I bought this bike on the 3rd of March 2010 from Moharir Yamaha, (Opp Fame theatre) Nashik. This is my first bike. Before this, I was using a Kinetic Honda; which is there with me since my college days. A very reliable and comfortable scooter without doubt. It is in a class of its own.
I am a Yamaha fan, since my school days and I learnt bike riding on a RX 100 when I was about 14 years old. So, when I planned to buy a bike I had already made up my mind to zero-in on a Yamaha. But my friends advised me to consider the Pulsar 220 as it was cheaper than the Fazer and offered more power and some extra features. So, I did a test ride on one of my friend’s bike. The pick-up was quite impressive but I didn’t like the looks of the bike and the fit and finish was not upto the mark.
So, finally I placed the order on 2nd March and the bike was delivered on 4th March 2010. The dealer was very friendly and co-operative. He delivered the bike right at my residence, as I was in Mumbai. He also took care of the registration procedure, I never went to the RTO.
Its been 8 months now, and the bike has clocked about 5500 kms. Not much, because I didn’t use it during the monsoon season as the Mumbai roads are not safe for bikes during monsoon.
Things I liked -
Very silky smooth power mill. Got a good mid-range and good amount of torque as well. The engine sound is like music to the ears.
Killer looks. The bike makes heads turn on the road. Truly, lord of the streets. No doubt about it. Due to the additional fairing and wide tires it has got a imposing presence on the road and makes other bikes look skinny.
Terrific ride and handling. The mono-cross suspension works like a charm and absorbs the vibration from all the small and big potholes that the roads throw at it. It provides a terrific cushioning effect. I have done about 5 Nasik-Thane trips and the bike has always impressed me with its ride and handling. I was able to cover the 145 kms in about 3 hours which includes 2-3 short breaks. This bike offers a dream ride on the highway and I would prefer taking it out on the highway more than on the city roads.
Brakes are good. Discs at front do a good job.
On the highway, I have managed 95 KMPH. The bike was rock-solid and sturdy. The bike is stable at high speeds and inspires you to go even faster.
I get a mileage of 45 KMPL in Mumbai city traffic and about 50 KMPL on the highway which is quite decent for the bike’s dimensions and weight.
After Sales Service has been very good, and I have not had any problems so far.
LCD display on the dash.
Things I didn’t like -
Pillion seat is a bit narrow. So, on long rides it is not comfortable. When I travel with my wife from Thane to Nasik she is not comfortable at all and as such we have to take a break every 30-45 minutes.
I wish Yamaha had plonked a more powerful engine, to better exploit the bike’s terrific ride and handling. A 250 or 300 CC unit would have been just perfect. I heard that a 250 cc Fazer is coming sometime next year.
Some features missing viz. - Rear discs, auto-cancellation of the turn-indicators and a MPFI engine. I wish the 250cc Fazer has all these.
I am also attaching some pics. I will update the review soon, when I complete 1 year of ownership.