Yamaha FZ aka Byson

Overview of Yamaha FZ16

Almost four years back, Yamaha launched their FZ16 in India. This bike can be credited for re-establishing Yamaha in India. Ever since its launch, this 150cc bike is one of the most popular bikes in its segment. Standing head and shoulders above the bikes in 150cc segment, FZ16 has revolutionized the biking scene in India in a short span of its launch. It has bagged the prestigious Bike of the Year Award from UTVi / Autocar, Zigwheels and Business Standard Motoring and Viewer’s Choice award at UTVi & Autocar India Awards 2009. It is the best looking bike in its segment and it is powered by a 153cc engine which develops maximum power of 14 bhp.

Update: Yamaha India Launches updated FZ Series

Yamaha India has launched updated FZ series, which comes with host of new features like longer and wider pillion seat, new stylish grab bar, large and wide rear fender, new chain protector plus new shades have been introduced.

Fast Facts about Yamaha FZ16

The best looking bike in its class
Powered by a 153cc engine
Maximum power is 14 bhp at 7500 rpm
Maximum torque is 13.6 Nm at 6000 rpm
All the models of the FZ family will now have a kick start option
Available in only two shades: Lava red and Midnight black

Yamaha FZ16 Exterior

The looks of Yamaha FZ16 are the major contributor to its success. The design and appearance of this bike was a fresh breath of air. The bike managed to get the attention of buyers who were fed-up of aged Bajaj Pulsar and other regular 150cc bikes. The bike feels a generation ahead of its competitors in terms of styling. FZ16 looks compact and macho at the same time. This bike borrows the naked looks of its much expensive elder sibling FZ1. Its headlight features no fairing and visor and looks cool with tiny orange colored indicators. Its front telescopic forks, mudguard and wider front tyre add maturity to this bike. Side profiling makes it an attention seeker. It’s up-lifted fuel tank and dual plated fatty silencer are one of its kinds and can’t be neglected. The upgraded bike features new wider and longer seat with new black colored grab rails. Silencer comes with silver finishing which complements the other silver bits on this bike. One can also notice the new semi-covered chain cover. Tail light is not placed on the regular position and sits just above the number plate on its new revised rear fender which is longer and wider than before. Its rear radial tyre is a unique characteristic of this bike.

Instrument Console of Yamaha FZ16

The meter console of FZ16 is very trendy and different than its rivals. The bike features digital tachometer, speedometer, trip meter and odometer. You can also notice its digital fuel gauge and LED indicators on its instrument console. This meter console uses orange backlight for illumination and can be read easily.

Yamaha FZ16 Engine and Gearbox

Yamaha has used an air-cooled, four stroke 153cc engine. This SOHC, single cylinder engine yields out a maximum power output of 14 bhp at 7000 rpm while its utmost torque of 14 Nm can be achieved at 6000 rpm. This engine is mated with a five speed manual gearbox with one gear down and four gears up-shift pattern.

153cc, air cooled, 4 stroke, SOHC engine
Maximum power is 14 Bhp at 7500 rpm
Maximum torque is 14 Nm at 6000 rpm

Acceleration and Performance

Yamaha FZ16’s 153cc engine is specially designed for Indian conditions. The bike performs really well at low rpms. The bike uses most of its torque at early rpms which makes it perfect for city usage. Even in bigger gears at slow speeds, the bike picks up really well. Power delivery is very smooth and enjoyable and you don’t have to wait much for the power. Throttle response is best in its class. As far as engine refinement is concerned, it’s the best 150cc engine in recent times. This bike feels far more responsive and refined than Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Apache. Honda’s 150cc engine powering Hero Hunk and CBZ is also very refined but can’t match the power packed performance of FZ16. Gear ratios are very well designed and give the bike an advantage over others with ample amount of torque. It won’t be wrong to say that it’s the best engineered bike in its segment. In fact if you compare this bike with others like Pulsar 180 and Apache 180, the bike is quite capable to give them a tough competition in the mid-range. It’s only after 6000rpm when this bike loses out to those big bikes.

