New Yamaha SZ-RR Version 2.0 Test Ride Review

In a recent foray of updating the entire product lineup, Yamaha Motorcycles India has launched the updated 150cc commuter bike- SZ-RR Version 2.0. Yamaha has plonked the newly developed 149cc engine equipped with its patented "Blue Core" Technology in the bike. Yamaha has also updated the FZ series with same engine.
We present to you the comprehensive test ride review of Yamaha's commuter segment bike with the mill of its premium class motorcycle but of course tuned differently for a perfect balance of performance and mileage.

Test Ride & Review By: Farhan Kashif
Photographs By: Ahmed Faraz
Bike Tested: Yamaha SZ-RR Version 2.0
Total Kms Run: Only 04 Kms on the ODO
Price: Rs.65,300 (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
Design & Style:

At a very first glance you will admit that it is one of a composed and beautifully designed motorcycles. Specially for a commuter bike it is far more than what its been defined by its class. There has been work done on every small details of the bike, be it the muscular tank shrouds or newly designed meter console everything adds premium to the bike.

Keeping the sober attire of a commuter bike intact, Yamaha tried to add the premium feel to the new SZ-RR V2.0, it is not just the engine which the bike gets as updation, there's whole lot of small things that also added to the bike. The 3D emblem, aluminum split grab rails and the engraved "SZ" mark on the handlebar clamp are only few to name. Instrument Cluster & Switch Gears:

The new SZ-RR V2.0 is featured with newly developed fully analog yet classy instrument console. The console is comprised of Speedometer and a prominent Tachometer, it is probably one of the few commuter bikes having Tacho on board. However the overall meter console looks little flashy in vibrant colors used but it also breaks the monotony at some point of time. The Engine Kill Switch is a welcome feature.

The instrument panel displays almost every bit of important information but being an analog console the Tripmeter would have been an added feature, which is missing in SZ-RR 2.0. The switch gears are made up of good quality of plastic and rubbers, the panel gaps are also at the minimal and evenly managed. The overall quality of plastic used in the bike is top notch, including the rubber used at the foot pegs and specially at the handlebar grips. Ergonomics & Comfort:

The bike has typical roadster style seating, it has flat and stubby handle bar with brushed aluminum color weight balancers at the extremes. The short handlebar gives commanding posture while riding with little rear set foot pegs. The over all ergonomics of the bike is perfect for both city and long rides. The seat is also very comfortable for both rider and pillion, it is skinned with the perforated fabric, which is very comfortable for long journeys and the anti slip feature of the seat further adds to the comfort. Riding Dynamics:

The ride of the bike is composed and plush all thanks to the sturdy front telescopic shock absorbers, the bike swallows the potholes pretty comfortably. However the rear spring loaded shock absorbers are just adequate but continuing with our wishlist we desired for the gas filled shock-ups.

The beefy front telescopic shock absorbers adds to the heavy front rake, making the bike more planted and stable while cruising at high speeds. Though the heavy front end of the bike felt little compromising while cornering, this could also because of the TVS rubber tyres doing duty for Yamaha this time.

The new SZ-RR V2 comes with standard front disc brake and rear drum brakes. The front disc brakes are from "Nissin" and it gives a good bite for efficient braking. Engine, Gearbox & Mileage:

The new Yamaha SZ-RR Version 2.0 has the same newly developed 149cc air cooled engine, which Yamaha had introduced in its FZ series bikes replacing the old 153cc engine. The major difference between the two is, this time the 149cc engine is fueled by carburetor rather than FI. The new 149cc engine plonked in SZ-RR V2 is tuned differently for a perfect balance of performance and mileage. Yamaha is claiming that the new engine not only perform better than the previous generation engines but also are as 11% more frugal as their counter previous models.

The engine is tuned to churn out 12.1 Ps of power at 7500 Rpm, the sound of the engine is pretty throaty and it provokes you to rev harder. I personally like the grunt and growl of the engine specially past 8000 Rpm. The engine is rev happy and it redlines little over 9000 Rpm. Overall the engine feels great and more than peppy for a commuter.

The 149cc engine is mated to a constant mesh 5-speed transmission gears, the gear comes real smooth and no false neutral observed throughout the ride. However you will miss the urgency of a performance 150cc machine but then you probably forgetting it is not a performance bike, it is just a commuter bike with fantastic balance of comfort of a commuter bike and performance of a premium motorcycle.

