Hi, I am Siddharth. After reading many stories about other bike owners and their experiences, I have decided how actually I should choose my first bike (FZ-16). It was Friday, November 22nd 2008, the day my second year B. Tech final semester exams got over. My dad promised me that he will buy me my first bike and the very next day, I along with my dad, were in the Yamaha showroom sharp at 11am. We were welcomed by the Yamaha personal as we entered the showroom in Hyderabad.
Shortlisting suitable bikes: Previously, I read a lot of reviews on almost every bike in the 150cc segment. After lot of discussions and reading almost every review on Bikeadvice.in, I short-listed the TVS apache 160 RTR, Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme, and Yamaha FZ-16. Now it was a difficult task on choosing one among these three bikes, so I started reviewing each one accordingly to suit my requirements the best.
RTR 160: Firstly, to start off with the TVS apache the styling was one of the best until the launch of Yamaha’s R-15 and the naked street fighter Yamaha Fz-16 but the brand TVS was not known for its refinement and build quality. Overall the bike was superb with great mileage figures, class-leading power and pickup but negatives like vibrations, low quality, and maintenance problems turn me off to go for it.
CBZ-Xtreme: Secondly, the Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme. The first CBZ was an eye catching beauty among Indian bikes, launched in the past, when I was doing my schooling. I always used to admire it to be my first bike but, by the time I grew old enough to ride a bike, it vanished from the face of Indian biking industry and was replaced by the CBZ Xtreme. This bike lacks the styling and design of the earlier model, but has Hero Honda’s bullet proof reliability, good mileage, and build quality that is obvious for the brand.
FZ 16: Lastly, the Yamaha FZ-16. Right from my childhood I was a big fan of Yamaha, don’t know why, but I simply love the brand. I learnt bike riding on a Yamaha RX-100, which was their first masterpiece. Well, coming to the FZ-16, I was insanely addicted towards the bikes styling. It has an awesome, sculpted tank, huge rear tire, great side scoops, naked headlamp (which I felt was somewhat unique when compared to other 150’s manufactured in India). Although the brand was down, I still kept hope in it.
So I made my mind on that day and choose the Yamaha FZ-16 (Midnight Black), which I think really has quenched my thirst for biking. My dad had a small quarrel with me over the price tag (which is a bit overpriced when compared to the other 150’s), but still it’s worth every penny. I have this beast for almost one year; it has never given up its breath. Already 5 services are completed with 8000kms on the odometer. Rock solid reliability, great refined engine, good braking, great pickup, and ease of negotiating city traffic are some of the highpoints of this machine. If you are a true fan of Yamaha and in need of a quick city commuter and occasional tourer, then go for it without a second thought.
Siddharth
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
hi siddarth,
truly a good selection indeed. all the 3 short listed 150′s are amazing bikes in their own sense. The one that stands outside is definately FZ16 and FZ s. superb styling, amazing handling. happy riding ahead
regards
ram.
nice dude..
Really cool work out dude…….
Keep it up……….!!!!
Nice stuff, the fan base of this bike is increasing everyday.
True bro, Me too a fz 16 owner for the past 6 months. Completed 3600km on the bike. Truly a great bike but with cons like a small rear seat and high speed performance but this is also my first bike, like you and Yamaha rocks.
By the way I am getting a mileage of 45 plus in city. What about yours.
RIGHT GUYS !!!
I am another proud owner of FZ16 and ve’ clocked 15000 km (1 years). Still, same performance and grip one expects from a brand new bike !! Most charming thing in my opinion is definetely its low and mid grunt, making it a fun to ride bike !!! I’m from Nepal and have even toured to Himalayan region of my country and FZ has been a great companion all the way !!!
Smooth as silk. Some things that could be improved in my view is its small rear seat. Otherwise, No problems !!!
“Ride hard or stay home !!”
here u didnt tell about milage. And you more explain about the day u buy the bike. Want to know top speed, milage etc.
Hi ra…
… I’m born passionate towards bikes and ofcourse YAMAHA is my all time FAV…
Really it was your THE BEST choice I should tell u..
It not only performs well but suits u great.. I love that bike most and i may OWN it soon DUDE
yamaha rocks the biking world.. YES YAMAHA…
Gud writing dude……….
