Yamaha FZ-S V2.0 review

Back in 2008 when Yamaha launched the FZ series of motorcycles for India, it was an instant hit. The overall styling with the beefy forks, the huge tank and the extra high profile tyres made it look very macho and stylish. Add to the mix the exceptional handling qualities, one that was of pure simplicity and ease, the Yamaha FZ struck a positive chord not just with the enthusiasts but almost everybody. Over the years the FZ has been updated with small changes according to customer feed back and also colours refreshed every now and then. Come 2014 and Yamaha made the announcement that they will be totally revamping the FZ and displayed what it would look like at the Auto Expo 2014. It was just a matter of time then before the launch and on 30th June, 2014 Yamaha India announced the new Yamaha FZ V2.0 and new Yamaha FZ-S V2.0 in India. The biggest highlight of the new FZ series is the fact that it now has fuel injection. But interestingly although the new FZ/FZ-S V2.0 has a visual design somewhat similar to the old FZ, the new FZ/FZ-S V2.0 has a lot of things different, starting right from the engine, to the chassis and even the tyres. The only kink in the armor for the older FZ was the fuel efficiency and it seems Yamaha has tried to sort it out, or has it? On with the Yamaha FZ/FZ-S V2.0 review report then, lets see how the new FZ/FZ-S V2.0 fares.

Engine and Performance

The engine on the new Yamaha FZ/FZ-S V2 is all new, and although visually it looks the same, a lot of the internals have been changed. What the engine looses in capacity (4 cc), it makes up for with an overall loss in weight, lighter by almost 1.5 kgs. And although the power and torque figures of 13.1 PS @ 8000 RPM and 12.8 Nm @ 6000 RPM are slightly lesser than the previous FZ, the crucial timings remain pretty much the same. 0 to 100 comes up in 18.6 seconds and it reaches a top speed of 116 kmph. But then, this is not the best part of this engine. It is so smooth and refined that even after riding it around the city and the highways for extended periods, it remained precise and never lost its composure, it felt and sounded just fine. The gear shifts are precise and have a very reassuring confirmative click. With the fuel injection added, that small initial lag that the older FZ had has disappeared and has been replaced by a very crisp throttle response. This new engine is quite eager to rev and builds up speed pretty decently for a 149 cc motorcycle. What Yamaha have done with the new FZ/FZ-S V2.0 is very clear. They have made the engine even more bullet proof than before. It is a perfect street bike. It has got the strong initial push and is backed up by a solid mid range, this ensures a very peaceful, easy and fun city ride. Slot it into 5th and you can potter around the city at about 50-55 kmph and you will hardly hear the engine. Anything above 80 kmph and the engine feels really stressed and not at all happy with the proceedings, pretty similar to the older FZ. The new Yamaha FZ/FZ-S V2.0 mileage numbers were 40 kmpl for the city and 46 kmpl at sane highway speeds, a definite improvement over the older FZ.

Look and Feel and Build Quality

If there is one place that Yamaha has never compromised, it is with quality. The new Yamaha FZ-FZ-S V2.0 carries on this Yamaha virtue. The plastic quality is good all over and it is quite difficult to find fault with anything you see. Design wise, we must say, the new Yamaha FZ-FZ-S V2.0 is definitely one step into the future. The original macho styling plays second fiddle to the more sharp and space age looks. The silencer quite literally looks like something from a war movie. The split seats are a welcome change and are quite comfortable, even the grab rails were comfortable to hold on to, pillion comfort definitely takes priority on the new FZ/FZ-S V2.0. The seating position is similar to before and while the rider sits upright the foot pegs are slightly rear set. Check out the walk around video below and for a detailed photo gallery visit the parts gallery.

Handling and Braking

Yamaha says that the new Yamaha FZ-FZ-S V2.0 has a revised chassis and suspensions, the same being the second factor contributing to the FZ’s weight loss. While riding though these changes are not really that apparent. What you do notice is that with the change in tyre, the FZ is now even more flick-able. All thanks to the more rounded profile provided by the Revz-Y MRF’s at the rear. The tyres performed quite well although being hard compound ones, and for sure will give a better life than the older Revz-Z. The FZ never had trouble holding its line during some spirited riding and the new revised one carries on this character without any change, in fact we felt this new iteration of the FZ a bit more stable and more well balanced. Coming to the braking, things are always in control. The front disc is a little spongy though, it works just fine, but has a bit of spongy travel before the pads actually bite. Probably the one disappointment is the lack of a rear disc, it is definitely missed. For a motorcycle that performs, handles and looks so good, the rear disc is something that would have added so much more function and appeal.

Accessories and Key features

Feature wise, the fuel injection still remains top of the list. Another thing that is new is the instrument console and the confusing “Eco mode” indicator. Confusing because, it is a green light on the instrument console and we are all pretty much programmed to quickly think it is the neutral light. The instrument console is pretty basic and sticks with an all digital, tacho, speedo and the fuel gauge. Under seat space is not that great, just about sufficient for documents and maybe a cleaning cloth. Headlights are pretty good and in fact better than the previous version as it provides a better throw. Another key addition is the rear tyre hugger that covers the entire rear wheel, definitely an eyesore but very functional at the same time. Colour options for the FZ includes – Panther Black & Scorching Red and for the FZ-S include – Astral Blue, Moonwalk White, Cyber Green and Molten Orange. Check out the video below to hear what the new FZ sounds like.

Value for Money

At about 90 thousand on road, the new FZ/FZ-S is definitely not cheap for a 150cc. It is something that you could call a premium 150cc motorcycle. But even with this premium pricing Yamaha still does not provide a rear disc, something that the competition does. It is definitely a better package than before, especially with the improved mileage but the resultant revised pricing takes it close to some faster and better performing motorcycles from other manufactures and in fact a whole other power segment. So is it still value for money? For the premium price, what you lack in power you get in terms of a rock solid machine that will withstand the test of time, and that is value for money in a whole different way.

Final Verdict

The new Yamaha FZ/FZ-S V2.0 surely is ready for battle with competition. It is really clear as to what Yamaha wants the FZ to synonym with, good quality, efficiency and reliability. There are a few issues like the premium pricing and the lack of some features, but overall it is a very well built machine and can be your true, no fuss, city riding companion for years to come.

Specifications Sheet

ENGINE

CHASSIS

Test Riders

Sudeep Avin Nijish Pavan