Remember Joel? The tuner who has to his credit the development of the fastest Yamaha R15 in the country. Well he is back, this time with modifications for the Yamaha FZ series and Fazer. Sure, there is the Daytona kits available for Yamaha machines, but they don’t come cheap. So what has Joel got? For starters, there is a tuned freeflow exhaust. This is said to boost power across the complete revv range, while at the same time boosting fuel efficiency. The freeflow comes with DB killer to cut decibel levels. Then there is the bigbore kit to 180cc, which improves power massively at the same time improving mileage and ensuring reliability. Last but not the least is the Racing carb, which enhances fueling needs of the modified engine. This being offered based on the engine tune required.

Tell us about yourself. Who you are? What you do?

Hi friends an colleagues, I am Chandranath Sarkar. I am currently living in Bangalore for past 5 years. I am working in Biocon as junior executive in formulation and I am studying MSC BT. I am married happily for past 1 and a half year.

When and how did your love for cars/bikes or both start?

My love for bikes started from my tender age of 5years. Strictly speaking I don’t like cars at all.

Which car/bike do you currently own?

Currently I own a Red Yamaha FZ16. But earlier I have ridden CBZ, LML Energy, Splendor, LML Vespa Select 2 (my dad’s scooter), YBX till now.

When did you buy your car/bike?

I brought my red devil in NOV 2009.

What made you buy this particular car/bike?

If LOOKS can KILL, this bike is definitely worth killing. Every aspect of parts are drooled with muscular effect like a body builder. My 100% choice for this bike is looks and the legendary Yamaha reliability.

How many kms have you done? How many do you do everyday?

I have done its in the pic. Everyday I do almost 42 km

What do you love the most about your car/bike?

The sound that beats as if it is like a piece of my heart. The rear tire and tail piece, it kills me every time I look at it.

What you don’t like about your car/bike?

There is nothing that I don’t like about my FZ.

Will you trade your car/bike for any other vehicle? If yes, which one?

Till now no other bike is there to trade my FZ, but if I do it it will be Yamaha FZ1 or Kawasaki Z1000.

What is the longest you drove/rode your car/bike and where?

My longest ride so far in a day is 287 km to Shivanasamudra.

What is the fastest speed you have achieved on your car/bike?

I have reached 124 kmph on my FZ16 in nice road with helmet, gloves and boots on. Extremely stable but a load of vibration in handlebar. The sound changes to like a roaring lion.

What mileage does your vehicle give you?

It is giving me 41 to 43 kmpl till date.

What is the nastiest thing you have done in your vehicle?

I have stick all the sticker with feviquick, because all of them were stolen once.

What modifications have you done to your vehicle and what do you plan to do in the future?

Till now I have changed the front pilot light and tail light to led and put tank sticker. I am planning to get the Joel FFE (free flow exhaust) for FZ in next month. More will come later for sure.

Why is your car/bike so special to you?

Because it becomes a extension of me, my family.

Which is your dream car/bike?

My dream bike is Z1000, S1000RR, R1, Fireblade, FZ1.

Which car/bike sold in India is your current favourite?

Fireblade and Fz16, but FZ sure needs a upgrade after 3 years.

Any advice for Motorbeam readers?

Yes, please wear atleast helmet while riding and always use your rear view mirror because it is there for your safety. DONOT remove it for making it style statement. Thanks and ride safe.

Yamaha India has introduced new variants of the FZ, FZ-S and Fazer bikes of with a slight makeover. Vibrant colors will adorn these machines along with new logos and graphics. The launch will be complemented by an aggressive media campaign featuring John Abraham. All the models – FZ, FZ-S and Fazer of the FZ family will now have a kick start option. The new FZ will be available at a price of Rs. 67,000, FZ-S at Rs. 69,000 while Fazer will bear the price tag of Rs. 74,000 (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi).

