Yet Another What Bike Thread! FZ-16 or R-15 or Mojo?

[iVinay]

Seems that your heart is struck with R15.
Leave aside FZ, there are better bikes than it in its class if you keep looks apart (purely subjective). FZ and R15 deliver almost same mileage and some times R15 betters it.

Dont worry about the riding posture + you height combinations. It might trouble you only in the traffic situations...on all other situations R15 holds good for Touring and does good too. FZ would struggle a bit post 90kmph where as R15 is still below its crusing speeds.

...Err...why Am I comparing FZ with R15....go with R15. If you are not in urgency wait for reviews on Mojo till jan and get spoilt by more choices post Diwali.

Looking at the sheer support and feedback on R15, I'm getting more reasons to choose it! I think I'll skip Mojo for now and aim at bigger machine in couple of years. Any upgrade due for R15 in coming months? I have seen speculations on seat and rear looks, not sure if Yamaha will tune them up but will it make difference between 2010 & 2011 model (may be more color choice)?

have you taken the Test ride of the R15 and FZ back to back? by the way why you dont have the RTR180 in your list as thats the bike which is the second rocket after R15.

Apache is a beast, agree but I am currently inclined more towards Yamaha! I have to find Chennai xBhp'ians who own R15 and take it for test drive for an hour or so to feel the complete ride experience. The test ride they allow here in Chennai (may be I should try with different dealers) is in short route, not able to feel the bike's complete potential.

Any suggestions on colors guys? Thanks for your feedback, appreciate it!

Cheers

[aargee]

only thing that made me think again was its is speed.. if it can go over 90+ that would be great.

A friend of mine learned proper riding after buying a FZ, can now clock over 85 Kmph without troubles & he proudly says he's clocked over 102. He bought his FZ about 3 months ago!!!

R15, my heart is totally on it but something says to pick FZ now and to wait a year or two to get bigger monster than taking R15 and getting stuck with it.

Yes do this only if you've loads of money!!!

Do you suggest going for FZ now and waiting one/two years and pick a bigger/better bike when we have different choices/varieties or get R15 which will be good investment for 3 years down the line, provided we don't see any big releases in 2 years? I don't want to pick R15 now and see new releases shaping up in 1 year to leave me disappointed!

Well, if you want my opinion (no honey talks I mean), buy something now & retain it for ever or add up your garage. That's always my take. Buy an FZ now & 2 years later, you'll not be able to sell because of the second hand market price!!! In 2 years there WILL be a sure face lift & old FZ or even R15 for that matter will not have much of value. It will be disheartening, atleast for me, to see the asking price.

So, I would say, buy something now that you like or keep saving for something that you like rather than hurrying up on things. BTW, do not use the word "investing" on buying cars/motorcycles; they're too far away as these are fast depreciating assets.

I was about to ask feedback on color

IMO, black FZ/R15 is silent killer; no one notices, but if they did, it makes them spell bound. Orange FZ is a sure attraction; Red FZ/R15 is eye capturing; Green FZ, well, unless someone notices keenly, its still black. R15 white & red is sure attractive, but remember after a while the white is bound to get dirty. Another advantage being you don't need to wipe the minor dust often unlike black; Blue is Yamaha's color, nothing great about it.

I'm still considering 250R, an used one sounds good. What would be the average cost of a used 250R. Thanks for your recommendation!

Average? Depends. Get to one of the G2G's you'll get loads of info. Also check out the xBhp classifieds. I heard one was available in Chennai for 2.5+L. But that was several weeks ago.

Any upgrade due for R15 in coming months?

Yes, if you change the months to years

The test ride they allow here in Chennai (may be I should try with different dealers) is in short route, not able to feel the bike's complete potential.

Go to Ambal or Paras Yamaha, they'll help you with R15 test rides. Let's discuss these over the G2G's.

[iVinay]

Spotted this news today about: Yamaha launching limited color edition on FZ, FZ-S & Fazer: Midnight Black with Gold Sticker. It sure does look tempting, I wish they did something to R15 too with similar treatment!

[ironman]

Hi all,

I'm in between Yamaha FZ-16 and R-15. I also waited until 30th for Mahindra's launch, kinda disappointed on the design but the spec looks amazing. I'm still not sure if I should have it in my list. I'm 6' 1" and weigh around 75KG. My main usage will be in Chennai City roads, I also plan on taking part in Chennai G2Gs for long rides. Performance is key priority and Style/Design is equally important too. I'm bit skeptical on R15 as the height of the bike seems very low compared to FZ-16, which is kinda of ok for me.

