The Yamaha Fazer is not for the mediocre. It’s for the impulsive rebel, the guy who can dare to think different, to be different. That is why the twin headlamps and the overall styling are unlike any 125cc bike in the market. And in today’s world of me-too-clones, this is an attribute that makes a lot of sense. The Fazer will never be lost in a crowd, a boon for thousands of youngsters blessed with an identity crisis. On the other hand, as they say in spook parlance, the ability to stand out in a crowd is an impediment. For Yamaha, time will be the best judge.
Mechanically the Fazer’s engine is much smoother with a seamless spread of power. Gear shifting is traditional Yamaha smooth and the Fazer is no exception. Gears are evenly spaced though one misses the presence of a fifth one. Handling is impeccable though the fun element (like in the Freedom Prima) is missing.
The Fazer uses a three-dimensional mapping for its CDI system, which should be better than the two-dimensional maps available on the competition. The Fazer should thus be more efficient than the competition. Unlike the competition, the Fazer comes with no disc brakes on the front, not even an option. Instead what we get is the biggest drum brake (150 mm) in its class. While this is still not a match to a disc’s sharpness, it’s adequate enough to stop the Fazer. And if you are one of those who have a fetish for discs then a disced Fazer is on its way, before the festival season is on.
Switchgear is quality and everything is on the left side. However, an engine kill switch is sorely missed. The instrumentation includes a speedo / odo and a tacho unit. Absence of a fuel gauge is a problem, but the visual appeal of the meters is one of the best. Twin headlamps are better than one and it’s Yamaha’s argument that in case of a fused bulb in one unit, the second lamp will do the job.
