Before Yamaha FZ 16 I had LML Freedom. I was fortunate that when I started looking for a good bike, Yamaha launched FZ 16. Initially I was confused between FZ 16 and R15. Though both are made with different perspective, I had similar attraction for both of them. On one hand, FZ 16 was “Lord of streets” and on other hand R15 was like racing bike.
I’d gone for technical specification and did a lot of brain storming and then decided to go for FZ 16 at last. So first let’s talk about the good side of the bike – The first and most appealing feature is it’s deriving the FZ series of Yamaha that is renowned for killer looks. FZ series bikes are called naked bikes because of no fairings. Its uniquely shaped head lamp gives it an aggressive look and the petrol tank makes it masculine. I must talk about the silencer muffler which is contributing into masculine looks of the bike. It really goes with the overall looks of the bike. I’m very impressed with FZ series style – I have also got FZ1 and FZ 6 wallpapers for my desktop.
Then second thing is its handling and control. It’s marvelous – I’ve not tried riding it as a professional reviewer so I cannot provide you any statistical information. But it is for sure that it is the most stable and comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. I heard that the people who ride Yamaha become loyal to Yamaha. Now I know why. Smooth gear shifting(1 down 4 up) and great pick up.
The front wheel has been accompanied by disk break. Initially I was not aware of its power but when I got experiences of its effectiveness I become more cautious. FZ 16 comes with rear monocross suspension(Same as that of Unicorn). The front telescopic suspension is also widest(41 mm) in its category.
One of the most noticeable things about this bike is its widest rear tire(140/60-R17). My first reaction was “WOW! Size does matter…” but I was also concern about the impact it could have caused on mileage. Then I came to know that it’s a radial tire hence light in weight so no worries. Did I mention that both the tires are tubeless? I’ve been asked about the bike’s performance by many fellow bikers while riding this bike. Only two days before one person was curious to know from where did I got such fat tire and how much it costs. It’s a literally head turner bike.
The bike has been featured with a fully digital speedometer. I heard earlier that the display is very clumsy but I personally don’t feel so. It’s very convenient. The only problem is with the fuel indicator. It’s got some issues – it doesn’t have the accuracy. I was also concerned about the absence of kick start option. It has no kick! but I was told that it’s battery is very reliable and designed for required performance. Moreover, it’s a new trend in the international bikes.
One more good news about this bike is – you can change its body color whenever you wish. The serviceman told me that it would cost me only Rs 3500 to get the body color changed. The mileage that I’m getting these days is 42-45 kmpl.
Now the things I didn’t like that much are – the bike displacement is only of 150 cc. It should have been more than that. The gears are toe operated, it’s difficult initially to get accustomed of it if you are not used to it. Also in the rainy season, when your shoes bottoms are muddy, the mud can get on to your shoes when you use gears. The chain is almost open and requires regular maintenance; my service bill consists of 180 Rs for chain cleaning and lubrication. The last thing is it has an awkward front number plate position. Many people get number written on the front mudguard. You cannot position the number plate where other bikes do because it may block the airflow and could damage to the air cooled engine.
Overall, it’s a great bike and I recommend it. Do let me know what do you think about my first review on Mouthshut.