Yamaha FZ-S FI V2.0

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the new FZ-S FI V2.0 is a 149cc, single cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke fuel injection engine which produces 12.9bhp revving at 8000rpm and produces 13.6Nm of torque at 6000rpm. The engine has been mated to a constant mesh 5-speed gear box. The gear box is smooth and you can feel the refinement over the previous version with a light action clutch which feels as slick as a rich man’s bow-tie. The throttle response of the bike is crisp and precise and you can pull the engine cleanly till about 8000rpm after which it begins to tail off. The most fun aspect about this bike is the engine, for its capacity it produces a good amount of torque which caters for a very spirited ride. When you are powering out of a corner the sheer volumes of torque and the light weight of the FZ-S V2.0 performs honorably. Incidentally, the V2 is a few lighter than the earlier version. Off the line the Yamaha FZ-S V2.0 will give you nothing but pleasure to ride. The single cylinder air-cooled engine is definitely not one of the fastest around but none-the-less will not leave you behind in competition. My only complaint is why not a variant with a bigger engine, every competitor is on to that play and I feel its time Yamaha woke up to this reality. While others are introducing more powerful models Yamaha has powered down their FZ by one bhp. The earlier variant had a 153cc engine while the present one has dropped by 4cc. The exhaust system on the FZ-S V2.0 has not changed will still produce that same grunt as the previous model.

Ride & Handling

There are only a handful of Indian bikes which can claim a good riding position and a comfortable crouch. The FZ has been a name in the Indian biking world which practically reinvented the way the bikers would look at the riding position and comfort. The bike has a low set riding position and broad handles as before to give the rider a comfortable riding position and makes handling the bike a pleasurable experience. The curb weight of the bike has been reduced from the previous model to 132kgs making it very zippy in corners. The FZ-S V2.0 like the previous model has a pair of robust front telescopic forks and a monocross rear fork. FZs are known for their good handling ability and Yamaha has always had good build quality but what is an addition to this new FZ-S V2.0 is the new MRFs in the front and the usual broad radials at the back offering enormous amounts of traction and grip to the tarmac. The front discs are highly effective and when combined with a large rear drum brake the bike gives you a higher level of confidence while riding. 

Design & Styling

When you hear the name FZ you know it is going to be a great looking bike. So what exactly can you do to improve an already beautiful looking bike? There have been some subtle changes which have been made on the new FZ-S V2.0 which are not too distinguished to amateurs. The bike has more edgy lines while the headlamp has been made to look more aggressive. The vinyls on the bike now bear the proud FZ-S V2.0 badge. The bike has a split riding saddle which is broad and comfy. The bike is very muscular and macho, with very few panels and trims and it is one of the snazziest looking naked bikes out there. The tyres profiles are 100/ 80 R17 in the front and 140/ 60 R17 in the rear. Both wheels have slim five spoke light weight black alloys which add elegance to the profile of the bike. The instrument cluster is new with bolder looking symbols and easy visibility the cluster provides more convenience and comfort while viewing it on a ride. The cluster also displays an eco-mode to help you monitor your driving style and fuel consumption. The fuel tank can hold 12 litres of petrol and has been designed to add comfort while riding. The tank is designed to provide enough room to tuck in your legs and crouch. The rear view mirrors are broad and give a good view of the back. The palm grips on the bike have a good grip and the flip switches are easy to operate and have been located conveniently. The overall design of the bike compliments its profile well and adds to the value Yamaha is offering on the new FZ-S V2.0.

The Verdict

With a price tag of Rs.78,000 ex-showroom Delhi, the latest FZ from Yamaha is good but could have been priced a little better to be more competitive. It is mainly the loyal Yamaha fan follower who has a true biker’s spirit who will know why the FZ or any other Yamaha for that matter of fact is worth the extra cost. The design and styling of the bike remains jaw dropping, the performance has been improved in terms of shifting and light weighting but the compromise made on the engine front will not really push it ahead of the previous versions but rather keep it at par. The new fuel injection technology does definitely add value to the biking experience and the overall feel of the bike is a notch better than before. For a biking enthusiast who will admire the ancestry and heritage which Yamaha has to offer this is the ideal bike if you have the same price bracket in mind.  The Yamaha FZ-S FI V2.0 is definitely the chip off the old and sacred Yamaha block!