Scoop! 2011 Yamaha SZ 150 - coming to India; images and details on price and launch

We recently saw the Yamaha SZ 150 on test near Pune but unfortunately we could not catch the test mule on cam due to some unforeseen circumstances. However, we got enough info on the new 150cc commuter from India Yamaha Motor. The bike is essentially the same as the SZ Concept shown at the 2010 Auto Expo in Delhi. However, there are very minor changes that we'll talk about on the next page. The new bike will be called the 'SZ' which is basically a younger sibling of the 'FZ' line-up. The tagline for the SZ is expected to read 'Comfort & Convenience'. That should give you a clear indication that this new bike from Yamaha is indeed a motorcycle for commuting from point A to point B and not for the performance hungry enthusiast. The SZ is expected to launch in September 2010, with deliveries commencing a couple of weeks before Diwali. The price range for this bike is expected to be in the 50,000-55,000 rupee range and it mainly targets the 125cc segment. At that price, the Discover 150 DTS-i still sounds like a better proposition, but we would like to hold our judgement until the bike and the price tag is publicly announced. Head over to the next page for all the minor details of the Yamaha SZ 150 with detailed images>>>

[caption id="attachment_4454" align="aligncenter" width="475" caption="The Yamaha SZ 150 gets the same engine as the FZ16, however this mill is tuned and geared for better fuel efficiency and even more low end grunt. The production model is expected to get a kick-starter as well"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4455" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="The exhaust canister gets a more conventional design as compared to the radical FZ. The heat guard is made of fibreglass to reduce costs"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4456" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Initially the Yamaha SZ will only come with drum brakes, a disc brake option could be added later"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4457" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="The muscular fuel tank gets extended shrouds to keep with the competition. The SZ will boast of chrome graphics on the tank and rear quarter panels for a slightly upmarket look"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4458" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="The SZ gets a conventional toe-heel shifter for commuter convenience. Notice the large footpeg"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4459" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="The bikini fairing makes use of cheap plastics to reduce costs, but looks stylish nevertheless. No changes will be made to the design shown above"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4460" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="The instrumentation console will be different than the one shown in the photo. 1. The tachometer will be replaced by a large fuel gauge. 2. The central section of the console will get tell tale lights only for 'headlight', 'high beam' and 'turn blinkers'. It will also sport the 'SZ - Comfort and Convenience' lettering. 3. The carbonfibre lookalike finish will fill the entire console, including the speedometer, unlike the body coloured unit shown here"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4461" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Cost cutting takes a toll on the suspension as well. The FZ's meaty mono-shock absorber makes way for a conventional twin shock absorber setup in the SZ. The box-type swingarm should impart decent handling characteristics. The inclusion of a chain guard points towards a conventional chain instead of the better O-ring type. Notice the large footpegs, again!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4462" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="The taillight of the SZ is the best design element of the bike and will set it apart from the rest of the commuters on the road. Notice the weird looking grab rail"][/caption]

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