The wonderfully designed Yamaha FZ-S

The wonderfully designed Yamaha FZ-S

With no revision in the engine, the FZ-S is just a more chic version of the enormously popular FZ-16. At first glimpse, the FZ-S looks sportier than the standard FZ-16. Both bikes have a similar shape, except for a new small visor above the instrument front. A larger, more aggressive swept back headlight casing now comes fitted with conical halogen bulb-equipped headlight. In addition to a neat new two-tone paint job, racy stripes lend a muscular touch. The front forks and side panels also follow a black theme, similar to the FZ-16’s, on the smartly packaged engine, trendy slim-spoke alloys and swingarm. Digital carbon fibre look alike instruments look attractive, although the rev counter isn’t all that convenient and can prove a bit unwieldy to interpret while riding fast. The switchgear on the FZ-S’s wide and slightly low-set handlebar has a solid, built-to-last feel.

The wonderfully designed fuel tank is stunning and comes with large knee recesses that provide ample support to the rider’s thighs. Unfortunately, we found the brushed-finish alloy tank cap still needing the convenience of a hinge.

Adding brawn to the hefty design is a chunky 140/60 x 17-inch MRF rear tyre which sits flanked by a stumpy, trimmed silencer. A lightly stepped seat leads to the body-coloured tail, which sports a smart split grab-rail. Completing the new bike is a small tail-light housed in its rear mudguard. Clearly, the new S is a head turner.

The FZ-S is mechanically indistinguishable to the FZ-16, using Yamaha’s sophisticated four-stroke, single-cylinder and CV-carbureted 153cc engine that made an appearance on the original bike. This engine does its job like a dream coupled as it is with a silky and smooth five-speed gearbox. Flawlessly spaced ratios allow the rider to ably utilize the bike’s good low- and mid-range power nature. Another thing is that hardly any uphill ascents require quick downshifting was significant.

The FZ-S’s competent handling dismisses twisty hilly sections with ease. The S uses a conventional, single-downtube frame with the engine slotting in as a stressed member. This bike isn’t simply ruffled by changes in road camber, which allows aggressive corners with assurance.

The amalgamation of the FZ-S’s comfy upright riding stance, well-padded seat and wide handlebar works beautifully. Out on long and flat straights, the engine feels at ease even cruising at close to three-digit speeds. The S’s stocky 41mm forks up front work in tandem with an adjustable single rear shock absorber and permit effortless gliding over little ruts scattered along the way.