Yamaha SZ-X

In order to give variety to the buyers of 150cc bikes, Yamaha has launched a new variant of their entry level 150cc bike and named it as SZ-X. They have made few changes to the standard SZ bike to add some premium appeal to this bike. Let's try to figure out the new changes. We won't say this bike is completely new but it has some noticeable changes which differentiate it from the standard SZ. The face of this bike looks more futuristic and appealing thanks to the addition of a new see-through visor. This visor is bigger than before and its transparency goes well with its headlight and cowl. Rest of the stuff like its front extended fender, rear view mirrors and fuel tank are borrowed from its younger sibling.

To make a difference, there are new graphics on its fuel tank which gels up nicely with its tank shrouds. The all black theme continues on this bike also as its most of the things like muffler and engine are given black finish. The stylishly designed black side covers are very strong and light in weight as there are made of PP (Polypropylene). There are no changes at its back. Everything is carried over from SZ and the dual taillights and tiny orange side colored indicators on its extended rear fender can be seen on this new variant. There are no changes in this department either. The boring meter panel of SZ makes its way to this new bike. The same white dial for its analogue speedometer and odometer can be spotted in this bike. Sadly, there is still no tachometer and it features only an analogue fuel gauge with other indicators.

The bike shares its engine with its younger sibling. The same mono-cylinder 4-stroke 153cc engine of SZ does duty on this bike. There is negligible difference in the performance of SZ-X and SZ. The specifications are unchanged which means the new variant also starves for power and it becomes really irritating at high speeds. SZ-X is a bit heavier than its standard variant and as a result of which the power to weight ratio of this bike decreases. The slower side of this bike is evident as soon as you pick up acceleration. The acceleration and throttle response of this bike is quite impressive and similar to its sibling in city traffic but it starts annoying at high rpms. The bike records the same timing of 6 seconds for doing 0-60km/hr but after it; SZ-X lags behind and takes more time than its sibling and other rivals in crossing the speed mark of 100km/hr. However, you will enjoy this bike more than other competitors like Discover 150 in terms of engine refinement and smooth gear transitions.

This bike is surely going to impress you in city where you need no frequent gear shifts as SZ-X pulls up heavy amount of torque which improves its drivability at low rpms. Things would have been much better and enjoyable if Yamaha would have increased its power output. The bike may return you a mileage of around 53-58km/ltr in city conditions. On highways, you can expect this bike to return anything above 60km/ltr.

You won't feel any difference in the riding posture and comfort offered by this bike. It's a very comfortable bike with front set foot-pegs which helps your knees to stick firmly to the space offered by its fuel tank. The plastic buttons used on its handle bar are soft to touch and feel premium. There are no signs of vibrations on this handle bar at high rpms. Apart from it's under seat storage space you can also use the space just above the meter panel which gets covered by the new visor. Wide rear tyre, bright headlight and rear saree guard are some of the safety features of this bike.

We are still left with the issues related to its suspension and braking system. There is still no Disc brake on this bike and the rear suspension quality is not satisfactory either. It features telescopic forks at its front and hydraulic shock absorbers with swing arm at its back. Both wheels of this bike are fitted with powerful drum brakes. The rear wheel sports a drum brake of 130mm while the front drum brake is of 150mm. Yamaha SZ-X lacks the comfort quality in its ride thanks to its soft suspension system. This factor also causes problem at high speeds when the bike isn’t much stable but things get better with its wide rear tyre and wheelbase (1320mm). Its ground clearance of 165mm helps it to easily cross most of the obstructions on our Indian roads. High speed cornering is better than its rival and you also get the right feel from its steering. The bike isn't much fun on uneven conditions but certainly impresses you with its firmness on road.

Yamaha has added a much needed electric start to this bike but it still lacks a front disc brake and some other premium features. If you are ready to compromise on disc brake at this price then it’s a value for money bike which is well built and offers strong city performance with a refined 150cc engine. But we will still not say it’s the best option as its biggest rival, Discover 150 offers much power and features than SZ-X at a cheaper price.