2019 Yamaha FZ Fi And FZ-S Fi Version 3.0: All You Need To Know

Here’s the lowdown on all that has changed on the FZ Fi series

The Yamaha FZ Fi has been through a number of changes compared to the previous iteration. To give you a clearer picture, here’s a compilation of all the updates the bike’s been through. 

Design: 

It seems like the Japanese bikemaker has taken the “more is better” approach with the FZ Fi Version 3.0’s design approach. Much like the FZ25, the bike features muscular tank shrouds, a stubbier exhaust and a single-piece grab rail rather than the split units on the outgoing model. The air vents on the tank shrouds are purely for aesthetics and have no practical purpose. Moreover, it's also one of the only ways to differentiate the standard model from the “S” variant as the latter gets a chrome-finished insert around the faux air intakes. Additionally, the FZ-S Fi comes with an engine cowl, something the standard model misses out on.

Both the bikes also feature an all-new front split headlight design, where the top half works as the high beam. Looks like Yamaha might be seeking to improve their LED headlight throw issues starting with the FZ range. The instrument console also gets a complete overhaul and reads out essentials like the odometer, two trip meters, clock etc. Furthermore, the key fob has been moved closer to the rider and now sits on the fuel tank rather than the conventional handlebar position. 

Also Read: 2019 Yamaha FZ Fi Version 3.0 Launched At Rs 95,000 (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Ergonomics: 

The changes don’t just end with the overall design, the ergonomics for the FZ has also been revised too. For instance, the handlebar now sits 22mm taller and leans in towards the rider for better reach. Essentially, the more upright riding posture will enable riders to travel for longer durations without much strain. 

Not only this, Yamaha has made changes to the rear subframe as well, which is now flatter and accommodates a single-piece seat instead of the split unit seen on the outgoing model. All this should translate to better pillion comfort. Moreover, the bike does away with the split grab rails for a single cast unit.

Powertrain: 

Both the variants use the exact same 149cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine as the previous-gen FZ. Paired with a 5-speed transmission, it’s good to make 13.2PS of power at 8000rpm and 12.8Nm of torque at 6000rpm, the same power output as before. While that doesn’t sound like much, the company claims it has made some minor tweaks to the engine for better low-end performance. Nevertheless, considering the power figures from its competition like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Honda CB Hornet 160R and the Suzuki Gixxer, the bike could have certainly done with some more power.

Also Read: Yamaha FZ-S Fi Version 3.0 Vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (Fi) Vs Honda CB Hornet 160R: Spec Comparison

ABS:

In order to comply with the recent government safety norms and for better braking performance, both the FZ Fi and FZ-S Fi feature single-channel ABS. Why not a dual-channel setup? Well, the former is the more affordable option and helps the company price the bike competitively. Aside from the aforementioned update, the bike retains the exact same mechanicals as the outgoing model.

Also Read: Yamaha FZ, FZ-S Fi Version 3.0: Which Colour Should You Pick?

Price And Competition:

Speaking of a competitive price tag, the FZ Fi Version 3.0 isn’t the most affordable option out there. An asking price of Rs 95,000 for the base variant and Rs 97,000 for the “S” variant (both ex-showroom, Delhi) is a little too steep for a 150cc motorcycle, even with the inclusion of ABS. To put things into perspective, you’d be shelling out Rs 9,000 and Rs 13,000 respectively over the outgoing models, which were already an expensive proposition to begin with. 

In terms of competition, both the Yamaha FZ Fi and FZ-S Fi compete against the Suzuki Gixxer ABS (Rs 87,871), Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 (Rs 85,690), TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (Fi - Rs 92,146, Carb - Rs 86,145) and the Honda CB Hornet 160R (STD - Rs 91,682 Deluxe - Rs 94,182) (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).