Yes. The R15. You know it. You didn't have to ask since you have the answer to that question yourself. But since you have, +1 to the R15 as your new bike.
Enjoy. Ride safe.

[RoadZilla]

Hi all,
I'm in between Yamaha FZ-16 and R-15. I also waited until 30th for Mahindra's launch, kinda disappointed on the design but the spec looks amazing. I'm still not sure if I should have it in my list. I'm 6' 1" and weigh around 75KG. My main usage will be in Chennai City roads, I also plan on taking part in Chennai G2Gs for long rides. Performance is key priority and Style/Design is equally important too. I'm bit skeptical on R15 as the height of the bike seems very low compared to FZ-16, which is kinda of ok for me.

I'd be happy if someone can recommend me one among three, or simply vote and give your feedback on the model. Unicorn Dazzler, RTR 180, ZMR have been in my list but I planned to zero on Yamaha for lot many reasons. Ninja also sounds like a good option but quiet out of my budget, sure I can take a loan but does it suit City Roads and good on maintenance?

First think clearly what is your requirement for bike. Are you going to simply be a city commuter or are you planning for touring. Are you more inclinded to be faster and plan to hit the tracks soon. I believe it is unfair to compare 3 different segments of Bike as each one is specialized for one of the purpose. FZ 16 is a humble 153cc whereas R15 is 160cc and MoJo is HUGE 300cc.

[111diablo111]

Hi all,

I've been an ardent fan and a silent non-member of xBhp, been following tons of discussions lately and finally decided to join the bandwagon!

I'm going through the time where choices become a lottery tickets, you want to pick that lucky one which will cheer you rest of life but I do understand it isn't quiet easy to be lucky. Did some ground work and picked few motorbikes of my choice. I'd be very please if you can provide your feedback be it ownership experience, technical experience or just a passionate biker.

My budget is 1L but can extend upto 1.5 if the machine demands it. I've been using TVS makes in India, mostly Victor families until the Apache launched. I've been using Aprilla (RS 125) & Derbi (GPR 125R) in UK, loved both the bikes for its power! My display picture has the Derbi GPR 125R and I was completely in love with it for a year. I'm back to India and have neem having tough time choosing my bike in last, went through 100s of threads and 1000s of discussions.

I'm in between Yamaha FZ-16 and R-15. I also waited until 30th for Mahindra's launch, kinda disappointed on the design but the spec looks amazing. I'm still not sure if I should have it in my list. I'm 6' 1" and weigh around 75KG. My main usage will be in Chennai City roads, I also plan on taking part in Chennai G2Gs for long rides. Performance is key priority and Style/Design is equally important too. I'm bit skeptical on R15 as the height of the bike seems very low compared to FZ-16, which is kinda of ok for me.

I'd be happy if someone can recommend me one among three, or simply vote and give your feedback on the model. Unicorn Dazzler, RTR 180, ZMR have been in my list but I planned to zero on Yamaha for lot many reasons. Ninja also sounds like a good option but quiet out of my budget, sure I can take a loan but does it suit City Roads and good on maintenance?

Thanks in advance folks, look forward to your feedback

Cheers

if you can go for Ninja then its the best bike in its category..else go for R15..its an awesome bike..FZ only have good looks..in performance, its not even near to an R15..

[iVinay]

Yes. The R15. You know it. You didn't have to ask since you have the answer to that question yourself. But since you have, +1 to the R15 as your new bike.
Enjoy. Ride safe.

Thanks for your recommendation, I knew R15 was a good machine but I thought it would be better if I got FZ16 now and get a better performance machine later when we see 250cc+ coming to India next year. R15 is still the best in its class, but buying it now and seeing better specs coming up next year or so would be disappointing.

First think clearly what is your requirement for bike. Are you going to simply be a city commuter or are you planning for touring. Are you more inclinded to be faster and plan to hit the tracks soon. I believe it is unfair to compare 3 different segments of Bike as each one is specialized for one of the purpose. FZ 16 is a humble 153cc whereas R15 is 160cc and MoJo is HUGE 300cc.

If you have read my responses to others reply you would have figured out that I wasn't trying to compare the power of 153 v 160 v 300. I have responded my dilemma state between FZ16 v R15 above. Mojo was included to get feedback from users if it would be worth waiting just based on specs we have seen so far. I have removed Mojo out of the list already, I stand between FZ16 and R15, my reasons have been expressed in reply above to ironman.

