Yamaha FZ-X: What To Expect From Yamaha's New Rugged FZ

The Yamaha FZ-X will be based on the Japanese brand’s popular naked, the FZ-S Fi V3.0

[UPDATE: Yamaha has launched the FZ-X in India. Check out our launch story for the price, specs and other details.]

Recently leaked RTO approval documents reveal that the India launch of the Yamaha FZ-X isn’t too far away. If you’re keenly waiting for the Yamaha FZ-S Fi’s tougher cousin, here’s what we expect from this motorcycle:

Butch aesthetics and new features

The Yamaha FZ-X is 30mm longer than the FZ-S Fi V3.0.  It is also 5mm wider and 35mm taller than the streetfighter. This could mean the Yamaha FZ-X will get quite a few aesthetic upgrades to make it a little more meaner-looking than its naked sibling. This could include bits like a raised beak-like front fender, gaitered forks, knuckle guards, and an engine bash plate. 

Expect the bike to also get a windshield to minimise rider fatigue while cruising on the highways. For extra practicality, it could get a tail rack to secure luggage. Other features are likely to be carried over from the naked bike, including the all-LED headlamp, bulb indicators, and a full-LCD instrument cluster (with smartphone connectivity). 

Same old puny powertrain

The RTO documents have revealed that the Yamaha FZ-X will carry over the same 149cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected engine (with a five-speed transmission) from the FZ-S Fi. It will also make the same power and torque: 12.4PS at 7,250rpm and 13.3Nm at 5500rpm. That said, expect the final drive to be different to suit the character of this motorcycle, much like what Yamaha did with the MT-15 to differentiate it from the Yamaha R15 V3.0.

All said and done, this engine isn’t exactly powerful enough to let you cruise on the highway at high speeds. We’d have liked it if Yamaha had plonked in at least the FZ25’s bigger, more powerful motor.  

Almost similar underpinnings

The bike will likely continue with a telescopic front fork and rear monoshock. The gaiters on the fork should prevent dust and grime from entering the fork seals. Considering the 1330mm wheelbase is also the same as the naked bike’s, this motorcycle could continue with the same wheel setup as the FZ-S. That is, 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends, which are likely to be wrapped in block pattern tyres for a good balance of tarmac and mild off-road grip. 

Brakes will likely be the same 282mm front and 220mm rear disc (with a single-channel ABS as standard). With all the added kit, the motorcycle could tip the scales at 139kg, four kilos heavier than the Yamaha FZ-S Fi V3.0.

Expected price, launch timeline, and rivals

The Yamaha FZ-X is more of a rugged sibling (than an out-an-out hardcore adventure tourer) of the FZ-S Fi. With this in mind, it could command a premium of Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000 over the naked, which costs Rs 1,08,200 (ex-showroom Delhi). Though RTO approval has come in, expect a slightly delayed launch (likely around May or June this year) due to the second wave of the coronavirus.

There is no natural rival of the upcoming Yamaha FZ-X in its segment. However, the closest alternative is the Hero XPulse 200T, which retails at Rs 1,15,800. If you’re looking for a more off-road-friendly alternative, you could go for the Hero XPulse 200, which is priced at Rs 1,18,230 (both ex-showroom Delhi).

Images used are for representation.