Yamaha Y16ZR

The Yamaha Y16ZR features a sleek and muscular design that sets it apart from traditional underbone motorcycles. The sharp lines, sculpted panels, and aerodynamic fairings give it a race-inspired look. The front fairing is low and angular, resembling Yamaha’s R-series sports bikes, adding a bold and aggressive presence on the road.

The Yamaha Y16ZR sports a two-piece headlamp with separate high and low beams, providing better illumination and a modern aesthetic. The position lights add a striking effect, enhancing visibility and style. The compact and sleek R1-inspired taillight lends the kapcai a sports bike-type rear profile. The two-wheeler gets all-around LED lighting.

The Yamaha Y16ZR comes with a fully digital LCD instrument panel that comprises a speedometer and tachometer, gear indicator, fuel gauge, odometer and trip metre, and engine warning light. The display is clear and easy to read, even in bright daylight.

The Yamaha Y16ZR offers a semi-sporty riding position, with slightly rear-set foot pegs and a forward-leaning stance. It’s not as aggressive as a true-blue sports bike, making it suitable for both city commuting and longer rides. The 795mm seat height is accessible for most riders. But the narrow seat may feel slightly firm over long distances. While it provides good support, the seat lacks extra cushioning, which may lead to discomfort on long trips. For daily commuting the seat works well.

The telescopic front forks of the Yamaha Y16ZR lend decent damping and shock absorption. While they handle city bumps and potholes fairly well, they are not as advanced as upside-down forks that are found in some competitors. For daily commuting they do the job well, but aggressive cornering and high-speed stability could be improved with a stiffer setup.

The rear monoshock suspension setup enhances stability and handling compared to traditional twin-shock designs. Most of the bumps and thuds are absorbed well. But it may feel a bit firm on rough roads. The stiffness helps during high-speed riding and cornering, keeping the bike stable.

The Yamaha Y16ZR is hauled by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 155cc engine that produces 18PS/15Nm. The motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox. The powertrain gets variable valve actuation (VVA). It helps optimize power delivery across different rpm ranges, ensuring strong low-end torque for city riding and a punchy top-end for highway cruising. The transmission is seamless and offers smooth shift. The assist and slipper clutch ensures lighter operation and smoother downshifts.

The Yamaha Y16ZR is mounted on a lightweight yet rigid frame, providing excellent stability and agility. With 50:50 weight distribution, the two-wheeler feels well-balanced whether navigating tight city streets or leaning into corners. 

Thanks to its compact design, 119kg dry weight, and sporty chassis, the Yamaha Y16ZR is incredibly nimble, making lane-splitting and quick directional changes effortless. The two-wheeler runs on 17-inch wheels.

The Yamaha Y16ZR is equipped with single hydraulic disc brakes on both wheels. The front wheel gets a 245mm disc with a dual-piston calliper. The rear wheels get a 203 mm disc with a single-piston calliper. The front brake provides strong and progressive power, offering good bite and feedback to the rider. The rear brake is effective for controlling speed, especially in city traffic. The lack of antilock braking could be an issue for safety-conscious riders, particularly in wet or slippery conditions.

The Yamaha Y16ZR has a starting price of RM 11,118. It’s a great kapccai that excels in power, technology, and sporty aesthetics. It is ideal for riders who want a high-performance kapcai for daily commuting and occasional speed thrills. But it’s priced higher than most of its competitors.