Behold the new power - commuter !! . Review on Yamaha SZ R

After reading a handful reviews by some owners and also the road test reported by zigwheels.com, I finally zeroed in on the Yamaha SZ R - the new kid on the block - or atleast for now. Well, the first impressions of the bike are going to level up the rider's expectations but would eventually drop once they are on the move with this bike.

Design / Looks:

The looks are definitely going to grab a lot attention. You would probably need to answers a few questions to curious onlookers at the signal or even when these riders close in on you just to catch a glimpse! What can you possibly ask for in the looks department? So it's thumbs up for the design and all the eye candy. You would probably be knowing by now, that the tank cowls really compliments the look.

Mileage:

At first, I was reluctant to get me this bike owing to service center woes reported by the many poor Yamaha fans out there and also the "mileage". But what the heck? I always wanted to own a global brand when it comes to anything I want to possess. I have travelled for only about 180 kms, did a 55 and thats all what I had done to push the limits of this bike. The resulting mileage was 45, not bad when it comes to Yamaha. Should be getting more after the first service.

Ride & handling:

This department perhaps scores on par with the overall desgin. I mean the bike is very flexible while you grunt through traffic, gears are pretty responsive and so are the front disc brakes. Most of the time I prefer using the disc as they are quick and reliable, but my thumb muscle took the strain and complained to me with some reddish swelling.I am glad that I never went for the SZ X, many are already complaining about the front drum brakes. Rear brakes are already loose, but still very active when "stepped" into action. The console does not get any of my attention - just the plain old analog displays. Sadly, the tires are not upto the mark - with those tvs branded ones, you need to be extra careful when you really expect good road grip especially on a rainy day. Pickup is normal - do not expect that this bike is going to behave with a apache or pulsar or fz style pick up!

Comfort:

I was in for a surprise when I rode for around 26 kms straight with out any halts and ended up with a soar behind! I heard better comfort giving bikes, but its definitely lacking here. The suspension does a good job over most potholes but again not something to brag about. You can expect mediocre comfort here. Sometimes you might have to adjust your sitting while riding as you find yourself trying to fix on the perfect ergonomic posture - typical commuter type.

One thing which I found quite silly is the headlight aiming up towards the sky, while the road ahead you is dangerously still in pitch black. Maybe I need to adjust something. Let you all know later on this.

Now, the next most important thing about " Dealer experience" - for me it was kind of ok. I did find a set of disgruntled part time working employees who sternly refuses to give in to the poor desk girl. She found herself doing everything what they had to do. The insurance policy was delayed by a day but then I made it a point to speak out to the manager and he kindly got it to me the very next day.

My piece of advice is - go for this bike if you want to just "commute" but definitely a no-no if you want speed thrills. It does upto an extent but I am sure it's not your thing.

I would give this a 4/5 rating.

Regards,

Sanjai