Yamaha TFX 150: What we like

Almost two years ago this very month, Yamaha launched the TFX 150 in the Philippines. If the YZF R15 is the baby R1 then the TFX 150 is the baby MT01. The bike was eagerly anticipated after being launched in its concept form. Upon launch and now two years later, the TFX 150 has more than satisfied those expectations. Here are just a few of the things we like best about the TFX 150.

Radical styling

The TFX 150 looks like nothing else on the road today. Its design is a potpourri of influences. It has the riding stance of a supermoto, a headlight like the head of Optimus Prime, the styling of a street naked and all the other design elements that tie it to the Yamaha MT family of sport nakeds. Pictures really do not do justice to the bike. Only when you see it in flesh you notice the heavy front stance afforded by its stubby LED headlight and large rakish tank extensions. Its split seat, fat tires, and the two-tone paint scheme give it a compact look.

The Yamaha TFX 150’s color schemes include red, matt grey, and white that go very well in a two-tone black scheme. Then there are many unique and modern touches like the fat copper shaded front forks, the tiny robot like headlight and taillight, high mounted indicators that make the bike’s design stand out from the established crowd.

Unique ergonomics

A closer look at bike will reveal wide and high handlebars. These give the rider a relaxed upright riding position. The wide handlebars aid low-speed maneuvering which comes really handy when filtering through stuck or slow-moving urban traffic. The high ground clearance of 165 mm makes is ideal for when the bike is faced with rough terrain.

Great Suspension

The Yamaha TFX 150 specifications feature large 37 mm diameter USD front forks. These are suspension components normally reserved for bikes that fall in a much higher price bracket. Together with the rear linked type monocross suspension, the bike gives a stable and comfortable ride. Thanks to the rigid Deltabox frame and the aluminium swingarm, the bike delivers well on the twisties too. The wide 110/70-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tires give it adequate grip on every kind of road surface.

Powerful Engine

The Yamaha TFX 150’s engine is a 150 cc 4 valve liquid-cooled and fuel injected SOHC unit that produces peak power of 12 kW at 8500 rpm and 14.3 Nm of peak torque at 7500 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. With a weight of just 135 kg, the bike has an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Reaching 80-90 kmph on this is child’s play indeed.

Blue Core Technology

Like all Yamaha Philippines models, this too comes equipped with Yamaha’s Blue Core technology to ensure fewer losses in the engine. In normal city riding, the Yamaha TFX 150’s engine can manage 40-45 kmpl which will still hover around 35-40 kmpl if the bike is really pushed.

Modern features

Other than the already mentioned chunky USD front forks, the bike is equipped with a completely digital instrument panel. It is a one of a kind system that uses a fully inverted LCD display with adjustable backlight settings. The bike also features LEDs both front and rear for its lighting duties. It comes with a front engine cowl that protects it from mud splatter while also directing cool air into the engine.

Strong Brakes

Yamaha has not skimped out in the braking department with the TFX 150. The bike is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes both front and rear. These give the bike enough stopping power that the rider will not feel the need for ABS.

Lucrative pricing

The Yamaha TFX 150’s price is just Php 142900. Compared to its competition, this price point puts the TFX 150 right between the more expensive Honda and the cheaper Suzuki. When you consider everything that you get for this price, the TFX 150 starts to look like a great deal indeed.

The Yamaha TFX 150 as its name suggest, does deliver a fierce experience. Is it fierce enough for you?