2019 Yamaha FZ-S V3 Review
Bike Tested: Yamaha FZ-S V3; Road Test No. 1158; Test Location: Mumbai
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,15,000/-
Yamaha FZ was designed taking inspiration from its litre-class sibling the FZ 1
– Yamaha FZ is the bike which started the sports commuter segment in India in the year 2008. When the bike was launched it was a completely new design in the market, one which was never seen before. The streetfighter look, wide rear tyres, muscular fuel tank were bound to make you look twice. In 2019, Yamaha has launched the third generation of the FZ. Although it is a new generation, changes are mostly limited to its styling.
Motor Quest: In 2008, Yamaha launched the FZ which created a whole new segment of streetfighter in India. In the coming years, Yamaha updated the FZ and got us the FZ-S as well. Yamaha also used to offer Daytona kits which are performance kits for the FZ and R15.
The bike gets an all new LED headlights setup
Styling – Yamaha FZ always had a muscular design language. With the new update, the bike gets beefier than before. The fuel tank has grown wider in appearance, with the addition of purely cosmetic faux air intake with chrome tipping on it. Although looks are subjective, this looks rather overdesigned. The bike is now equipped with a belly pan. Split seat setup is replaced with a single-piece unit. The exhaust gets a minor design change as well. Headlights on the bike are now all-LED setup, and the indicators are now shifted upwards, just below the handlebar.
Instrument cluster is now a negative LCD unit
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The new Yamaha FZ gets a negative LCD display for an instrument cluster. The display offers good visibility in daylight and it does have a premium look. The cluster offers basic information which includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel meter, and an odometer. However, it misses out on a gear position indicator. The cluster on the FZ is a brand new unit, however, it shares the same with the elder FZ25 sibling. Switchgears are the same as before, but the killswitch now gets a sliding mechanism.
It is now equipped with a single piece seat which is wide and spacious
Ergonomics – The bike now gets a single seat unit unlike the split seat setup in the previous generation. The seat height of 790 mm is perfect for both short and tall riders. The riding position is more upright than before due to the raised handlebar. The single-seat is almost flat with a slightly raised cushion for the pillion. It is now more spacious and comfortable than before. Cushioning on the seat is appropriate and is neither too hard nor too soft. Mirrors offer a good view of what’s behind. The LED headlight is new but it doesn’t have a very wide throw and fails to illuminate the path sufficiently in poorly lit areas.
The engine offers good refinement levels
Performance – The Yamaha FZ-S V3 is powered by a 149cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor which produces 12.2 BHP of power at 7250 RPM and a peak torque of 13.6 Nm at 5500 RPM. You don’t get a carb variant for the new FZ, it is just FI. Power delivery from the engine is linear while it has a reprogrammed ECU for better acceleration. The bike has a good low-end and mid-range but no top-end. The engine revs quickly till 6000 RPM, post that it feels a little sluggish while it redlines at 9000 RPM.
The FZ is peppy and lively in the low-end
The Yamaha FZ-S V3 has a refined engine and a throaty exhaust note
Technically the motor is the same as before but the numbers have gone down quite a lot. The clutch feels light and the 5-speed gearbox is a gem to live with. Although it is the least powerful bike in the segment, it is still fun to ride due to its excellent engine refinement. The Yamaha FZ delivers fuel efficiency of 46 km/l. A slight buzz can be felt on the handlebar at higher RPM, but overall vibrations are minimum.
The bike is excellent in handling and flickability
Riding Dynamics – As the ergonomics are upright, the bike feels comfortable. The overall ride quality of the bike is smooth and comfortable. The bike offers the best handling in the segment and has good maneuverability. Suspension and chassis are similar to the previous model and have a balanced setup. The front telescopic forks perform well in absorbing bumps and uneven patches on the road. Braking duty is handled by discs at both front and rear, which now comes as standard on the bike and it also gets a single-channel ABS. The feedback from the tyres and the brakes is confidence-inspiring and the built quality is just about right.
The FZ offers a very comfortable ride
Verdict – With the new generation update, the bike is now more practical and better equipped than ever before. It came in as the sporty 150cc naked and is now become more of a commuter motorcycle. Although the bike is the least powerful in the segment, the superior handling characteristics of the bike compensates for it. If you are looking for an everyday commuter that has sporty looks and is practical too, the new Yamaha FZ-S can be your go-to motorcycle.
The fit and finish is quite likeable
What’s Cool
* Engine refinement is good
* Offers a comfortable ride
* Braking feedback is confidence-inspiring
What’s Not So Cool
* No gear position indicator
* Produces the least power in the segment
* Headlight illumination isn’t as effective as others
Cycle parts are almost the same, new addition is the single-channel ABS
Yamaha FZ-S V3 Specifications
* Engine: 149cc, Single-Cylinder, Air-Cooled
* Power: 12.2 BHP @ 7250 rpm
* Torque : 13.6 Nm @ 5500 rpm
* Transmission: 5-Speed
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption : 46 km/l
* Frame: Diamond Frame
* Tyres: 100/80/17 (Front), 140/60/17 (Rear)
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), 7-Step Adjustable Monohock (Rear)
* Brakes: 282 mm Disc (Front), 260 mm Disc (Rear)
Yamaha FZ-S V3 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1990 mm x 780 mm x 1080 mm
* Wheelbase: 1330 mm
* Seat Height: 790 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 13-litres
* Kerb weight: 132 kgs
Testers’ Note:
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