Yamaha Fazer V1

The Yamaha Fazer is inspired by the manufacturer's internationally successful Fazer series, renowned for its edgy, sporty look and high performance. A successor to the Yamaha FZ16, this sports bike promises much, but does it deliver?

The bike is certainly a case of standout design. The dual-tone aerodynamic front cowling is beautifully crafted, and designed to minimize drag and wind blast while travelling at high speed. The bike's stylish wind protector utilizes a carbon pattern that enhances the bike's sporty profile while reducing resistance. Its fierce-looking twin headlamps (35 watts apiece) are balanced by a sharp parking lamp in the center. It's unfortunate that only one light can be switched on at a time, the right light for upper and the left for dipper; but this is a minor issue on what is a very impressive design. At the rear, its wide fender effectively masks the tyre from mud and splash effects. The overall paint job is of very good quality, and the bike’s fit and finish display Yamaha's typical quality and attention to detail.

The Fazer features Yamaha's all-digital speed console which includes full LCD displays for the speedometer, tachometer, and trip meter and indicator lights. Its yellow colored backlist display is particularly effective during night rides, while its smart visor is ideal for viewing in bright sunlight. Yamaha Fazer is powered by a 153.00 cc air-cooled, 2-valve, 4-stroke SOHC engine with a maximum power of 13.8 bhp at 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 13.6 nm at 6000 rpm, and constant mesh five-speed transmission. The electric starter and strong start-up are indicative of a punchy engine with plenty of power. It doesn't reveal any stress, even after a string of journeys, and performs best over long distances.

With its moderately capable engine, the bike's acceleration is decent, although it can take a while to respond. The bike's advertised top speed is 132kmph, but this is heavily dependent on the weight of the rider and cargo – you can expect to get a maximum of 118, on average. The bike averages a mileage of 40 kmpl. The bike's fuel tank has a capacity of 12 litres.

In addition to its sporty profile, the Yamaha Fazer is designed to be a highly comfortable ride, and it delivers on this. Due to its slightly raised handlebar, the bike's seating position is more relaxed, which should help to minimize fatigue and provide better support for the spine during long rides. Generous seat space makes it a capacious ride for drivers of all sizes and shapes, with a long, firm seat that is particularly comfortable for the pillion rider. At the rear grab bar can serve not only as a backrest but also as a stability point for the pillion when travelling over uneven surfaces. Unfortunately, the strangely positioned foot pegs might subtract from the bike's comfort.

Both the front and rear tyres on the bike are tubeless that are significantly less susceptible to the sudden flattening that can occur when tyres are punctured, helping the bike to maintain performance even when tyre integrity has been compromised. It's chain protector also helps to prevent loose clothing or materials becoming stuck in the bike's chain.The storage space on the bike is minimal, which is unsurprising but still disappointing. There is no under-seat storage space, and the tank is made out of fiber, so magnetic tank bags would not be usable with this bike.

Like its FZ-S and FZ16 predecessors, the Yamaha Fazer features Monocross suspension, seven times adjustable, suitable for a World Motocross Championship standard that ensures a stable and responsive riding experience. The suspension is consistent and responsive, with the front telescopic forks capable of absorbing most of the shocks from the road; riding pillion is particularly smooth and comfortable, thanks to the Monocross rear suspension. The Yamaha Fazer features a 267mm hydraulic disc brake at the front, and a drum brake at the rear. The large diameter disc brake on the front boasts a two-pot calliper that makes full and capable use of the disc's outer perimeter to significantly improve stability and responsiveness.

In general, the bike is an easy and pleasant ride, but it's let down by a distinct lack of power. While the engine feels adequate for the job, it's also apparent that the bike's heavy weight prevents it from being a truly powerful vehicle. Nevertheless, it handles capably and never feels unbalanced. The bike incorporates the FZ's mid-ship muffling system, which helps to concentrate the weight upon the bike as close as possible to its center of gravity, enhancing the driver's control when cruising at high speed.

The Yamaha Fazer has a 140/60-17 inch size radial tyre at the rear, with a 60 percent aspect ratio that is designed to improve the bike's grip on road surfaces, and offer greater stability while handling. The front tyre is a 100/80-17 inch. The rear tyre is India's very first radial tyre. The Yamaha Fazer is sleek, attractive and comfortable to ride, with some high-performance features. At this price, the Fazer is somewhat disappointing: while very stylish, its low fuel efficiency does count against it, and it isn't significantly more powerful than the competition.