Bike of the Year - Yamaha SZ-X

2010 ET ZigWheels Bike of the Year - Yamaha SZ-X

The Yamaha SZ-X came in August 2010 but it took a while for the market to stand up and take notice of this new power-commuter from a brand which has always been synonymous with performance in the country of commuters. The SZ-X bridged the gap between power and mileage while still staying well within the reach of the masses in terms of its pricing. The Yamaha SZ-X's sporty genes clearly show through each time one swings a leg over it - a factor that contributed hugely as to why the Yamaha was handed the 2010 ET ZigWheels Bike of the Year award with a majority.

It was not easy for the Yamaha SZ-X (or for the jury) as it had its work cut out to take on the true blue power commuter - the Bajaj Discover 150 DTSi. It only got trickier during the judging process where the result was a tie between the two rivals in their native segment - with four out of the eight jurors favouring either bikes. The only real way to solve this situation was to promote both bikes to the final round, and let them slog it out again. It was then that the jury decided to choose one of the two as the winner based on the final round of scoring, where the Yamaha SZ-X emerged victorious and as a result also bagged the 150cc Commuter Motorcycle of the Year honour.

The Yamaha SZ-X has the go to match its show and it accomplishes everything that one would want from a power-commuter motorcycle. Powered by a slightly detuned version of the 153cc single cylinder air-cooled SOHC motor that serves the Yamaha FZ-series of motorcycles, it was the rideability and peppy power delivery of the engine, which further added that extra bit in the SZ-X's favour. One of the jury members rightfully pointed out that the Yamaha offered excellent mid-range grunt from the engine for crowded city use eliminating the need for frequent gear changes to keep it rev-happy.

The SZ-X's commuter temperament comes to the fore only where it's needed, which is why the bike never really suffers as such when it comes to economy, comfort and reliability. It can switch roles from a humble workhorse to a thoroughbred stallion within a blink of an eye without any drama. It was this 'happy-to-help' approach of the Yamaha SZ-X that worked in its favour as the jury found the bike a hoot to ride, without sacrificing on any of the real commuter traits - fuel efficiency and price included!