“The FZ series has gained immense popularity among youngsters since its launch in September 2008. The introduction of the FZ series in a whole new look is in line with our strategy to consistently provide our customers with fresh and new offerings. These bikes have been instrumental in taking our sales to a higher trajectory. We are confident that the new variants too will be an instant hit among the biking enthusiasts. We have also charted out an extensive plan for the promotional campaign of the new variants featuring our brand advisor John Abraham,” Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO and MD, Yamaha India, said.

Yamaha has introduced four new colors for FZ-S – Golden Streak, Competition White, Black Cyber Green and Yellow Streak. Fazer will also be seen in four new colors – Competition White, Black Cyber Green, Midnight Black and Lava Red while FZ will be available in two new colors – Midnight Black and Lava Red.

Yamaha India has announced the launch of FZ Series Limited Edition bikes under the Midnight Special version. The new FZ limited edition variants sport rich and smart graphics with the signature Yamaha looks making sure that the customer feels the pride of ownership. As the version name ‘Midnight Special’ suggests, the bikes will be available in an all black color concept with golden alloy wheel highlighting the exclusive looks of the machines. The limited edition Fazer, FZ-S and FZ16 models will be available at ex-showroom prices (Delhi) of Rs. 74,500 /-, Rs. 69,500/- and Rs. 67,500 /- respectively.

“Keeping in mind the festive season, we are launching Limited Edition FZ Series bikes and are confident that these too will be an instant hit among the biking enthusiasts. We have kept the essence of FZ series bikes intact while altering the aesthetics to exemplify the masculine feeling these tough machines are known for. The rich & sporty graphics will take the macho image to its next level,” Mr. Pankaj Dubey, National Business Head, Yamaha India, said.

Yamaha will produce only 1,000 units of each of FZ, FZ-S and Fazer models and the aluminum plate on the fuel tank will bear the vehicle serial number (1-1000) to make the bike look as exclusive as the customer himself. The limited edition Fazer will also carry the signature of the Yamaha brand ambassador of India John Abraham crafted in golden letters on the front cowl of the bike.

While some might say its totally pointless to carry out such a modification as one could purchase a Fazer and get similar aesthetics, we feel the owner has done a fantastic job. The full fairing and twin headlamps look absolutely fab and the wide tyres of the FZ makes the bike look like a sports bike from any angle you view it from.

Well certainly that is no feast for the bike to cover 1610 kms in a day, after all its a Yamaha but it truly is a feast for Mr. Melroy Alphonso who undertook this tedious journey and came out on top. He came across the Iron Butt Association of USA which has certification for long distance rides called the saddlesore1000. In this ride you have to complete 1,610kms (1000 miles) in a period of 24 hours. He had to locate a suitable route where the roads were good and traffic was light. For proof the ride has to have petrol receipts, logs, witness forms for verification process. He choose the route of Mumbai to Eklinji and back to Mumbai covering a distance of 1650kms. Eklingji is located in Rajasthan which is at a distance of 15kms north from Udiapur. So the route was Mumbai (Maharashtra), Surat (Gujarat), Udaipur-Eklingji (Rajashtan) and turn back and come back to Mumbai thus completing the required 1,610 kms.

DAY1 – He started out from Sion (Mumbai) on 23rd November, 2009 at 7:54am at western express highway. The W.E highway connects to the golden quadrilateral which takes him across to Gujurat and Rajasthan. This route goes all the way north direction to Delhi. He topped up hi fuel tank on his Yamaha FZ16, took a petrol receipt as proof for documentation and his saddlesore ride has begun, His destination was to reach Eklingji which is ahead of Udaipur and head back to Mumbai. The journey on the golden quadrilateral is much better than riding on other highways. He had to be extremely careful of the trucks plying as he did not want to be run down by any of them. Riding the FZ16 was fun as the engine and gear change was smooth, rest assured the extra wide 140mm tire on the bike provided fantastic grip and stability. He reached Surat at 11:35am covering about 284 kms. This was his first stop after he begain hi ride after filling fuel. The scenery covered while riding the bike is breathtaking, he thought to myself this is the best part of doing the ride. He finally reached the end border of Gujurat at Himmatnagar at 4:30pm. The only stops he did was at the petrol pumps to refuel and he sipped on red bull for energy. He continued his ride entering into Rajasthan. This was his first visit to Rajasthan, it is really a lovely place to visit once at least. Finally he reached Eklingji at 7:26pm and he was glad. Now he just had to make it back to Mumbai in one piece. After leaving Rajasthan to return back to Mumbai he reached Himmatnagar (Gujurat) at 10:28pm.

