MANILA -- The newest member of the Yamaha fleet has finally arrived in the Philippines.

The “fierce” Yamaha TFX 150, one of the most eagerly anticipated bikes to arrive in the country, was unveiled before motorcycle enthusiasts at the Mall of Asia Music Hall on Saturday.

Also known as the Yamaha M-Slaz 150, the TFX 150 is billed as the youngest brother of the MT series, which are some of Yamaha’s most aggressive naked bikes.

It enjoyed wide success in Indonesia and Thailand before it was brought here due to persistent clamors by motorcycle enthusiasts.

“TFX 150 means ‘The Fierce Experience,’” explained Kaoru Ogura, sales and marketing director of Yamaha Motors Philippines, Inc. (YMPI).

The bike comes with the same 150cc liquid-cooled engine used by the R15 that delivers a maximum power of 12.8 HP at 8500 RPM and maximum torque of 14.3 NM per 7500 RPM.

The TFX 150 is also equipped with 37mm upside down, durable front forks, a wide handlebar that enhances the upright riding position, full LED headlights, and wide 110/70/17 tubeless front tires for excellent handling and stability.

One attractive feature of the bike is the full inverted LCD speedometer that displays riding instruments with adjustable backlight settings.

Ogura described the new bike as a mix between the sport tourer FZ16 and the R15 sportsbike.

Whereas the FZ16 offers a standard riding position and the R15 the lean-on-the-tank racing position, the TFX 150 is somewhat in between.

“We have the R15, that motorcycle has an aggressive riding position,” explained Ogura. “But this TFX has an upright riding position. That position assures very smooth riding and maneuverability especially in the steering.”

It’s also easy on the back during long rides, he added.

For his part, YMPI marketing section manager Ryan Jude Camus said the Yamaha TFX 150 is for motorcycle riders who want to get more out of their commute.

“This is intended for those who use motorcycles for their commute and at the same time who want to have a different experience aside from commute,” explained Camus. “There’s adventure the adrenaline that this product could give to our customers.”

The TFX 150, priced at P139,000, comes in silver and matte yellowish gray.