Yamaha FZ-S FI V2.0 Review
Bike Tested: 2014 Yamaha FZ-S FI V2.0
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 91,840/-
The FZ V2 sees an improvement in fuel efficiency by 14%, it now gets fuel injection.
Yamaha has been concentrating on scooters off late but the company’s core products are of course motorcycles. Bringing back its focus on its best selling bike in India, Yamaha has updated the FZ series, calling it the FI Version 2.0. First launched in 2008, the FZ has remained unchanged since launch, being sold with the very same mechanicals for a good 6 years. However, competition has been stepping in and Yamaha had to do something to tackle it. The Yamaha FZ was starting to feel the heat from the Honda CB Trigger and with Suzuki all set to launch the Gixxer later this year, it was about time the R1 maker did something to ensure its 150cc offering continued to remain a hot favourite for enthusiasts. We take a quick spin of the bike and here is what we feel.
There are multiple cosmetic changes on the bike but the most noteworthy is the reduction in weight by 3 kgs
Yamaha has made quite a lot of cosmetic changes on the FZ Version 2.0. While the bike remains largely the same as before, the length and wheelbase has been reduced marginally. The weight too has gone down by 3 kgs. Changes include a new headlight, tank extensions, new muffler, tyre hugger, split seats, new license plate holder, new grab rails and a new tail light. Yamaha has also made changes to the seat to improve comfort, the new seats are longer and wider. The FZ-S gets a front visor and body graphics over the FZ, which is the only differentiating factor between them, you pay Rs. 2000/- extra for the FZ-S.
The cluster on the FZ Version 1.0 was too funky and lacked a lot any sort of additional data display. Yamaha has given the FZ Version 2.0 a new instrument cluster which is an all digital unit and quite a large one at that. We like the digital tachometer, the way it moves and is clearly visible unlike the one seen on the old FZ. The console also gets an Eco meter. The ergonomics see a minor alteration as well, the riding position continues to be good like always. Switch gear quality is excellent and fit-finish seem to be even better now.
When news of the updated Yamaha FZ started circulating the interweb, everyone expected the fuel injection system to boost power output but we were skeptical. In a move unseen in an updated motorcycle, Yamaha has actually reduced output but claims that there is no reduction in performance due to the lighter weight and FI system. The engine also gets Blue Core tech (similar to Honda’s HET and Suzuki’s SEP). With a 1 PS and 0.8 Nm decrease, the FZ is now the least powerful bike in its class. It produces 13.1 PS at 12.8 Nm, the lower output being noticeable once you get on the saddle. However, there are some positive changes too. For starters, the engine has become even smoother than before, the fuelling is super refined throughout the powerband.
The FZ V2 redlines evenly just like its elder sibling the R15, there is no peakiness of the old FZ and the sound track continues to be the same. In fact, the motor sounds even more sonorous than before. The engine feels comfortable at the top-end, there is no stress felt and at the low end, the bike feels more eager and accelerates quick off the line (Yamaha claims off the line acceleration is quicker than before). However, some of the top-end performance has gone and that’s due to the larger sprocket. The FZ Version 2.0 gets dual throttle cables like the R15 and overall throttle response is linear and the engine feels more responsive. Mileage has increased by a claimed 14% and the bike should return 45 km/l. The new tyres are awesome and give the FZ added grip with the bike continuing to handle and ride like before, which means it’s sharp and compliant. Braking performance hasn’t changed, the brakes are responsive but the rear still doesn’t get a disc brake!
Yamaha has given the FZ and FZ-S the much needed changes it was begging for since quite sometime now. The company will continue to sell the old FZ as it is, which is priced at Rs. 6000/- less. For the additional amount, you get fuel injection, multiple cosmetic changes and a very cool instrument cluster. The only gripe with the original FZ was the lack of mileage and Yamaha has concentrated so hard on boosting it that the company even went ahead and reduced engine output. The reduction in power and torque doesn’t come as a big dampener since the Version 2.0 FZ feels smoother and punchier but whether it’s faster we can only confirm after a full road test. Meanwhile, this motorcycle from Yamaha will continue to pull in those who want quality and smoothness over everything else.
What’s Cool
* Fuel Injection in a mass market bike
* Improved mileage
* Cool instrument cluster
What’s Not So Cool
* Reduced power instead of increase
* No rear disc brake
