Tough to lose the Fazer in the crowd

Our Corporate Bureau
31 July 2004

Though 150cc bikes find it difficult to outperform the 125cc Fazer, the bike lags behind the fuel economy of its other 125cc rivals

Yamaha has just launched the Fazer. A 125cc bike that commands great respect in the Yamaha family.

Fazer is associated with big-capacity bikes like the 600cc Fazer FZ6, but the Indian Fazer doesn't come close to this big bike. In terms of dimensions, the Indian Fazer is smaller, structured on a wheelbase of 1300mm, it is however different and highly distinctive.

The first dose of distinction comes in the form of the twin-headlamp fairing, which seems to have been inspired by a dragonfly. This is in keeping with the current styling trend in international circles and the Fazer should get the credit for getting the styling statement to India.

Lower down is a 150mm diameter drum brake that reminds one of the 180mm diadrum brake unit of the good old Yamaha RD350. Behind the fairing, sheltered by the tinted glass is the instrument console. The two pods of the instrument console include a speedometre and a tachometre. There is no fuel gauge and the warning lamps are located in the tacho.

Further behind is a smoothly contoured tank with air scoops on either side. The scoops nicely merge with the tank recesses even as the tank flows down into the side panels. The bubbled side panels flow backwards to surround the tail lamp console — a single unit that contains the tail lamp as well as the trafficators.