A little background about me, till 2013 (i was 24 then) i preferred cars, loathed motorcycles and had never ridden one. However, once all my friends had purchased their motorcycles and had their dedicated pillions (yes, that's what i mean), i was left behind to use the public transport. So i woke up to reality and decided to get myself a bike ( not a car, coz i was a fresher and horrible city traffic). So started the hunt.
All "gyaan" from the wanna-be gurus/babas cleared 1 things : as a beginner and for my proportions, i should go with a 150cc. Point taken. Next "gyaan" was all about mileage, cheap maintenance, availability etc and all started promoting their brands and models. Ears hurt with sounds like bajaj pulsar 150/180 , honda shine, tvs apache rtr 160. I was confused.
Returning from office once, i noticed a bike with a never-seen-before wide rear tyre, a hulking presence, a chiseled tank, a very different genre-look to it. I couldn't see the name but the image got stuck in my mind. Yes, it was unlike any other and more importantly, i fell for it. It was love at first sight, a bond forever....It had to be my first bike. Many would have been through the same. I got introduced to the yamaha fz 16.
Excited, i dint ask any feedback/reviews, just collected the cash, made the payment and was called to collect the bike. Its then i realized that i had forgotten a crucial aspect ; i dint know how to ride. The bike was in my hands. I had to take it home 6kms away. Understanding the lack of options, i sat on the bike to take it home whilst i learn to drive.
First thing i noticed, the welcoming position, the rider triangle, the comfort; all seemed perfect. I did not need to get adjusted to it. It felt made according to me or for me. I started the engine, a lovely idling tone from the exhaust made me happier, no vibration from anywhere confused me. Time to head home.
Slot into first (it was smooth) and it starts nicely, slot into second, third and so. Every passing moment increases the understanding of how-to-ride, the confidence on the machine, and the bond.It was that easy. I made it to home (very slowly though) without any stalling, stopping or jerks. Since then it has been with me. Suming up the experience from past 4 years, i would love to have it forever and over any other bike, its that good.
Till date i have 52000kms of riding experience, 25000kms being with my fz. This diverse experience keeps me attached to the fz. Even today, it may not be the most-powerful 150, but it is the most reliable and ready-to-go even if you take it out after a month.
Listing out the cons first (w.R.T my ownership) its original rear tyre (revz) is a little too puncture-prone and the headlight is dull/insufficient. That's it. Change the tyre and install a higher power bulb. Issue solved.
For the pros; first, i get 45/47-50kmpl in city/highway, solo top-speeds is a speedo 122kmph, solo-long-duration cruising speed is 100-105kmph, longest ride was of 1500kms with no issues, can do fair bit of cornering, silent city/highway operation, vibe free, grippy tires and really low maintenance. The bike never heated, never lost composure, never shows any degrade.
The home/self maintenance involves weekly water wash and polish, chain clean at every 300kms using vim liquid and lubing with chain spray, oil and oil filter change at every 3000kms, air-filter change when deemed necessary, regular spark-plug clean.
After the 2 years - 6 free services period, service center visits are at 8-10 months duration for basic chain tension adjustment, tappet adjustment, brake pad clean/replacement etc as per the manual. Only 1 chain sprocket change has been made. And if needed, all parts are priced cheap enough.
All-in-all, the bike build quality is the best. Easy to ride, hassle free to maintain, nothing goes wrong, ready for action any time you need. Just inspires you to enjoy the ride and be worry-free.
Maybe it was the same way that this little 150cc won hearts and introduced people to the concept of street-fighters / performance motorcycles / easy-to-own good looking machine and does it even today.
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