For smart, sensible riding

It was time to take a joyride between Jaipur and Udaipur, as Yamaha launched its latest bike, SZ-X. For the uninitiated, this is a bike with the promise of 150cc style and performance, for the cost of a 125cc model. Looks The styling is smart, although not as flashy as Yamaha's other 150s. Both the electric starter-equipped SZ-X and the kick-only version have an analogue speedometer, but neither has a tachometer. The switches feel hard and even look cheap. However, I took a liking to the bike's slightly long silencer. The best bit is undoubtedly its tail, with a really neat, split brake lamp. The SZ uses the FZ-16's four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled 153cc engine. Engine Like on the FZ, this engine's good low and mid-range grunt, coupled with city-centric gearing, makes light work of early morning traffic. Acceleration is brisk to 80kph, after which the SZ takes a while to reach 100kph, finally settling down to a 106kph top speed. The consensus is that the SZ clearly doesn'tfeature in the sporty 150s territory. The comfortable, upright riding position is conducive to long spells of riding. The SZ felt stable and light to steer even at high speeds.The brakes are up to their task in the city, but just about adequate on a highway.Even in the rain, the SZ does not disappoint. The SZ is not as appealing as an FZ or YZF-R15. But Yamaha has built a smart, attractive product here. Bike basics YAMAHA SZ-X Price: R49,000—52,000 (ex-showroom,Delhi) On sale: Now Power: 12.1bhp at 7500rpm Torque: 1.3kgm at 4500rpm Wheels: 5-spoke alloyL/ W/ H: 2050/ 730/ 1100 mm Wheelbase: 1320 mm Ground clearance: 165 mmFuel tank capacity: 14 litres Kerb weight: 132kg Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke Displacement: 153 cc Gearbox: 5-speed manual Brakes: 150mm drum (f), 130mm drum (r) Fuel tank capacity: 65 litres Tyres: 225/ 60 R17 Autocar India