Yamaha SZ-R Review
Best just got better.
Saturday, December 29, 2012Overview of Yamaha SZ-R
The SZ series from Yamaha gets its most expensive bike known as SZ-R. The bike aims to take on Bajaj Pulsar135 and other entry level 150cc bikes. Let’s try to know what to expect from this bike.
Fast Facts about Yamaha SZ-R
- Powered by same 153cc engine that powers SZ and SZ-X
- Generates maximum power of 12 Bhp with maximum torque of 12.8 Nm
- Gets front disc brake, tachometer and has tank protector
- Now also features kick starter
- Gets clear lens flasher, colored handle grip end
- Features painted muffler end caps along with special graphics
- Available in 3 shades: Quality Black, Quality Red and Quality White
Yamaha SZ-R Exterior
Except for the different paint job, SZ-R is virtually identical to its younger sibling SZ-X. These both bikes share everything from body parts to their chassis. SZ-R has a familiar face carrying transparent visor and partly body colored cowl. The headlight and rear view mirrors remains unchanged but you will notice the orange colored indicators now being replaced by the clear lens indicators and the extra weight on the both ends of its handlebar. Its tank extensions, front fender and side covers are now offered in silver finish. Yamaha has nicely painted this bike with dual colors. The tank shrouds features the name of this bike. It has black colored 5 spoke alloy wheels, engine and muffler with heat protector. It has a sleek grab rail and wide tyre at the back. The bike shares its dual tail lights and fender with its other siblings. The bike does look well-built than its rival but it lacks the style quotient. Moreover it can easily be mistaken as its cheaper siblings due to its high level of resemblance with them.
Instrument Console of Yamaha SZ-R
Yamaha SZ-R features twin circular pods in its instrument console. Between these two pods you can notice its analogue fuel gauge and other indicators. The right dial sports a much needed Tachometer while on the left side; there is an analogue speedometer and odometer. A digital speedometer would have been an additional advantage for this bike.
Engine and Gearbox
Unfortunately, there is no element of surprise in this department. The bike shares its engine with the two other bikes of SZ series. It’s powered by a four-stroke, single cylinder 153cc engine. The maximum torque output of this engine is of 12.8 Nm which can be used at 4500 rpm. The heavy amount of torque building is the biggest USP of this engine but its less power output spoils the game. This air-cooled, SOHC engine churns out a maximum power output of 12 Bhp at 7500 rpm. To effectively use the power and torque output of this engine, Yamaha has mated this engine with a five-speed manual gearbox. This gearbox has a gear shift pattern of one gear down and four-gears up.
Acceleration and Performance
This engine lacks power and Yamaha has failed to get rid of this problem. This bike is best tuned for city purpose where you are not in much hurry and want to stay away from frequent gear shifts. The early torque building is really impressive but what if you want to cover a long distance in short span? The bike loses out to other potential players like Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS which has brilliant high end performance and easily leaves this bike behind on highways. It is hard to take this bike beyond the speed of 105km/hr as soon after 5000rpm, there is not much power left in this engine. It makes only noise after 7000rpm while other competitors can even reach 9000rpm. Yes, it does 0-60 km/hr in almost 6 seconds which indicates towards its well matched gear ratios and instant throttle response in initial gears. The fourth and fifth gears ratios are much taller and put this bike on the slower side. However, the gearbox functions very smoothly and leaves you with no complain. We wish if the performance and acceleration of this bike was as impressive as the refinement level of its engine which is quite silent even if pushed hard.
Yamaha SZ-R Mileage
55-60km/ltr in city and above 65km/ltr on highways; this is the expected mileage of Yamaha SZ-R.
Comfort while Driving Yamaha SZ-R
Its upraised handlebar offers a nice firm palm grip which helps you to steer it easily. The wide and rear seat of this bike is very comfortable even with a pillion rider. Yamaha SZ-R manages to give you a comfortable yet sporty posture thanks to its well-placed foot-pegs and fuel tank.
Storage Space and Safety Features
There is some space under its seat for storage while safety features include pass light, saree guard and powerful headlight.
Yamaha SZ-R Suspension and Braking
Single coil spring hydraulic shock absorbers at the back and telescopic forks at the front can be seen on this bike. This suspension system has been carried over from its cheaper siblings. This suspension system is nowhere close to the comfort quality offered by other rivals like Bajaj Pulsar135. For better and precise braking, Yamaha has offered a front disc brake of 245mm with a rear drum brake of 130mm. It’s a very effective braking system which always helps you to keep this bike under control.
Ride and Handling
The advanced braking system has improved the ride quality of this bike. You will be more confident on this bike. The bike handles really well in city traffic and its quite responsive no highways also. The bike manages to stay grounded at high speed thanks to its heavy weight and wheelbase of 1320mm. Its wide rear tyre gives a good hold of the road the bike isn’t much scary around corners. This bike is certainly not as exciting and stable as Pulsar135 but feels better than many other rivals.
Tyre Size, Shades and Variants
It has 17inch alloy wheels. SZ-R is available in three shades which are Red, Black and white.
Verdict
Yamaha has priced this bike at INR 57.5K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). This bike is certainly not a complete value for money bike as at the same price you can get a much stylish, powerful and feature rich bike like Bajaj Pulsar 135. But it can be considered for its looks and refined engine. Moreover it’s cheaper than other 150cc bikes and has almost all essential features. So, if you can deal with the poor resale and high maintenance of Yamaha then you can choose this bike otherwise there are many other trusted options available in the market.