Yamaha FZ-X: Explained in Images

Yamaha’s 150cc bikes offer great mileage, but if you thought the Yamaha FZ-S is a bit too sporty-looking, then the FZ-X is for you. It is based on the FZ but has a neo-retro design. Priced from Rs 1,25,670 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Yamaha FZ-X is the brand's answer to the growing demand for retro-styled motorcycles that don't break the bank. Here’s a breakdown of what defines it: 

Design

The FZ-X’s primary appeal lies in its styling, which takes inspiration from Yamaha’s bigger XSR series. While the design language is pretty straightforward, the proportions make it a little polarising. 

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Details:

• The FZ-X gets bi-functional LED headlamp encircled by an LED Daytime Running Light (DRL). 

• It has a metal body , including the tank cover, front fender, and under-cowl, adding a premium feel.

• The panels on either side of the tank are designed to look like radiator covers. Some may not like it as there’s no functionality to it considering it is an air-cooled bike. 

• The seat cushion is thick, and is heavily contoured. The tubular grab rail makes it look even boxier at the rear, though. 

• The tyre hugger is a super practical addition as it prevents splashes while riding on wet roads. 

Features & Safety

Yamaha has equipped the FZ-X with a decent set of features that are useful. The console is full-LCD, with the Hybrid variant getting a fancier connected TFT screen. 

Details:

• The regular variant gets a negative-LCD console with a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeters, fuel gauge and tell-tale lights. It does not get turn-by-turn navigation.

• While a basic traction control system is standard across both variants, it is a bit of an overkill for a commuter-oriented 150cc bike.

• That said, if you’re a newbie riding on wet roads, this will come in handy. 

• The Hybrid variant gets an info-packed TFT cluster with smartphone connectivity for call & SMS alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation. 

• It even has a silent starter with an idling stop-start system to help conserve fuel in heavy stop-go traffic.

Engine & Underpinnings

Beneath the retro looks, the FZ-X shares its engine and chassis with the FZ-Fi which is built less for outright performance and more for a smooth, comfortable ride through everyday traffic and bad roads.

Details:

It uses a 149cc, air-cooled, 2-valve engine from the FZ-Fi, producing 12.4PS at 7,250rpm and 13.3Nm of torque at 5,500rpm.

It’s calm, refined, and loves to cruise at 50-60kmph. The low-end torque is good, and the shifts feel light too. 

That said, this one doesn’t feel all that happy on the highway. You can do 70-80kmph, but the performance fades out beyond that rather quickly.

The telescopic fork and the rear monoshock is set up on the softer side, which works really well for bad roads. It’s not a razor-sharp handler, but it won’t disappoint as long as you use the bike for commutes and occasional weekend rides.

While the disc brakes offer adequate braking, the rear can feel a little soft. 

It has an accessible 810mm seat height and a light 139kg kerb weight.

Colours

Yamaha keeps the FZ-X lineup simple and focused. It is available in just two colour options: Dark Matte Blue and Metallic Black in the standard variant, and xxx in the Hybrid variant. While the brand offered funkier shades earlier, the current lineup is a bit more muted. You can read more about all the colours of the FZ-X here.

As for the pricing, the standard variant costs Rs 1,25,670, whereas the Hybrid is priced at Rs 1,45,110 (both ex-showroom, Delhi). All in all, if you like a laid-back, fuel-efficient 150cc commuter that also looks retro-cool, then the FZ is a good option. In fact, it is the only retro option in its segment.