At first sight, the Yamaha FZ 16 looks mean, rugged and naked. With its condensed all-black engine mass, bulbous exhaust, muscular tank scoops, shroud, extra-wide rear tyre and thick front forks, it does give the feel of a no-nonsense bike, much like the famed FZ 1, from which it draws inspiration.

To add to the appeal, the v-shaped headlight has been equipped with stays and the gap between the rear tyre and the tailpiece has been kept wide apart. The rear tail-light assembly is also mounted on the rear mudguard leaving the tailpiece uncluttered. The LCD console comes with a tachometer which displays even the revs in digital format. The bike also comes with retractable spring mounted foot pegs and standard electric start. The company provides an optional kick-start on request.

ENGINE: The engine is not the state-of-the-art technology found in the Yamaha R15. The 153-cc air-cooled 4-stroke two-valve engine comes with a negative air pressure carburettor with Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). This allows for better running performance and fuel economy in sync with engine rpm and throttle position. Yamaha claims a decent 50-55 km per litre under normal city riding condition. The style apart, the shroud (air intake cowl) also directs air inflow to the cylinder head to quickly cool down the engine.

TRANSMISSION: The toe-shift five-speed gear is standard Yamaha, first down and four up. Initially, the FZ 16 belies the trademark Yamaha thrust, but opens up with a full burst of the throttle. Pick-up is very good in second and excellent in third gear. At full throttle, the bike simply zips across. Acceleration is a bit tardy at speeds of over 100kmph in fifth gear, but shift down to fourth at 90kmph and the bike accelerates like a stallion. The bike has been designed for generating more torque at low gears and doesn’t disappoint in this respect.

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