The Yamaha SZ or its electric-starter equipped twin, the SZ-X are the latest entrants in the emerging 150cc power-commuter market.

The Yamaha SZ or its electric-starter equipped twin, the SZ-X are the latest entrants in the emerging 150cc power-commuter market. Powered by a 153cc single cylinder air-cooled motor mated to a 5-speed transmission, the SZ churns out 12.1PS of power and 12.8Nm of torque. Yamaha has adopted the top-down strategy to launch its premium models and gradually move towards the mass segment. The FZ-series and the YZF-R15 have truly put Yamaha back on its feet in the Indian market. Riding on the wave of success of the FZ, this year in April, Yamaha entered the entry level segment with its YBR110 model, aimed to lure the 100cc buyer with its mileage and comfort. Its newest offering, the SZ, will ply in the growing 150cc power-commuter segment.

The buyers in this bracket look for a stylish motorcycle with added grunt than the average Joe’s entry level bike but without having to compromise on fuel efficiency by going for a premium-class 150cc bikes like the FZ16, the TVS Apache RTR 160 or the Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi. And there are a sizeable number of buyers looking for something more than just a 100cc commuter but who do not intend to part with a lot of cash and also do not wish to run hefty fuel bills. For them the power-commuters make perfect sense. The SZ will have to slug it out with the Bajaj Discover 150 DTSi as well as the Honda Unicorn. The Unicorn has now moved to the commuter segment since the advent of premium 150cc bikes like the Hero Honda Hunk, the Yamaha FZ-series, the TVS Apache RTR 160 and its own sportier sibling, the CB Unicorn Dazzler.

The Yamaha SZ offers world-class level of built quality that Yamaha is known for, along with a potent 150cc engine and a very taut diamond-shaped chassis. The SZ comes with a kick-start while the SZ-X variant is available with an electric start but disc brakes have been omitted completely and are not available even as an optional fitment. Thumbs down. The big question about SZ’s pricing, with a price-tag of Rs. 49,000 for the SZ and Rs. 52,000 (both Ex-showroom, Delhi) for the SZ-X, it is a little steeply priced for its competition, like the Bajaj Discover 150 DTSi or even the CB Unicorn, which offers a front disc brake, a mono-suspension for the rear and with its new graphics it also looks flamboyant than ever before.

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