High on the highway: The Yamaha FZ-16’s handsome design makes it good value for money Photographs by Ashley Baxter

Whilemotorcycle makers walk a tightrope to ensure their survival in a fiercely competitive market, the formula for success isn’t all that elusive. It’s actually rather simple — get the product right and sales will automatically accelerate. But does Yamaha have the right product in their burly new FZ-16?

The FZ-16 is a particularly crucial model for Yamaha. Sure, the technology-loaded YZF-R15 heralded Yamaha’s renewed innings in India as a performance bike-maker. However, it remains priced at a premium and positioned as a machine for the pure enthusiast.

STYLE FILE

Grabbing attention is something the FZ-16 does with ease. Minimal body cladding is the norm on this one, with its engine and cycle parts boldly visible.

The FZ-16 uses delectable slim-spoke alloy rims. Massive section tyres add to its allure, while a broad, conical front headlight with a piercing beam and small city light peer forward from below it’s LCD instrument bay. The instruments — rev counter, speedometer and fuel gauge — offer everything in a sporty- digital format.

The new FZ-16 deploys a city-friendly and slightly low-set handlebar, and uses grips with a great feel, terrific levers, nice mirrors and adequate switchgear. There’s a fabulously sculpted dummy resin fuel tank as commonly found on superbikes, an alloy fuel-filler and snug knee recesses that perfectly tuck away a rider’s thighs. The tank is bisected by a bold secondary colour stripe down its centre, while the actual 12-litre fuel-storage bay sits just below, closer to the bike’s centre of gravity.

Other arresting details include alloy footrests for both rider and pillion, an exposed ’ring sealed drive-chain, smartly executed split grab-bar and a nifty rear tyre hugger. This Yamaha uses a compact sheared silencer constructed with 1.5 metres of exhaust pipe in a box just aft of the engine. This bike’s flanks and tail are drop-dead gorgeous.

POWER SPEAK

The new Yamaha uses an all-new, air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder and CV carburettor-fed engine that displaces 153cc. Tuned primarily in the interests of easy city riding, the FZ puts out a healthy 14bhp, and offers a linear spread of power, unlike the peaky R15. This thumb-started (with no kick-lever) engine uses an auto decompressor for easy starting, as well as a single-axis balancer that cancels out engine vibes.

FZ-16 uses a five-speed smooth-shifting gearbox that shifts via a toe-shift lever in the universal one-down and four-up pattern. It enjoys a perfectly weighted clutch, and a precise gearbox with perfectly-spaced gear ratios that leave little room for improvement.

Performance is sprightly enough, at par with most of it’s 150cc rivals. The highlight of this Yamaha engine is its punchy and smooth power band. The FZ managed to nudge a speedometer-indicated top speed of 110kph in fifth gear. A clear advantage over its rivals is the FZ-16’s rigid front forks, which works in unison with a seven-step adjustable single rear shock absorber.

DRIVER’S DEAL

The Yamaha FZ-16 enjoys a near-perfect ride quality that is more firm than soft, with sound handling included in the package. The latest Yamaha also offers exemplary straight line stability and fine high-speed cornering manners at all times.

The test ride included several fast-twisting sections of road, where the Yamaha instilled confidence, allowing itself to be flicked from side to side with an easy, controlled feel. The FZ comes with a 267mm front disc-brake and rear drum unit that work in tandem to haul the bike down safely from speed. Also the FZ-16’s tailor-made radial, tubeless and special compound 100/80 x 17-in and 140/60 x 17-in section MRF tyres work magic to provide enormous traction and a stable, planted feel at all times.

FINAL VERDICT

Yamaha claims the new model is capable of 52kpl plus in city riding conditions. However, is the new FZ good value for money? The FZ-16 has rolled into Yamaha showrooms across India in orange, red and black shades, with an asking price of Rs 65,000 (ex-showroom, India).

Every motorcycle enthusiast will understand this is money well-spent, considering the FZ-16’s handsome style, standout features, refined engineering, amazing handling and excellent build quality.

spec check

yamaha fz-16

•  Price: Rs.65,000 (ex showroom)

• On sale: At present

• L/W/H: 1975/770/1045 mm

•  Wheelbase: 1335 mm

• Ground clearance: 160 mm

• Fuel tank capacity: 12 litres

• Kerb weight: 137 kg

• Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke

• Displacement: 153 cc

• Power: 14 bhp at 7500 rpm

• Torque: 1.4 kgm at 6000 rpm

• Specific output: 91.5 bhp per litre

• Power to weight: 102.1 bhp per tonne

• Gearbox: 5 speed, 1-down, 4-up

• Front suspension: Telescopic forks

• Rear suspension: Single shock, rectangular swingarm

• Front brake: 267 mm disc

• Rear brake: 130 mm drum

• Wheels: 5-spoke alloy

• Rim size: 100/80 x 17 inches (front); 140/60 x 17 inches (rear)