Adrenalin Pumping Flasher. Review on Yamaha FZ-S

UPDATE 01-07-2010 You won't believe it - the battery has conked off - so there's now way to start the bike since it doesn't have any kick start option - Sorry Yamaha - Its 'NO YAMAHA !'

UPDATE 25-08-2009 = 2 days After the second free service the bike refuses to move and the Malad service centre guys expect me to drag the bike to their service centre all the way to get it looked at - Isn't that ridiculous ? and barely just 3 months since we bought this ?

Yamaha has lost a customer and with this review of mine going places - its going to lose a lot of face - Their service centre guys, Mr. Raj, promises me since 3 days that they are trying to send some one over - and then he cooly takes off on his weekly off - so there's no follow up and no service - And, earlier they expected us to reach their service centre on the stipulated date of 2nd free service or they would not be able to provide the service if the date is missed ! This is atrocious ! And extremely un-becoming of a world renowned company - this time they have hit the self -destruct button !

If ever there was a two-wheeler company that had a lack-lustre marketing team in India, it surely must be the YAMAHA. Earlier they enjoyed a fan following with their Rajdoot Yamahar 350 offering and their BOBBY hey days..

The Honda is the most well marketed and respected Japanese 2 wheeler manufacturer in India.

Bajaj was a burgeoning monolith mammoth till the Japanese woke them up from their slumber. Since then they have managed to infiltrate every possible segment in 2 wheelers and have some thing to offer to each and every kind of customer. BAJAJtruly deserve an applause for their sheer grit and determination to take on the challenge with aplomb and have carved a place of pride for themselves. Who can forget their 'Hamara Bajaj'campaign.

Hero Honda,under the experienced Munjals, carved out a niche of 'dependability'with technical prowess of HONDA Japan and innovated to even beat the Japanese at their own game. Coupled with their reach in Prosperous North India, they were quick to capture a sizeable share of the Indian 2 wheeler market.

TVS-SUZUKI lost their way somewhere in bethween these players due to again lack of proper marketing and placement. Even now, despite a great lineage, they somehow lack the bite. Having parted ways,TVSdid try to get back into the reckoning with their initial'APACHE"styling which actually paved the way for the 'Definitely Male' branding fromBAJAJ.

In all this melee,YAMAHAnever even made a squeak.

BUT

With their FZ series, they made a deafening roar. First off the ramp with their F-16 going on to become a runaway best seller-and how ! That too, without any initial major marketing. It's only later that they came up with their subtle placements in prime MTV and Channel Vslots mostly watched by their target brand Youth of India.

The unique styling of Yamaha with their'Camel Hump'petrol tank makes eyes turn and follow you till you swing out of sight. This petrol tank is not cosmetically enhanced like the 'me-too' styling of the Honda HUNK or the Bajaj 130's

Their thick rear tyre makes you wanna follow that wheel till you can have a better look at the complete steed.

The exhaust is designed so chunkily that it looks way ahead of its times and gives it a technologically advanced piece of equipment - not withstanding the fact that it makes it sound like a Cheetah's menacing purr before it unleashes its deadly leap from 0-100 in a few seconds.

The broad spanned handlebar gives the rider an over-powering, yet understated Lord of the streets feel.

The seating is designed to give the rider a menacing stance and yet make the pillion rider ride high but as if carried on shoulders.This is one bike that inculcates girlfirends.

Petrol averages about 40 to 45 km to a litre. Cost on road with tax and insurance on Bombay's crowded roads is nearly 80 grands !

Biggest grouse is that they have only one swank showroom way north in Kandivli (Mumbai) near In-Orbit Mall and makes servicing your vehicle a full day event.

The horn is the weakest link in this mean machine. Its an apology of a mouse squeaking its protest when someone takes away its cheese.

The low faired Headlight with a 'goatee' lamp on its chin makes it look more like Shaggy's Chin (of Scooby Doo fame)

Unconventional placing of the numberplate in the front way too high up.just in front of the digitally orange glowing rev/tacho/speedometer.

Disc brakes that slam on and stay glued to the tarmac. A small but efficient and well designed tail lamp. (unlike the sad and cheap looking twin plastic highway trails of the Bajaj Pulsars)

A smart instant start electric push button that brings to life this 'cheetah' and its well muscled and lean toned body give it the look to beat all designs. Also sports an engine kill switch for the long waits at the Traffic Signal.

Love the ride quality and the road handling. Designed so un-conventionally - Its UNIQUE in its class and style. The red and greyish silver colour combinations, black with yellow F1 sporty look, the tangy orange are some of the more popular colour options.

Visit their showrooms and you might get to see that they are gearing up to offer some good competition to the Honda Activa's in that segment too. They also appeal to the lower end with their ALBA breed of 100 cc and above.

Will keep updating as time goes on.

Catch you later !

Regards

Raja