More muscle on the street

The bike comes with retractable spring mounted foot pegs and standard electric start. The company provides an optional kick-start on request.

At first sight, the Yamaha FZ 16 looks mean, rugged and naked. With its condensed all-black engine mass, bulbous exhaust, muscular tank scoops, shroud, extra-wide rear tyre and thick front forks, it does give the feel of a no-nonsense bike, much like the famed FZ 1, from which it draws inspiration.

To add to the appeal, the v-shaped headlight has been equipped with stays and the gap between the rear tyre and the tailpiece has been kept wide apart. The rear tail-light assembly is also mounted on the rear mudguard leaving the tailpiece uncluttered. The LCD console comes with a tachometer which displays even the revs in digital format. The bike also comes with retractable spring mounted foot pegs and standard electric start. The company provides an optional kick-start on request.

ENGINE: The engine is not the state-of-the-art technology found in the Yamaha R15. The 153-cc air-cooled 4-stroke two-valve engine comes with a negative air pressure carburettor with Throttle Position Sensor TPS. This allows for better running performance and fuel economy in sync with engine rpm and throttle position. Yamaha claims a decent 50-55 km per litre under normal city riding condition. The style apart, the shroud air intake cowl also directs air inflow to the cylinder head to quickly cool down the engine.

TRANSMISSION: The toe-shift five-speed gear is standard Yamaha, first down and four up. Initially, the FZ 16 belies the trademark Yamaha thrust, but opens up with a full burst of the throttle. Pick-up is very good in second and excellent in third gear. At full throttle, the bike simply zips across. Acceleration is a bit tardy at speeds of over 100kmph in fifth gear, but shift down to fourth at 90kmph and the bike accelerates like a stallion. The bike has been designed for generating more torque at low gears and doesn8217;t disappoint in this respect.

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION: The bike has a diamond frame with high-rigidity box section swing arm and a five-step adjustable monocross suspension. The rear suspension allows for comfortable rear travel and longer stroke for the shock absorber. The 41-mm telescopic front suspension is the thickest among Indian bikes and comes with a 130-mm stroke. The thickness and longer travel length provide more rigidity and stability during straight-line runs, cornering, negotiating potholes and while applying hard brakes.

MANOEUVRABILITY/HANDLING: It is here that all the engineering and design Yamaha has put into the bike comes to the fore. The centralisation of the engine mass, adjustable monocross suspension, tubeless tyres and thick front forks ensure that the bike remains rock steady on all kinds of tarmac at all speeds. Adjust the rear suspension for hard riding conditions and the bike literally eats up potholes, even at speeds of over 60kmph. The muffler is placed near the middle of the bike, close to the machine8217;s centre of gravity. The bike comes with a 267-mm front disc and rear drum brakes. The riding posture is aggressive and forward leaning and provides confidence to the rider to apply hard brakes. The 140/60-17 rear tubeless radial tyre ensures that the bike doesn8217;t go into an uncontrolled skid when sudden brake is applied, even while negotiating corners. The pillion riding position is also very comfortable.

The bike is extremely lightweight, but Yamaha has compensated that with its design. No doubt, FZ 16 is the hottest looking bike in its class and also is very stable and cuts through the city traffic pretty fast.

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YAMAHA FZ 16
Engine: 153 cc
air-cooled, 2-valve
Max Power: 14 PS
7,500 RPM
Max Torque: 13.6 Nm
6,000 RPM
Transmission: 5 speed
Electricals: 12 volts
Dry Weight: 126 Kg
Fuel tank capacity: 12 litres
Cost: Rs 65,000