Not to forget, the lack of initial grunt is being compensated by the good mileage, company is claiming 54-56 Kmpl of fuel economy but overall if the bike gives mileage of 50 Kmpl I would say it is a perfect bargain.
Highs:

  • Fairly Powerful Engine
  • Quality product
  • Good Mileage
  • Use of Brushed Metal Brake Pedal And Gear Shifter
  • Features Like Tachometer And More


Sighs:

  • TVS Tyres
  • Lack Of Tripmeter
  • Use Of Rubber Foot Pegs
  • Lack Of LED Tail Light

Conclusion:

Yamaha has put all bells and whistles possible in a commuter bike at a price tag justified for a commuter executive class, in fact it is hard to classify the SZ-RR V2. A bike with fairly big engine for a commuter, features of a premium bike and performance orientation of Yamaha, all leads to a difficult classification for this bike. Overall its a very good product and a good bargain for those who want everything in their bike; power, performance, class, features, mileage and durability.


We thank Mr Anurag Singh (Owner and C&F Yamaha Madhya Pradesh) and Mr Vikas Bansal (Sales Head Speed Automobiles) for their kind support. ***Motorcycle Courtesy: "Speed Automobiles" Bhopal.

By: Farhan Kashif
See full details of Yamaha SZ-RR V2.0 »

Reviews of other Yamaha Bikes

Why Yamaha FZ Version 3.0 Is A Great 150cc Choice

Mar 1, 2019
Before I begin, let me get obvious out of the way. Yamaha FZ 3.0 has low power and torque output figures than its competitors. With this and seemingly the only flaw about the bike, out of the way, let’s discuss why the Yamaha FZ 3.0 is a great 150cc motorcycle.

Yamaha YZF-R15 V 3.0 Vs KTM Duke 125- Comparo

Dec 3, 2018
The trend nowadays is of small displacement high powered bikes which can deliver mileage and performance. Such bikes usually have the chassis of a performance bike but lack a big engine. Two such bikes in India are Yamaha R15 V3 and the recently launched KTM Duke 125. Both are built on the same philosophy I mentioned above, so let’s compare them to figure out which one is the best.

How Different Is The Yamaha MT-03 From FZ-25

Oct 5, 2018
We all have heard about the MT-03 series from different places around the Internet. So far, most of us know two things about the bike. Number 1, it is a Naked motorcycle from Yamaha and Number 2, it is not available in India, with no plan to launch either. But exactly how different is the MT-03 from the FZ-25 which we get in India. Both bikes just have a 72 cc (249 for FZ-25 & 321 for MT-03) difference, are of the same type, and made by the same manufacturer. All of this must point to a huge number of similarities, right? well, no. Allow me to explain.

5 Reasons Why 2019 Yamaha R125 Is A Game Changer

Oct 4, 2018
Recently Yamaha updated its YZF-R125 along the lines of its bigger siblings, and what once was a starter sports bike has become a lot more. Here 5 Reasons explaining why the Yamaha R125 is a Game Changer-

All the New Changes in the upcoming 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

Oct 4, 2018
Just like the Honda refuses to update the CBR 250R for the current market, Yamaha too has played safe for all the past 3 years, but no more. Because the updated Yamaha R3 is coming with a lot of new upgrades.
View all reviews of Yamaha Bikes

Reviews of other Commuter Bikes

TVS Radeon Vs Hero Splendor- Comparo

Sep 11, 2018
It is the battle of the century. The fight which will make or break empires. These are the two Titans which will carry their kings to the true heights of glory. I mean kidding aside, it’s these type of motorcycles which actually bring in the sales for the company. The whole cycle of R&D depends upon these bikes, more on that some other time. Today let’s compare the TVS Radeon and Hero Splendor. But since performance isn’t the forte of these motorcycles, we will compare them on the basis of "For they will be bought". Let’s begin.

2017 Hero Glamour 125 PGM-Fi Overview

Apr 30, 2017
It was way back in 2008 when the Glamour was first launched under the "Hero Honda" branding. Few years down the line, the all new 2017 Hero Glamour 125 was showcased and launched in Argentina on January 13th 2017, making it the very first model from Hero Motocorp to have an International launch. Let's discuss about the new indigenous bike from Hero on various aspects.

Hero Achiever Road Test Review

Feb 5, 2017
The Indian manufacturer is now focusing on replacing the Honda technology with their own indigenously developed engines. Following the ongoing foray Hero Motocorp has recently introduced the updated Achiever 150, let's see what all the bike has got to offer as a premium commuter.

Bajaj V12 Vs TVS Victor- Shootout

Jan 26, 2017
Even though the consumers in the Indian market have started upgrading to motorcycles with higher capacities, there is always that crowd that wants motorcycles for local commuting and expects a good fuel economy. For them, the motorcycle manufacturers always amaze the consumers with mind-blowing motorcycles like the Bajaj V12 and TVS Victor. Let’s see how the Bajaj V12 and the TVS Victor square off against each other.

New Bajaj V12 First Ride Review

Jan 6, 2017
Recently Bajaj has silently launched the stripped down version of the same V15 motorcycle and this time named it V12. It looks incredibly a "Little War Hero" as the previously launched V15 and recently launched V12 are the two sides of the same coin. Let's find out what mettle the junior V15 is made of.
View all reviews of Commuter Bikes