Yamaha Y16ZR

The Yamaha Y16ZR has a striking design, featuring an indicator-mounted front apron, a stepped-up seat, a pillion grab rail, and an upswept exhaust. Everything gets a brand-new contemporary design - from the lights to the fairings and seats, all have been revised. At the front, the new Y16ZR gets a re-designed two-part headlamp unit, where the high beam is placed at the bottom, and the low beam is positioned on top. In addition, a pair of air ducts make the all-new Yamaha Y16ZR look more sporty and aggressive. Towards the rear, the model gets a revamped taillight. It now features a smoother R1-style LED taillamp unit enfolded nicely in the narrow tail section. Furthermore, the license plate holder and seat have also been re-designed. An LCD panel displays all the important information; a shift indicator and a tachometer and gear indicator are also available. The Y16ZR comes with a kill switch on the right and passing light on the left on the handlebar pods; a 12-Volt charging socket is located inside the front cowl. There are three colours to choose from - Phantom Grey, Arrow Blue, and Raging Yellow.

The suspension setup on the Y16ZR is conventional telescopic forks that are 10 mm taller in front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock at the back. Underneath, the 2021 Yamaha Y16ZR is built around an all-new frame, which is 4.5 mm thicker, that has been revised to fit the new 155cc VVA engine. It also features a Y-Shaped reinforcement collar. According to Yamaha, the new chassis has been optimised for enhanced cornering performance and improved ride stability, especially at high speeds.

The Y16ZR is one of the most potent moped in its class with the latest upgraded 155cc engine. The 4-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled mill fed by EFI and equipped with variable valve actuation (VVA) produces max power of 17.7 hp at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque of 14.4 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Unlike the Y15ZR, the 2021 Y16ZR is now equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox to transmit power to the wheels. It is also equipped with an assist and slipper clutch that decreases lever effort and prevents the rear wheel from hopping. As part of Yamaha’s VVA system, two separate cams control the intake valve. One cam controls the low- mid-rpm range and the other is set for the high rpm range. High-speed intake valves have longer opening times, thereby increasing the intake air efficiency and overall capacity. VVA operates at 7,400 rpm and above.

Braking has also been upgraded over the Y15ZR, with the Y16ZR equipped with a two-piston brake caliper and 245 mm hydraulic disc brakes at both ends. There’s no ABS on the Y16ZR, but the brakes still perform very well in bringing the moped to a halt. The 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 90/80 R17 tyres at the front and 120/70 R17 at the rear provide a better on-road grip and traction.

The Yamaha Y16ZR is an excellent motorcycle in its class. With the new, improved engine, it is one of the most powerful options you can get, and it does pose a pleasing design as well. The 6-speed gearbox now makes it stand against its prime competitor, the Honda RS 150R, and is an option worth every penny.