Newly-launched Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid: Features Explained

Yamaha has launched the FZ-X Hybrid, the hybrid version of its retro-styled premium 150cc commuter motorcycle. The bike is priced at Rs 1,49,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is offered in a single variant with only the ‘Matte Titan’ colour scheme. The bike is equipped with a lot of features, here’s an overview:

The Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid comes with a Smart Motor Generator (SMG). The motor is designed in a way that it starts without much noise. More importantly, it also functions as a normal electric motor that provides the motorcycle with a small boost while accelerating. As a result, this puts less stress on the engine as it will not have to burn as much fuel. As a result, this mild-hybrid system will ensure that the bike returns more mileage. 

And when not in use, the SMG charges the bike’s battery while in motion. The bike is also equipped with a stop-start system that switches-off the engine when idling for some time in traffic, and starts it again when the clutch lever is pulled. This system further improves mileage as it prevents the engine from idling for too long, especially on roads with heavy traffic. For context, the FZ-S Hybrid, its sportier cousin, returned an average tested mileage of 61.22kmpl in a mix of city and highway riding conditions. This is quite an impressive mileage for a sporty 150cc commuter.

The Yamaha FZ-X comes with a 4.2-inch TFT instrument console with smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth through Yamaha’s Y-connect app. It gets call, email and SMS alerts, turn-by-turn navigation that works via Google maps, fuel consumption tracker, maintenance tracker, and last-parked location. The bike also comes with an all-LED lighting setup.

Apart from these, the bike is equipped with a single-channel ABS (acting only on the front wheel), and comes with disc brakes at both ends. It gets a basic traction control system to prevent those accidental slides, side-stand engine cut-off function for better safety, and a USB charging port. 

Despite the bike having retro styling, it comes with a lot of modern features that a few other 150cc bikes don't get. However, quoting Rs 1.5 lakh for a 150cc bike feels a little too high in our opinion. Indian customers often equate engine capacity with pricing, so with that logic, quoting Rs 1.5 lakh for what at the end of the day is just a 150cc commuter might sound a little too much for some. The premium price tag starts pinching you when you realise a bike with more than two times its engine capacity, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 costs as much as the FZ-X. It may not be as mileage-friendly as the FZ, but looks fairly retro and offers better performance. Summing up, if you’re really keen on getting a 150cc retro bike that offers mileage close to a 125cc bike, and are not bothered about the pricing, then the FZ-X Hybrid makes sense.