Yamaha FZ16: FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION

There is a great deal of both form and function though to the styling and two areas must again be highlighted. The first of these is the front mudguard and if viewed from the top you can make out the triangular recess. It is not a style item first rather it is the stylized work of the aerodynamicists from GK Dynamics who used the NACA-duct like shape to channel air onto the cylinder head and block and effect proper cooling. The side shrouds are also not just style appendages but their cleverly crafted form was perfected in the wind tunnel, again to help direct air flow to the sides of the engine, especially to the spark plug and help the engine maintain cool operating temperatures for consistently high performance delivery. The stylists from GK Dynamics slogged for almost six months in the Yamaha wind tunnel until they got the parts absolutely right to perform as the engine men had intended.

On to the instrument panel of the bike which is s nicely designed unit featuring a full LCD panel for the speedometer, a large rev counter red lined to almost 10,000rpm, digital odometer cum trip meter plus tell tales for turn signals and other bits. The quality of the switchgear and the control levers is top class, again in the Bajaj Pulsar mould and something which Honda needs to pick cues from. Overall the entire ergonomic touch and feel points are a joy to behold and I have no hesitation in mentioning that this is the best Indian bike by far for anyone to buy in the country today if one is contemplating a contemporary all-round commuting machine cum pleasure tool on two-wheels.

Adil's Observations Of The FZ16