DAY2 – The journey in the night became a problem as lots of insects were starting to hit his helmet. He had to stop frequently to clean the helmet visor so that he can have a proper view in the night. He reached Surat (Gujurat) early morning at 3:40am and was dead tired not knowing whether he will be able to make it back to Mumbai. His odometer read that he had covered a distance of 1363 kms. Continuing riding he made it to Dhaisar check naka and to his surprise there was a hell line of trucks lined up. Making his way on the side path he made his way out. He reached Mumbai and headed to to the western express highway, nearing his time. After much riding he reached a petrol pump but the credit card machine was down. Ahead he was glad to see a ATM machine and quickly punched in his card and got a time stamp slip for proof. He reached Goregaon (Mumbai) on W.E highway at 7:50am on 24th November, 2009. He had done it, he had completed 1650 kms in 24 horrs. Now he had to make his way back home satisfied that he had done the saddlesore1000 ride.

Students can finally rejoice. If you are a student then rush to your nearest dealer to get Rs. 3000/- cash reward on new purchase of Yamaha FZ16 or FZS. These offers close on 31st August, 2009. Just in case you are no more studying, you can still get cash rewards by referring your friend(s) on buying FZ16 or FZS and save Rs. 2500 for your friend and get reward of Rs. 500 for being a loyal customer of Yamaha on every purchase.

Bike tested: Yamaha FZ16

Price OTR Mumbai: 75,000/-

MotorBeam rating:

The Yamaha FZ16 has been a highly awaited bike and is a very important bike for Yamaha. We thought reviewing the Yamaha FZ16 is as important as reviewing a new Maruti car, so we did not delay in getting our hands on the Yamaha FZ16.

To start off this bike has striking presence. The looks of this bike will be a major reason for its success. We all know that the Pulsar 150 isint as great a bike as its sales figure suggests, its engine is not as refined either compared to the Unicorn but it does sell and how! One of the main reasons for the Pulsar 150 to sell so well is, it looks the part and the FZ16 makes the Pulsar look like a bike from last generation. After looking at the FZ16, i can confidently say that the bike is Definitely Male.

Just like the Yamaha R15, the FZ16 has been wind tunnel tested for better aerodynamics. The engine is air cooled and uses a carburetor. A FI version would have made this bike really more desirable but then Yamaha had to price it sanely too. However the bike does ride pretty well.

There is good amount of low end grunt, something which is missing in the R15. Though power of 14PS doesn’t speak much, its the torque which is worth talking about. 13.6NM @ 6000 RPM means this bike pulls very well from any RPM. There is very good throttle response and the bike will nudge 120kmph which is the norm in the 150cc segment. Yamaha claim an unrealistic mileage of 50kmpl. Expect 40kmpl under normal riding conditions.

The fat front forks, mono cross suspension and the fat tires ensures that the FZ16 rides very well. You hardly feel a bump and is thus suited for our roads, which are well poorly made. Although the bike looks all muscles, it handles pretty well. Change of direction is quick and the wide handle bars makes the riding position almost spot on. Braking is good and gear shifts are smooth but not as good as the R15, which is in another league.