To add more details, main purpose of using the bike will be for city commuting but I do plan on t aking it for touring, probably 2 times a month. Hitting tracks have also been my desire but I doubt if I will be able to do that regularly, if hitting track was my main motive I'd have blindly choosen R15. My current objective is 70% city commuting & 30% touring. Would you suggest FZ16 or R15 for this? If R15 can handle both city commuting and touring better, I'd gladly choose it without any second thoughts. I've heard FZ16 is a very good commuter & can also be used for touring too.

if you can go for Ninja then its the best bike in its category..else go for R15..its an awesome bike..FZ only have good looks..in performance, its not even near to an R15..

Ninja does sound the best of crowd, I am yet to get feedback on its maintenance part & availability of spare parts etc., At 3.25L I guess its a huge investment. I think I'm better of getting FZ16/R15 and saving 2.5L which I can use later in a year or two to get better powered bike! I'm sure 2-3 years down the line we will see more 250cc+ choices for half the piece of Ninja!, Mojo is a good start here and good competition over Ninja.

[zerotosixty]

Thanks for your recommendation, I knew R15 was a good machine but I thought it would be better if I got FZ16 now and get a better performance machine later when we see 250cc+ coming to India next year. R15 is still the best in its class, but buying it now and seeing better specs coming up next year or so would be disappointing.



If you have read my responses to others reply you would have figured out that I wasn't trying to compare the power of 153 v 160 v 300. I have responded my dilemma state between FZ16 v R15 above. Mojo was included to get feedback from users if it would be worth waiting just based on specs we have seen so far. I have removed Mojo out of the list already, I stand between FZ16 and R15, my reasons have been expressed in reply above to ironman.

To add more details, main purpose of using the bike will be for city commuting but I do plan on t aking it for touring, probably 2 times a month. Hitting tracks have also been my desire but I doubt if I will be able to do that regularly, if hitting track was my main motive I'd have blindly choosen R15. My current objective is 70% city commuting & 30% touring. Would you suggest FZ16 or R15 for this? If R15 can handle both city commuting and touring better, I'd gladly choose it without any second thoughts. I've heard FZ16 is a very good commuter & can also be used for touring too.

Vinay,

I own a R15 and i have used my bike extensively in Chennai's stop and go traffic. I have ridden FZS too, I felt the bike just gives an impression of being tall but its actually pretty short, I could easily plant both my legs on the ground. FZ is a better commuter as of now but touring am not so sure about its top end. And FZ has become another Pulsar on the road nowadays too much of FZs.

About getting 250s in India, am sure the Honda 250 will be costing a bomb. Much higher than Ninja is my guess.

Given the limited options that we have now R15 seems to be better product and complete value for money.

[aargee]

FZ 16 is a humble 153cc whereas R15 is 160cc and MoJo is HUGE 300cc.

Isn't it 149CC liquid cooled engine?

but I thought it would be better if I got FZ16 now and get a better performance machine later when we see 250cc+ coming to India next year. R15 is still the best in its class, but buying it now and seeing better specs coming up next year or so would be disappointing.

Well, I think I'm getting where you're thinking; if that were the case, then one has to keep waiting for ever to buy his fav machine.

Consider this - you buy a 250R for now which is the best VFM in India. But wait, there're speculations on GT650R, ST7 & 650R. So what happens to Kwacker 250R, wouldn't that be disappointing either?

Buy the one you can afford, buy the one you can maintain. Do not look beyond certain point. Buying is one time affair, but maintenance is life time. So keep this in mind before settling in for anything.

To add more details, main purpose of using the bike will be for city commuting but I do plan on t aking it for touring, probably 2 times a month.

Yap; people have taken R15 to even Leh for touring; though it may offer comfortable seating position compared to ZMR/A or RE's. This is another class.

Hitting tracks have also been my desire.

Well, did you know you've to remove the fairings, buy gears worth atleast 15-20K, remove headlights & then it the track? Unless you want to spend a bomb on fixing a crash!!! Think several times before deciding upon which one you need.

My current objective is 70% city commuting & 30% touring. Would you suggest FZ16 or R15 for this?

If R15 can handle both city commuting and touring better, I'd gladly choose it without any second thoughts. I've heard FZ16 is a very good commuter & can also be used for touring too.

Both are suitable; If you want power, then R15, if you want little more comfort, then FZ. Choice is yours. I'm talking only from this 70/30 perspective.

Ninja does sound the best of crowd, I am yet to get feedback on its maintenance part & availability of spare parts etc.

