Yamaha Sniper 150 - Is it a good buy for first-time riders?

Motorcycles and two-wheelers, in general, are not the easiest or the safest things to drive for first-time riders. The rider is exposed to the elements and the margin of error is small. Additionally, first-time riders don’t have a lot of money and want something with the enthusiasm and styling that matches their lifestyles. So, what makes a good bike for first-time riders?

For example, we look at the Yamaha Sniper 150. Yamaha likes to call this underbone the “Street Monarch”. And from first impressions, it seems clear enough that the target market is youngsters. At Php 97,900 it is not the cheapest bike for first-time riders to own. But in recent years people have really warmed up to the idea of super cubs and are not shying away from big price tags. And there is a lot of bikes that you get for its price making this almost a value proposition.

Speaking of value, the Sniper is powered by a hi-tech 149.7 cc liquid cooled and fuel injected SOHC engine with 4 valves per cylinder. 15.4 ps at 8,500 rpm and 13.8 Nm at 7,000 rpm are dispensed using a 5-speed constant mesh transmission. Power is explosive. Wheelies and quick dashes at traffic stops are done without a thought. The lightweight nature of the bike with just 116 kg to move, makes this bike a treat on city roads. The bike is also blessed with a riding position that enables dynamic handling. The seat is low at 780 mm as are the handlebars. These give the bike a slightly aggressive riding posture without compromising on comfort too much. There are 17” wheels on each end with grippy 70/90 and 120/70 tires respectively.

Coupled with telescopic front forks and a monoshock in the rear, this bike has a very capable setup for every kind of riding. Whether it be carving up twisting mountain roads or making your way through bustling city traffic, this bike can keep up with its rider. The engine is not just high on performance but also delivers fuel economy figures in the 35-45 kmpl range.

So, the Yamaha Sniper has performance in spades. The youth of Philippines have attested to the fact by buying it in large numbers. They can be seen tearing up the roads of the country everywhere. It is hard to mistake the bike with its sporty design. Aggressive lines abound from the front end with its slim LED indicators. Moving to the rear, rakish body lines, high rear end and sporty panels with sharp vents make for a very sporty looking proposition. Yamaha has decorated their bike with colors and graphics to match its sporty nature. It even comes in the blue Yamaha racing livery that comes straight from Yamaha’s Moto GP team.

The styling is also very appealing to the first-time rider. But for the parents of these riders who are ultimately going to pay for this expensive rider, the safety of their ward is more important than any of these features. Thankfully, the Yamaha 150 R comes with a disc brake with single piston calliper setup in the front while the rear gets a conventional drum brake setup. This much braking power is sufficient for stopping the bike within a safe distance from whatever speed the rider may be doing.

The Yamaha Spiner 150 comes with just the right amount of power and handling prowess to keep the bike interesting without putting the rider in too much risk. It looks amazing and does not make too big a whole in your wallet. Of course, if you are going to buy it, then ride it sensibly and invest in at least a good full-face helmet.