Yamaha SZ

The SZ can be considered as the mild-mannered cousin of the FZ in more ways than one. If the FZ catered to the youth enthusiast rider, the SZ was aimed at a more mature audience. This and the constant updates it received over the years have now given it many small details. Yet, it is still a commuter motorcycle. Styling is not exactly its forte. There are three color options to choose from – Matte Green, Matte Black and Vivid Red Cocktail. The blacked out components and wheels, go well with the different color schemes. The bike gets a conventional headlight with a smoked mini visor at the front. The muscular arrow shaped tank with its extensions, 3D emblems and striking graphics is probably the most stylish part of the bike. The rear gets a split aluminum grab rail. Panels in the side also increase its style quotient. The long beefy silencer with a heat guard that makes it look like a minigun. At 1990 mm long, 750 mm wide and 1100 mm tall, the bike is compact enough for city traffic. The 165 mm of ground clearance makes for relaxed travelling over bad roads. The bike rides on 17-inch wheels with 2.75 41P front and 100/90 55P rear tyres. The bike is built to a cost and still comes with an analog instrument panel. There is the usual speedometer, odometer and fuel indicator along with a tachometer.

For a commuter bike, good ergonomics cannot be compromised on. And for the most part, the SZ does a good job. The seating position is upright and handlebars are high. Combined with the footpeg position as well as the comfortable seat, the ride is relaxed and easy. The one glaring misstep is the seat height, which is 800 mm. This will not be appreciated by riders of short height. Otherwise the bike with its 1320 mm wheelbase yet slim profile is easy to maneuver around town and city traffic. The conventional suspension setup with telescopic front forks and dual shock absorbers in the rear, do a good job of absorbing bumps. Again this is a commuter with not very wide tires. So this is best suited for comfortable commuting and not much else.

The engine is the same as can be found on the old FZ. Here though it has been detuned to increase mileage. It also misses out on fuel injection. Expecting liquid cooling would be hysterical. The 149 cc 2 valve SOHC engine produces 12.1 PS at just 7500 rpm. Torque of 12.8 Nm is similarly delivered at a low 6000 rpm. The engine is not the most refined unit. Some vibrations do make it to the handlebars and the foot pegs. But the engine performs as it should otherwise. Power delivery is quick and it does come with a 5 speed transmission. There is enough grunt to go over inclines with a pillion. The bike also comes with both a kick and an electric starter. The engine uses Yamaha’s Blu Core tech to increase mileage. That figure here happens to be 55 kmpl which is very commendable for a bike with 150 cc and no fuel injection.

There is a drum brake on the rear and a hydraulic disc brake on the front. The brakes are good enough for their intended purpose.

There have been instances of quality related issues which is expected from a Yamaha bike. For what you get, it might appear to be slightly pricey too.  Then there is the whole issue of the usability of a motorcycle as opposed to a scooter for commuting in stop and go traffic of the Philippines. If you want a commuter bike despite these caveats, then do give this bike a shot.