!
Have you travelled great distances on your two-wheeler and have memories you want to share of the trip?
Simply write us an email (subject line: 'Motorcycle diaries') with your travelogue and we will publish the best ones right here on rediff.com.
Don't forget to add pictures or videos (you can log into http://ishare.rediff.com, upload the video and mail the link to us along with photographs) of your ride if you happen to have shot some!
Who knows you might just inspire someone to take to the bike!
Instrument cluster
In the 150cc segment almost all the bikes come with fantastic digital displays but the SZ does not!
The instrument cluster is the old kind with two sides housing the speedometer and tachometer respectively.
It also carriers other important information such as fuel level, turn signals, hi-low beam and engine fault warning light. This one is surely designed keeping function over form.
Reader invite:
Are you a biking enthusiast? Write to us
There are few things more intoxicating than a good bike ride. Ask Gul Panag if you don't believe us! Her baraat arrived on a fleet of Royal Enfields!
If you're one bike and travel enthusiast, you're the one we're looking out for!
Have you travelled great distances on your two-wheeler and have memories you want to share of the trip?
Simply write us an email (subject line: 'Motorcycle diaries') with your travelogue and we will publish the best ones right here on rediff.com.
Don't forget to add pictures or videos (you can log into http://ishare.rediff.com, upload the video and mail the link to us along with photographs) of your ride if you happen to have shot some!
Who knows you might just inspire someone to take to the bike!
Conclusion
The SZ-R is the first Yamaha which is inexpensive to buy and run. Priced at Rs 58,000 on the road in Mumbai, the SZ impresses with its good performance, economy, ride and comfort.
Being a Yamaha you know it won't break down and will continue to bring a smile on your face every time you sit on it. Yes, the SZ is a good bet for people looking to buy a no nonsense commuter.
Reader invite:
Are you a biking enthusiast? Write to us
There are few things more intoxicating than a good bike ride. Ask Gul Panag if you don't believe us! Her baraat arrived on a fleet of Royal Enfields!
If you're one bike and travel enthusiast, you're the one we're looking out for!
Have you travelled great distances on your two-wheeler and have memories you want to share of the trip?
Simply write us an email (subject line: 'Motorcycle diaries') with your travelogue and we will publish the best ones right here on rediff.com.
Don't forget to add pictures or videos (you can log into http://ishare.rediff.com, upload the video and mail the link to us along with photographs) of your ride if you happen to have shot some!
Who knows you might just inspire someone to take to the bike!