Yamaha FZ-S FI Version 2.0: Expert Review

The pros: Attractive looks, split seats are comfortable, easy handling. Gets new fuel injection system made it more responsive. High fuel efficiency thanks to ‘Blue Core’ technology’.  

The cons: Engine displace less power and torque than the previous ones. It would have more structural rigidity on plastic bits.

The crux: This bike is an excellent piece of design for somebody aspiring to buy a good looking, fun to ride everyday motorcycle, with a price tag of Rs 78,250.

Rating

Yamaha had struck the correct motorcycling cord with the FZ-S for Indian consumer. It had the right styling, a fat rear tyre which is very much a major consideration in India, easy handling and good fuel efficiency. Now for the 2014 model, Yamaha has given the FZ-S an update both inside and out. The new facelift is now called the FZ-S FI Version 2.0, which essentially gets a new fuel injection system and styling tweaks. We got a chance to experience this new avatar on the scarce rainy days in Delhi.

Styling

The entire design of the new FZ-S has been revamped. The basic style remains the same with aggressive muscular stance, but with lots of new bits and pieces across the motorcycle. The original design has been further carved to give it more lines and angles. The headlamp now looks smaller but sharper.

The front cowls on both the sides have been redesigned and have gained more mass and appeal. The seats are now split up into two and there is a new rear wheel mudguard which saves water splattering from that fat 140 section tyre. Overall we love the new styling. The quality of the plastic is decent, but we would have preferred more structural rigidity on some plastic bits.

Ergonomics

The new split seats are even more comfortable than the previous one. The seat is a bit tall but the riding position is very apt for city manoeuvring. The front end of the motorcycle is so light that it becomes quite easy to wade through difficult traffic. The switchgear is of good quality along with handle bar grips and levers. The instrument cluster is new and is brilliant in visibility, even at high speeds. The same cannot be said for the rear view mirrors which are actually disappointing.

All necessary information is displayed on a digital screen with speedometer, rev counter, ODO and a trip meter. There is also an ECO light that comes on when you ride the FZ-S at economical speeds. The rear grab handle is now split in half which looks even better and works equally well. You also get a small storage area under the pillion seat for storing the motorcycles papers and a small tool kit. The exhaust muffler too gets a new edgier look which looks way better now.

Engine and Performance

The engine has been downsized and it now displaces 149cc than the previous generation’s 153cc. Power has now come down from 13.8bhp to 12.9bhp and so has the torque gone down from 13.6Nm to 12.8Nm. This might sound distressing but luckily the new motorcycle is 3kg lighter so it has lesser weight to haul around from those figures. The engine is eager to spin high and the addition of the new fuel injection system has made it more responsive.

Yamaha has introduced something they call ‘Blue Core’ technology on the FZ-S. This means the engine burns every single drop of fuel to minimise wastage and extract the most amount of fuel efficiency, hence the drop in cubic capacity and power generation. The 5-speed transmission is a joy to work with. The shifts are accurate and you never miss a gear. On the highway the FZ-S clocked 115kmph on the gauge with a tiny bit more to go. Strong mid-range performance and excellent fuel efficiency figure of 48kmpl make it an ideal motorcycle for city use.

Ride and Handling

This is one parameter of the FZ-S that we always liked. The suspension system has been tuned a bit on the stiffer side, but it is not at all uncomfortable. Stiffer spring setup inspires confidence on highway speeds and is brilliant for twisting joy rides on winding roads. We rode the motorcycle mostly in the wet and were very impressed with the grip on these fat tubeless tyres. Braking performance on the front wheel is excellent. The only issue is rear braking which is drum type and lacks any feel or bite.

FZ-S FI Version 2.0 is an excellent piece of design for somebody aspiring to buy a good looking, fun to ride everyday motorcycle. The sophisticated fuel injection system and enhanced styling have further added to this street motorcycle’s value proposition. It has become peppier to ride and also gained better fuel efficiency in its arsenal to fight in the 150cc segment. And with a mouth-watering price tag of Rs 78,250 (ex showroom Delhi), Yamaha has a winner on its hands.