Yamaha FZ16 Mileage

The high performance engine of this bike can give you a mileage of around 35-40km/ltr in daily usage while on highways; it can give you a fuel efficiency of around 40-45km/ltr.

Comfort while Driving

Finally, Yamaha has get rid of the stiff seat of FZ16 and now this bike sports a new longer and wider seat which is much comfortable than before. The wide handle bar of this bike gives you a perfect grip of it. Foot pegs are placed to give you a sporty and relaxed position. However, with a pillion rider, it’s still not as comfortable as others.

Storage Space and Safety Features

The bike has standard safety features with no storage space.

Yamaha FZ16 Suspension and Braking

Yamaha FZ16 has the best suspension system in its segment. Its 41mm beefy telescopic front forks give it an advantage over others and the bike gives you a very comfortable ride. The mono shock absorber at the back also does its duty accurately. The bike comes with a big 267mm hydraulic disc brake at its front and a drum brake of 130mm at its back. These brakes are capable enough to stop this bike but Yamaha could have offered a rear disc brake.

Ride and Handling

Yamaha FZ16 is unbeatable in this department. It handles really well in city traffic. The wide handlebar gives you a perfect hold of it and the bike steers accurately. The wide tyres hold the road properly and give you extra stability. It’s a brilliant bike around corners and gives you immense hold and confidence. Its strong suspension, high ground clearance (160mm) and wheelbase of 1335mm keeps this bike grounded and allows you to cruise nicely on highways. It can digest most of the potholes with ease.

Shades Available in Yamaha FZ16

Lava Red
Midnight Black

Yamaha FZ16 is available in two shades: Lava Red and Midnight Black.

Verdict

Yamaha FZ16 will cost you around INR 69K (ex-showroom, Delhi, may vary). The performance, looks, pleasant ride and handling of this bike completely justifies its pricing. Yes, FZ16 is a bit costlier than its many competitors but it is worth spending extra money on it. Despite its low fuel efficiency and absence of rear disc brake, one can surely opt for this bike. For us, it’s a complete value for money bike and will give you the exclusivity and biking experience which you often miss with other regular 150cc bikes.

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	FZ16
Type:	Commuter
Top Speed:	132kph
Fuel Consumption: City	36.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	47.00
VERDICT
FOR	Looks & Style Wide Rear Tyre
AGAINST	High Price No Variant with Rear Disc Brake
OUR RATINGS
Appearance:
Comfort:
Features:
Performance:
Value for money:
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	153cc
Engine:	153cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	14 Bhp @ 7500 rpm
Maximum Torque:	14 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Gears:	5 Manual
Clutch:	Constant Wet Multi Plate
Bore:	58
Stroke:	57.9
No. of Cylinders:	1
Valve Per Cylinder:	2
Chassis Type:	Diamond
Cooling Type:	Air Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	1975.00 mm
Width:	770.00 mm
Height:	1045.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	135.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	160.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	12.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1335.00 mm
Headlamp:	12V35W / 35W＋35W
Wheel Type:	5 Spoke Alloys
Wheel Size:	100/60 - 140/60 mm
Tubeless:	Yes
Colors:	Lava red and Midnight black

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	41mm Telescopic Forks
Suspension(Rear):	Monocross
Brakes:	267mm Hydraulic Disc
Brakes(Rear):	130mm Drum
Stand Alarm:	No
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:	Yes
Tacho Meter:	Digital
Trip Meter:	Digital-1
Alloys:	Yes
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:	Yes
Passenger Backrest:	No
Step-up Seat:	Yes
Pass-light:	Yes
Low Fuel Indicator:	Yes
Low Oil Indicator:	Yes
Low Battery Indicator:	No
High Oil Temp. Indicator:	No
Choked Air Filter Indicator:	No