The latest 150cc offering from Yamaha is more focussed on driveability, mileage, handling rather than outright performance. Yamaha has always been known to produce bikes with great performance but here they will be trying to show the Indian customers that they can produce bikes that are fuel efficient as well as easy to ride in the traffic. The new bike named Yamaha SZX is a “150cc commuter” and is targeted at youngsters who want to upgrade from a 135/125cc bike and for people who commute daily. The same mill as the FZ is used in this bike but with is tuned for better mileage and low end torque.
Design:
The Design is clean and aggressive at the same time. The tank is muscularly sculpted and can carry a maximum of 14 litres compared to the 12 by FZ. Tank scoops are also provided which adds to the aggressive look of the bike. The SZ is longer than the FZ with the dimensions of 2050*730*1100 (length*breadth*height). Shorter people might find it a little difficult to keep their leg down but a reduced weight will make sure that it will be easy to handle even for people with such difficulty. The SZ has only a kick start while the SZX will have only an electric start, weird. A far as the colour goes , the only colour that will make the bike stand out in the crowd is the matt grey which complements the matte finished engine perfectly to give it a very neat look.
Coming to the dashboard, is fully analog with the basic things like the speedometer, odometer and a fuel gauge. The bike does not have a tachometer which is understandable as it is just promoted as a commuter but it should have at least got a engine kill switch and a pass light. Overall the design looks neat and purposeful though it lacks a few things.
Engine:
The SZX has the same heart as the FZ but a differently tuned one. The performance has been compromised for better fuel efficiency and low end torque. This engine produces a peak power of 12.1PS compared to the 14 of FZ. The maximum torque of 12.8N-m is produced at 4500 RPM which shows that the bike will be a breeze to drive through the traffic as the low end torque is good. The engine is fuel efficient as well and is expected to return a mileage of around 65kmpl as stated by the showroom guys.
Handling and Driveability:
Driving the bike through the traffic seemed easy enough thanks to the light weight of 132kgs. The bike behaves well in corners and does have enough juice to propel you forward with ease for overtaking or in emergency situation. SZX has a heel and toe shifter, making it easy for people who are used to it with an all down and up pattern. The bike strikes a right balance between looking commuterish as well being sporty. The bike has the conventional 150mm d(r)um brakes at the front and a 130mm at the rear. The braking feels lazy to say the least and not that effective or powerful. Front disc brakes are optional at a premium. The bike does handle well in potholes due to its raised ground clearance and height and is a perfect no nonsense bike for people who look for a little “spirited commuting”.
Mileage and Pricing:
The SZX is priced at Rs 51,800/- on road in Chennai and the SZ version costs Rs 49,600/-. Mileage is the biggest forte of this bike; the expected mileage is around 65kmpl.
Verdict:
The main competitor of this bike is the Bajaj Discover 150cc which is priced almost equally. The Yamaha branding and better service is definitely going to tilt the scales in favour of SZX but will it beat the sales and the “Discover” brand that has been doing well for so many years now. We definitely think it’s possible. The Yamaha has come out with a product understanding the dynamics of Indian bike scenario, compromising performance for better fuel efficiency. We think the strategy will work in Yamahas favour and is sure to make a lot of sales and the Discovers and the premium 125cc’s are sure to face the heat.
Yamaha SZ and SZ-X Technical Specifications
SZ | SZ-X | |
Overall Length × Width × Height | 2050 x 730 x 1040mm | 2050 x 730 x 1100 mm |
Seat height | 802mm | 802mm |
Wheelbase | 1320mm | 1320mm |
Minimum ground clearance | 165mm | 165mm |
Wet (With Oil & Fuel) | 132kg | 132kg |
Engine type | Air cooled 4 stroke, SOHC | Air cooled, 4 stroke,SOHC |
Cylinder layout | Single cylinder | Single cylinder |
Displacement | 153cm3 | 153cm3 |
Bore × stroke | 58.0 X 57.9mm | 58.0 X 57.9mm |
Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Maximum output | 12.1PS/7500rpm | 12.1PS/7500rpm |
Maximum torque | 12.8Nm/4500rpm | 12.8Nm/4500rpm |
Starting method | Kick Start | Electric Start |
Engine oil volume | 1000ml | 1000ml |
Lubrication type | Wet sump | Wet sump |
Fuel tank volume | 14 L | 14 L |
Fuel supply | Carburettor | Carburettor |
Ignition type | CDI | CDI |
Battery | 12V,5 AH(10H) | 12V,5 AH(10H) |
Head light | Halogen bulb (12V, 35/35W) | Halogen bulb (12V, 35/35W) |
Primary /Secondary reduction ratio | 3.409/3.000 | 3.409/3.000 |
Clutch type | Wet, Multiple-disc | Wet, Multiple-disc |
Transmission type | 5 Gear Constant Mesh | 5 Gear Constant Mesh |
Gear ratios | 1st=2.714, 2nd=1.789, 3rd=1.318, 4th=1.045, 5th=0.916 | 1st=2.714, 2nd=1.789, 3rd=1.318, 4th=1.045, 5th=0.916 |
Frame type | Diamond | Diamond |
Caster / Trail | 26 degree/ 99mm | 26 degree/ 99mm |
Tyre size (Front/Rear) | (2.75- 17 41P )/ (100/90-17 55P) | (2.75- 17 41P )/ (100/90-17 55P) |
Brake type (Front/Rear) | Drum(150mm)/Drum(130mm) | Drum(150mm)/Drum(130mm) |
Suspension (Front/Rear) | Telescopic/ Swingarm | Telescopic/Swingarm |
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