The latest entrant to the very competitive 125cc segment sets a new benchmark with its quality levels. But will it faze its rivals?

“ PHENOMENAL SUSPENSION GIFTS THE NEW FAZER WITH SUPERB RIDE UNDER ALL CONDITIONS. ”

Yamaha Fazer
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Rs 43,990
Top speed 104 kph
0-60kph 6.28 sec
Kpl 50.4 (overall)
For Build quality, attention to detail, good suspension Against Lack of a fifth gear, no fuel gauge, no front disc

With everyone going down the safe and conventional path, just one motorcycle manufacturer has the guts to send contemporary styling ambling down Indian roads. Yamaha Motors India (YMI) has always had the courage to stand aside and do things its own way. So what if the Fazer’s front fairing makes you think of owls, cat's eyes, goggles et al. Internationally, it's the latest look and YMI wants to offer you no less. Hark back a decade, and many an enthusiast's dormant memories of the bullet-proof RX100 are stirred. One can only wonder why the famous marqué allowed this massive brand to fall away.
Anyhow, think of a well-packaged motorcycle. Think presence, 11bhp, refinement and good ride and you are back on track in the present day with the same firm. Can the new Fazer shake off Yamaha's stigma, being known as a pure sports bike maker in a mileage-obsessed market? Does it have what it takes to rule in a fast-expanding 125cc market? It took an exhaustive test to find out.