Go through this - http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/motorcycle-ownership-experiences/10055-kawasaki-ninja-250r.html
Ninja's service is 5 star rated, atleast here in Chennai.

At 3.25L I guess its a huge investment. I think I'm better of getting FZ16/R15 and saving 2.5L which I can use later in a year or two to get better powered bike! I'm sure 2-3 years down the line we will see more 250cc+ choices for half the piece of Ninja!, Mojo is a good start here and good competition over Ninja.

After 1 or 2 years, what's the resale value of FZ/R15? When there're better motorcycles, these would be sold for scrap. Aren't you seeing that you're losing money over time? Buy once, retain long, make a better use of money.

From all your post I see a very clear picture; if you were to get a 650R today, you WILL opt for it. Means, you're looking at a most powerful; but remember my friend, the road is full of morons who are ready to damage at a wink of an eye. So consider include the expensive maintenance in your chart. Did you know 250R's turn lights costs about a K? You may want to think over in these lines too. I'm not for or against any of your choices, but just trying to give a different thought.

Verdict - Both your choices are suitable for your requirements; If you want power, then R15, if you want little more comfort, then FZ.

R15 - 17Ps at 1Lakh
FZ - 14Ps at 75K

If you're having a slightest doubt of selling it after 1-2 years, then, best option is to buy a used FZ, ride it for sometime & then dispose off when you want a bigger ride. That way, you'll loose lesser money than buying a new one today.

[whizzkid_ram]

FZ - 74Ps at 75K

[aargee]

Sorry, that was a typo, I know its 14PS; have corrected it now

[iVinay]

I'm doing test rides on Ninja 250R & Yamaha R15 today, just to get the feel. Will give feedback later today and choose one by next week. Thanks all for your excellent feedback and recommendation.

Ninja is out of my budget if the machine sounds solid and extraordinary, I don't mind taking a fiance for it. R15 is in my top priority, will take a long test drive to get the feel and decide. If either of them don't work out for me, FZ is my way out. I'm sure Ninja should impress me

[iVinay]

Update: Finally choose to go with FZ-16! Ninja was awesome but quiet out of budget, not that I can't afford it but the maintenance was quiet high compared to other bikes. Premium does come with a price, Ninja has no free service and a service could cost approximately Rs.2500/- (as said by Probiking), spareparts are available but again premium price. I was on R15 until I spotted FZ limited Edition (Midnight Flames) in Ashok Nagar (Chennai) showroom.



I have decided to go with FZ now and later choose a Superbike in a year or two when I have saved enough money. Thanks everyone for your contribution, I hope I made a right choice. The Yamaha showroom I went had the bike in stock (even black & red) and I decided to pick it up next week (probably Wednesday). I took a snap with my mobile, do let me know what you think about the color, I went for Limited Edition as stands different from other common colors. The limited edition costs Rs.3000/- extra from the Road Price, in case my of FZ its Rs.75,500 + Rs.3,000 = Rs.76,500/-

The limited edition comes with Kick Starter, which is the only extra add-on other than Gold Sticker & Gold Coloring in Rim! I will try to post more pics when I get hold of this monster )

Cheers

[111diablo111]

Update: Finally choose to go with FZ-16! Ninja was awesome but quiet out of budget, not that I can't afford it but the maintenance was quiet high compared to other bikes. Premium does come with a price, Ninja has no free service and a service could cost approximately Rs.2500/- (as said by Probiking), spareparts are available but again premium price. I was on R15 until I spotted FZ limited Edition (Midnight Flames) in Ashok Nagar (Chennai) showroom.



I have decided to go with FZ now and later choose a Superbike in a year or two when I have saved enough money. Thanks everyone for your contribution, I hope I made a right choice. The Yamaha showroom I went had the bike in stock (even black & red) and I decided to pick it up next week (probably Wednesday). I took a snap with my mobile, do let me know what you think about the color, I went for Limited Edition as stands different from other common colors. The limited edition costs Rs.3000/- extra from the Road Price, in case my of FZ its Rs.75,500 + Rs.3,000 = Rs.76,500/- (its 78,500/- )

The limited edition comes with Kick Starter, which is the only extra add-on other than Gold Sticker & Gold Coloring in Rim! I will try to post more pics when I get hold of this monster )

Cheers

congos bro, its a nice bike

[xionite]

The limited edition costs Rs.3000/- extra from the Road Price, in case my of FZ its Rs.75,500 + Rs.3,000 = Rs.76,500/-

make sure you get the cheque filled in for INR 78,500