The launch of the sporty YZF-R15 was a turning point for Yamaha in India, but it was the macho FZ-16 that had customers lining up outside showrooms. So good was the FZ-16 that even the price-conscious Indian buyer didn’t mind paying the premium for the bike. Yamaha capitalized on this demand and proceeded to launch a slightly sportier variant of the bike - the FZ-S. The touring-friendly Fazer is the bike that followed. But just how good is this new Fazer?
On the outside
The touring bike looks like a scaled-down version of Yamaha’s faired FZ-1. There’s an all-new fairing that accommodates dual headlamps with a small parking lamp slotted in between. The large fairing-mounted mirrors are quite stylish too. Its handlebar is large and wide, much like it is on the FZ-16 and FZ-S, although its position has been shifted slightly towards the rider to for a more upright riding posture. The instrument console is all-digital and the bike even comes with a second horn. The bike is visually identical to its FZ siblings after the tank, although the seat has a mock carbon-fibre appearance.
Power Torque
The Fazer uses the FZ-16’s silky smooth four-stroke, single-cylinder and air-cooled 153cc engine. Peak power output stays 14hp at 7500rpm with the bike still producing a max torque of 14Nm at 6000rpm. The engine continues to be mate to the same slick-shifting five-speed gearbox. The chunky 41mm telescopic forks up front work well with the adjustable single shock setup at the rear. The Fazer is available in four colours. The Fazer looks like a bike that will feel at home out on the highway.
Is it worth the money?
At ₹87,935, this variant is priced at a premium of ₹7,000 more than its naked sibling.
