Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid: Options For A Similar Price

Yamaha recently launched the FZ-X Hybrid, the only retro bike to get hybrid tech in India. The technology is intended to give the bike a small boost in performance and improvement in mileage. However, the one-of-a-kind retro hybrid motorcycle costs quite a bit at Rs 1,49,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi). If you find the pricing for the FZ-X Hybrid is a little too much for a 150cc commuter bike, here’s a list of 5 other two-wheelers that come with a similar price tag but offer so much more in many ways:

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 - Rs 1,49,900 

For the price of the FZ-X Hybrid, you can get the base ‘Retro’ variant of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, priced at Rs 1,49,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi). If mileage is not your concern, the Hunter 350 has more than twice the engine capacity of the FZ-X Hybrid and offers significantly better performance. Also, the torquey character of the J-Series engine will help you ride the bike in the city easily.

The base variant also looks quite retro, and is pretty light for a Royal Enfield bike. If you want a torquey roadster for everyday commutes that can also handle the occasional weekend rides, then the Hunter 350 makes sense. Royal Enfield also organises several rides and other events, and the Hunter 350 is the most affordable entry point into the world of Royal Enfield’s motorcycling lifestyle. 

Bajaj Pulsar NS200 - Rs 1,43,213

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is one of the most value-for-money performance-oriented streetfighters in its segment. The ‘Pulsar’ nametag has always been associated with affordable performance, and the NS200 does enough justice to it. 

For just Rs 1,43,213 (ex-showroom, Delhi), you get a bike that has a much larger, much more modern liquid-cooled engine that too derived from the KTM Duke 200. As a result, it’s a lot quicker than the FZ-X (perfect for brisk city commutes), and can also sustain much higher speeds on the highway (a much better tourer than the FZ-X. If you are looking for a bike that can put a wide smile on your face without emptying your pockets, the NS200 will serve you well.

Ather 450X - Rs 1,56,999

For a similar price tag of the Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid, you can get the Ather 450X, priced at Rs 1,56,999 (effective ex-showroom, Delhi) for the 3.7kWh variant. The 450X is one of the best performance-oriented electric scooters in the country.

It comes with a pretty decent claimed range of 161km, but the bigger talking point is the performance. The Warp mode is unlike anything you’d have ever felt on a two-wheeler as it offers really exciting acceleration. It is also loaded with practical features including a massive 22-litre underseat storage, full-fledged Google Maps navigation, among others. If the purpose of the Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid is to save money with the hybrid technology, it makes a lot of sense to simply go for a feature-packed electric scooter like the Ather 450X. You’d not only save a lot of money in terms of running costs, but can also enjoy the practicality of a scooter. 

Yamaha Aerox 155 S - Rs 1,53,430

The Yamaha Aerox 155  is the most powerful maxi-scooter from the Japanese brand in India. The S variant comes with a smartphone-connected console along with different colour schemes over the standard variant. 

Unlike the air-cooled 150cc in the FZ-X, the Aerox packs a more advanced liquid-cooled engine derived from the Yamaha R15. Hence, it not only offers much better performance, but is also practical enough thanks to the generous 24.5-litre boot space. If you’re looking for a sporty scooter that looks like nothing else in the market, then the Aerox ticks all the right boxes.

Hero Xpulse 200 4V Pro - 1,64,500

If you are willing to shell out a little bit more money than the Yamaha FZ-X, you can buy a very capable dual-sport motorcycle – the Hero Xpulse 200 4V Pro. As the name suggests, the Pro variant comes with a longer travel suspension, higher ground clearance, taller seat among others. The XPulse 200 is well known for its lightweight, agile and go-anywhere ability. It is priced from Rs 1,64,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

If exploring trails (or bad roads) is something that you love doing, then the XPulse 200 4V Pro makes a lot of sense. Do note that at 891mm, the seat height may not be accessible for shorter riders. Though the bike isn’t a very highway-friendly tourer it is still more capable than the FZ-X.