I own a younger bro of urs, yes i hav a FZS black-streak it was awesome….just finished my first service…
Choosing a bike frm the world leader Yamaha never makes u down..
**************** YES YAMAHA *****************
“”"” Vroom Vroom get the fire on your Wheels “”"”
Truly speaking, when I saw this bike for the first time. I thought who the hell will buy this thing. It looks like a kind of odd creature or something. (Now I think in the same manner for Pulsar 135)
I agree that this bike has good pickup and performance. But I will not accept the writer’s comment on Apache and CBZ. All high performance machine will vibrate at its peak power delivery point. If your bike doesn’t then think about its performance!!!
FZ’s are no match for Indian Apache and Pulsar in all fronts (pickup, style, performance, etc…), to some extent with CBZ and Karizma too.
I couldn’t digest that you compared this bike with Apache. And conclude that this thing is better than Apache.
BTW I own Flame SR125 black (very happy with it) and I’m not a big fan of Apache or Pulsar but personally feel that they are the best bikes in India and they will continue to be.
@balachander:
the comparison which i have done was truly on its cc basis and although apache is high on cubic capacity (approx 7cc) it does make a difference in terms of performance …moreover i didn’t criticized any bike in my article, i have written my own opinion ….moreover, the fact is that apache truly vibrates once u cross the 60kph mark….i have confirmed it from many of its owners.
@athul:
sorry, i forgot to mention the mileage of this masterpiece…..it gives approx 42-km-pl in city and approx 47-km-pl on highways…with a true top speed of 109kph
Fz’s are no match for apaches and pulsars.
Having ridden these 3 and owning the fz 16 for over 6 months, I firmly say that FZ IS COMPARABLE TO PULSAR OR APACHE.
The apache offers performance and racing but it is also the best in inducing back pain and sprain. The rear seat is even smaller than the fz! Mileage is more but what’s the use of performance if you can’t properly enjoy them.
Speaking of the pulsar the fz is just like the pulsar when it was launched. In 2001, when the first pulsar was launched, the bike was ahead of its time and drew many fans, me included. But sadly after a decade, there is no major change to the model that was in 2001 except for cosmetic and digital gizmos.
The fz may have defects but its surely one step ahead of its competitors. Some pluses I have found during my use are
1. The rider seat is very comfortable and the wide position may be initially strainful but it becomes very pleasent for short and long term rides.
2. The bike shows its best performance in busy cities with low end torque and its low weight. Chances of accident’s are greatly less compared to apache and pulsars. You can control the bike at any cost.
3. If price is reduced, the back seat is enlarged and the rear wheel is replaced by a thinner one, the fz would be the ultimate 150cc bike!!!
(Even though there is Unicorn which i like more )
tvs apache rtr doesnt hv any qlty niggles….
n sale n service is also top notch…
thanks, for all your valuable comments!!!…….i mean it!!
@vineeth:
thanks for appreciating me, but even i am also getting a mileage of 45plus in city…and around 50 on highways…
Really coool one buddy….one of my fav. bike too…
my height is 5 feet and 4 inches is fzs or fz16 good for me
another quest is this that at what price you bought this monster icluding all taxes and insurance
Hi Siddharth,
Thanks for the usefull review of this wonderful bike.
Actually, i bought this amazing bike FZ16 on the FEB 25th 2009. I am in love with it. Completed 1000kms last Friday and got the First Service done. Till then did not go beyond 50kmph or 4000rpm
I live in Hyderabad. Initially, when i planned to buy a bike, i wanted good mileage between 40 to 50kmpl. My office is 22kms from home, so the bike had to be comfortable for long rides. I had CBZ Xtreme and Pulsar 150/180 in mind. I rode CBZ for about 3weeks, it was good. At office i saw FZ, but i was thinking about mileage so thought of not taking it. Newer driven a pulsar, so know nothing about that. But given the looks of pulsar, i fixed on 180cc. Many people said not to buy pulsar with different reasons. But i was decided that i will. Then i heard about the monocross suspension in FZ. So checked out about FZ and Fazer all around the web. Seemed damn good. Went to the showroom and took a trial of Fazer but i did not like it because of the heavy dome. Then drove FZ for just 200metres and there it was in my mind. Did not have a second thought and went for it. It cost me Rs 77,000 on road (Rs 66250 ex-showroom Hyderabad)
I wanted visor so bought it in addition. Crash guard is also good, it does not spoil the look at all. Even the ladies foot rest is not bad.
