Yamaha launches new Ray Z and SZ-RR in India

Team OD Published: May 24, 2013, 02:01 PM IST

2013 Yamaha Ray-Z

Yamaha India today unveiled a series of updates in their quest to get 10 per cent market share in India. Yamaha is currently on the move, clocking 22 per cent growth last year. They also reorganised their operation in India adding the Yamaha Motor India Sales company to be based out of Chennai and unveiling Yamaha Motor R&D India, the company's fifth R&D operation in India.

And now, Yamaha are adding their second scooter to the line up with the Ray Z. Yamaha are positioning the scooter as a bike for male customers though most of the masculine appeal is derived from paint and stickering. The only actual new bits are a visor on the handlebar fairing, carbon-finish seats and a complicated looking grab rail that looks like a spoiler and finally, red-coloured rear suspension springs.

Priced at Rs 48,555 ex-Delhi, the Ray Z brings with it a series of upgrades that range from roller-rockers in the engine, to updated carbs, new frame materials, new suspension settings and so forth. Yamaha claims 53kmpl from the scooter, plus better ride quality as well as better behaviour when ridden two-up.

Yamaha also rolled out two motorcycles, the SZ-S and the SZ-RR which replace the erstwhile SZ-X. The S loses the tank scoop and some of the painted panels to project a simpler motorcycle. At a cheaper price - Rs 59,500 ex-Delhi - Yamaha hopes to get customers who a looking for a simpler looking commuter 150 at a reasonable price.

The SX-RR is the flashier cousins, with a price of Rs 62,500 ex-Delhi and this gets the scoop, more graphics and so forth. Yamaha believes splitting the SZ into two models is a good idea to widen the appeal of the models.

No details were mentioned on updates to the FZ or the R15, on indeed the 250cc sportsbike that is expected to come next year.