• Published On: 6 April 2017
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The 150cc bike segment is hotly contested by every bike manufacturer. Does Yamaha’s muscular FZ-16 break the mould?

The FZ-16 is an attractive motorcycle - it is both shapely and eye-catching. The FZ sold in India has styling elements that resemble its bigger brother, the FZ-1. There’s barely any body cladding on the FZ-16, Yamaha has chosen to give this bike a more rugged appearance - the FZ-16 has been sculpted by old Yamaha partners, GK Dynamics of Japan.

The FZ comes with slim-spoke alloy rims in black and the same colour scheme continues to its engine, swingarm and silencer. The huge tyres add to its charm, and the wide, conical front headlight spreads light across quite effectively The FZ’s diminutive Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) instrument bay includes a rev counter, speedometer and fuel gauge.

The low-set handlebar has comfortable grips with great feel, the levers are marvelous levers, and the mirrors are clear and offer a good view of the road behind. A useful engine-kill switch is part of the package, as is a handlebar-mounted choke lever on the left. The massive sculpted fuel tank, resembling the ones on superbikes, features a brushed finish alloy fuel-filler lid which, sadly, lacks a pivot. The comfortable knee recesses allow you to tuck away your thighs while you’re riding. The tank is divided by a bold secondary colour stripe down its centre, while the 12-litre fuel tank sits placed just below. The stylish engine cowl has vents to direct and scoop air-flow straight to the engine and spark plug. There are alloy footrests for both rider and pillion. Other details include an uncovered O-ring sealed drive-chain, nattily executed rip grab-bar and a clever rear tyre hugger. The FZ-16’s flanks and tail are elegant, while its smart tail light sit neatly within the rear mudguard.

The new Yamaha is powered by a new, four-stroke, single-cylinder and CV carburettor-fed engine that displaces 153cc. Tuned to suit the needs of city riders, the FZ puts out a strong 14bhp at 7500rpm, and offers power quite in a linear manner. The FZ-16’s engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox that shifts via a toe-shift lever in the one-down and four-up pattern. The wel-0 weighted clutch, and specific, smooth-shifting gearbox with perfectly-spaced gear ratios leave little room for enhancement. Performance is nimble and the engine is hard-hitting, silky and user-friendly. The FZ can hit a top speed of 110kph in fifth, with fourth good enough for 107kph, and third, 89kph.

The latest FZ is, undoubtedly, an accomplished motorbike. With 17-inch rims, a comfortably decent riding stance, a well-padded and generous seat and wide handlebars, the Yamaha is perfectly suited for hassle-free city riding and faster highway sprints. Ride quality is more firm than soft, since it’s intended to be a sporty bike, with a sound handling character included. Its straight-line steadiness is commendable and so are its high-speed cornering manners.

The 267mm front disc-brake and rear drum unit work well together to give the FZ adequate stopping abilities. Its chunky, tailor-made radial, tubeless and unique compound 100/80 x 17inch and 140/60 x 17inch section MRF tyres provide massive traction and a steady, planted feel. The company claims the new model is capable of 52kpl in the city, which is decent.

The FZ-16 was launched at a slightly pricey ₹65,000 (ex-showroom, India). While there's no doubting that it was, and is an excellent bike, and quite a sporty one at that, it might be difficult to get one in good condition. That's because firstly, the first-gen FZ, launched in 2008, is quite an old bike. Also, the bike was popular amongst college-going youngsters, which means it would have undergone a fair amount of beating. That said, a well-maintained bike, although difficult to find, will serve you well, and should cost you under ₹30,000.