Yamaha SZ

While the Yamaha SZ is not too basic and utilitarian in terms of design and comes out as a slightly more urban-oriented design with few modern bits, the fact that the actual design is almost ten years old in its basic form makes it look a bit dated in current times. However, the slim design and blacked-out cycle parts do make it look a bit sporty for a commuter of this class.

The frontal look of the Yamaha SZ has been kept simple, with the motorcycle getting a simple trapezoidal headlamp with slightly curved upper and lower edges. The whole headlamp is encased within a two-part bikini fairing, with the upper one finished in black and the lower one in body-colored panel. A big transparent visor sitting just above the headlamp makes the front face of the SZ look larger.

From the sides, the Yamaha SZ looks the best, and that is down due to the very muscular looking fuel tank which complements much with the rest of the slim design of the motorcycle. The fuel tank looks nicely carved which seeks much of its inspiration from the Yamaha FZi, with curved bulges on the centre of both sides. The body colored fuel tank recesses, with graphics and a 3D emblem, add to the sportiness of the motorcycle.

The rest of the side profile includes elongated and busily styled Y-shaped side body panels which are finished in matte black and come with body decals on them. The rear side body panels look simple with their curved but tapered from the middle design on sides, which end up towards the tail lamp cluster. At the rear, the simple tail lamp with its partitioned design looks unique, and with the split pillion grab rails, complete the rear look. The engine and exhaust pipe are completely finished in black.

The rider’s cockpit looks simple yet comprehensive, with a full analog console comprising of speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and odometer, however, an additional trip meter would have been welcomed too. Despite its basic appeal, the presence of an electric starter and engine kill switch is much appreciable.

The Yamaha SZ, with its lean profile, feels nimble and agile to ride. The sturdy diamond frame under its skin and a suspension setup comprising of simple hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and coil springs with rectangular swingarm at the rear do make the overall ride quality and handling decent, without much overall drama. A disc brake at the front and a drum unit at the rear takes care of halting duties.

Powering the Yamaha SZ is a four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, carbureted, 149.3cc engine, which it shares with the Yamaha FZi, but in a slightly detuned state. Here in the Yamaha SZ, the engine is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox and produces a maximum power output of 12.1 PS and a maximum torque output of 12.8 Nm.

Being a cost-effective basic commuter, the Yamaha SZ is devoid of more premium safety features. However, the front disc brake and an engine kill switch do mark their presence pretty effectively.

The Yamaha SZ tries hard to hide its basic and built-to-cost appeal with blacked-out parts, matte paint schemes, muscular fuel tank, and body decals, which makes it one of the most youthful-looking motorcycles in the category of premium commuters.

However, the lack of features and the slightly dated design make the Yamaha SZ a bit old school. With the rest of the well put mechanical parts and a potent engine, the Yamaha SZ comes out as a well-rounded fuss-free attempt in entry-level commuters.