We really didn’t like the instrumentation on the FZ16. The tacho needle is small and makes it difficult to read. Otherwise too the instrument cluster is a wee bit small for our liking and for a bike which looks so big and butch, i really don’t know why Yamaha compromised on better instrumentation. The bike also has no kick start (ala Pulsar 220), similar fuel tank capacity as the R15 (12 liters) and weighs just 127 kgs (dry)

To sum up the FZ16 is a fantastic machine, it is worth the money and is certainly our pick in the 150cc segment. However Yamaha could have made it better, all those fat tires and forks need a bigger engine, perhaps a FZ20 should be launched by Yamaha to quench the performance hunger in us.

Whats Kool

• Looks amazing
• Rides very well
• Engine has good grunt
• Attention to detail
• Fat tires
• Good pricing

Whats UnKool

• Unimpressive instrument cluster
• Pillion seat too small for humans

How does it Move:

How does it Look:

How does it Ride:

How does it Handle :

How does it Go:

FZ16 Specifications:

• Engine: 153CC air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves
• Power: 14PS @ 7500rpm
• Torque: 13.6Nm @ 6000rpm
• Transmission: 1 down 4 up
• Top Speed: 120kmph
• Fuel Consumption: 35-40 kmpl (City), 40-45 kmpl (highway)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 litres
• Fuel Type: Petrol Unleaded
• Fuel System: 26mm CV Carb
• Tires: 100/80/R17 (F), 140/60/R17 (R)
• Brakes: 267mm single cross-drilled ventilated rotor with 2-pot calipers / 130mm drum

FZ16 Dimensions:

• Overall length x width x height: 1975mm X 770mm X 1045mm
• Seat height: 790mm
• Wheelbase: 1,335mm
• Minimum ground clearance: 160mm
• Dry weight / Curb weight: 127 kgs / 137 kgs

Official Website – Yamaha FZ16

Yamaha finally launched the much awaited FZ16 in Goa. The bike is priced at Rs 65,000 (ex-showroom). The company is targeting to sell 30,000 units of the FZ16 by the year end. Stay tuned for test ride review of the FZ16.

“Going forward, products unique to the Indian market such as the R15 and the newly launched FZ16 will play a major role in the revitalisation of Yamaha here. Our two new motorcycles were specifically designed for India. We would continue designing products specifically for this market which reflect global Yamaha DNA. Going forward, we want to be perceived as a premium bike maker in India with which youth of this country identifies,” India Yamaha Motor CEO and Managing Director Tsutomu Mabuchi said.

Yamaha’s 150cc challenger the FZ15, now named the FZ16 will be launched tomorrow at Goa. The bike has a 153cc carburetted engine with throttle position sensor and produces 14PS@7500RPM of power and 13.6NM@6000RPM of torque. Unlike the R15, this bike does not have 6 gears but 5 gears, 1 down, 4 up.

The bike gets electric start, front disc, tubesless tires and mono suspension as standard. The front tire is 100/80/R17 whereas the rear is wide 140/60-R17.  Yamaha will be launching the FZ16 in three colours, that is Midnight Black, Lava Red and Flaming Orange. The instrument panel does not look all that appealing to me but the bike looks awesome and is certainly one of the best looking bikes in our country. Pricing is speculative but we expect it to be around the 80k mark. Yamaha FZ16 site is here.

Specifications

• Dimensions – 1975mm (length), 770mm (width), 1045mm (height)
• Wheelbase – 1335mm
• Engine – 153CC air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves
• Power – 14PS@7500RPM
• Torque -  13.6NM@6000RPM
• Gearbox: 5 Speed
• Fuel System: 26mm CV Carb
• Tyres(F/R): 100/80/R17, 140/60/R17
• Brakes(F/R): 267mm single cross-drilled ventilated rotor with 2-pot calipers / 130mm drum
• Suspension: Front: 41mm Telescopic Forks – Rear: Monocross type
• Headlight: 12V 35W Halogen with Multifocal Reflector
• Tank capacity : 12 litres