Now i don’t mind even if it gives around 35kmpl mileage as the riding comfort, looks, road grip are amazing.
And Siddarth you have mentioned that already 5 services are completed with 8000kms on the odometer in ur FZ, could you please give me any maintainence tips. And now that the first service is done for my bike, can i drive it beyond 4000rpm or 60kmph?
Will be waiting for advice. Thank you.
@Mohit
It will absolutely suit you more than me coz my height is 5’10” and it still suits me so go for it. It cost me Rs 77,000 on road (Rs 66250 ex-showroom Hyderabad)
Have a safe ride
i bought this bike for 76k in bangalore in feb… i used to ride it at max 50kmph for work till my first servie.. after that i am usually revving it above 6k rpm onmy way to work.. it is such an amazing bike to rip the streets in the mornings..in the outskirts.. my friends were startled by its looks and design. and the yamaha engines are very famous for its reliability for 6-8 years ao going for fz-16 is avery good choice of a lifetime for anyone…
Hi ALL,
The FZ Series is ok but not great the one thisng that i would want everyone to know is that the rear tyre although wide does not have a thick rubber covering its very light and prone to pumchers all the time.
@Kalyan:
welcome to the club FZ…you have choosen the right bike of your dream…congratulations!!..
well, coming to some maintenance tips…just clean the bike regularly, service your bike at YAMAHA service points only at regular intervals, maintain the right air pressure all the time, drive only speeds ranging b/w 45-55kmph, switch of the engine at traffic signals if the red is on for more than 10sec, then i bet your bike will be in the best condition with a mileage of 40kmpl in city and 45-50kmpl on highways!!…
Happy and a safe riding …
ALL THE VERY BEST!!
@siddharth
Well its really gr8 to own this awesome bike, done with 2nd servicing,almost 3600kms crossed. After 1st servicing, i wanted to really know what the fz is capable of, been driving it 75% at 70kmph, still i am getting around 35-37kmpl, which i am ok with coz of the riding comfort and ease… Thanks for your reply.. infact i fell with the bike 3weeks ago coz some stupid garbage truck dumped some greasy stuff on road and i could not control. But thank god nothing happened to me nor my fz… Daily i ride on it for almost 50kms, n i enjoy the ride… one problem i keep facing is, apart from office, wherever else i park it, the yamaha logo stickers are being removed, thats the part i hate.
So people, without hesitation, GO FOR IT..!
i’m able to reach 105kmph in my FZ-S…how abt yours???
@sidhharth
really nice choose dude…!!
i love that bike yeah..!!
am also soon to buy that bike yeah..!!
i like all those comments fz ..!!!
i am the fan fz ..!!
Hi guys,
I am planning to buy a bike next week, but I cant decide on whether to go for FZ16 or FZ S, so please advise?? Is there any difference between the two except for the color style? Is there any upgrade in the engine in case of FZ S? Waiting for your reply.. Thnx!
Hi buddy,
First of all congratzz on your purchase. Hope you having loads of fun riding this monster. Well I’m planning to buy this bike and i have few doubts. I’m 5 feet 5 inches in height will this bike suit me ? Or will it be like an ant on the elephant ? I currently own apahce rtr 180 and I feel it really looks big for me. I’m bit confused in this regard .. wats ur call on this, Should i be going for this bike ?
hi isaac
i’m kasim i got a yamaha fz 16 last month 8.9.2011… there are no different between fz 16 and fzs… little changes in the both bikes….. colors, head light 1lye changes in yamaha fzs…both engine are same…
im going to buy a bike on this new year so
im stuck in two bikes suzuki gs150r and yamaha fz/fzs
plz somebody help me guys
i also buy fzs in compition white it look sporty & tooooo coooool every one stares it…………………. lagta he iske nazar utarne padegi………….;>)