After being launched in 2008, the Yamaha FZ has seen no updates whatsoever, except of course the yearly ritual of new paint jobs and graphic schemes. Now Yamaha has updated the FZ (both the FZ16 and FZ-S) and the Version 2.0 of the popular bike gets a host of changes. The Japanese automaker is betting big on the Indian market, the company wants to increase its market reach and is setting up a new factory in Chennai which will commence production in November 2014. The new plant will help Yamaha churn out 1.8 million units per annum, which will in the future be hiked to 2.8 million units.
The 2014 Yamaha FZ Version 2.0 gets Blue Core technology, now this is very similar to Honda’s HET and Suzuki’s SEP, see all the Japanese bike makers think quite the same. Basically Blue Core is “Yamaha’s new generation engine development ideal” which is “designed to extract maximum performance and fuel economy”. The claim is an improvement in fuel efficiency by 14% and reduction in power loss. Blue core helps to have precise control over fuel and ignition. The new FZ also exceeds BS4 emission norms (which are yet to be implemented in the country and the reduction in Carbon and Nox output is 33%) and gets a close loop Fuel Injection system.
On the styling front, Yamaha has given the FZ a new headlight, tail light, tank extensions, split seats, new split grab rails, new tail section with a license plate holder, new tyre hugger and a revised muffler. The new Yamaha FZ is lighter by 3 kgs and also gets an Eco meter in the updated cluster. The bike sees an increase in seat height by 10 mm with the seats now being longer and wider. Yamaha has retained the tyre dimensions but the compound used is new with a new pattern and better puncture resistance.
Disappointingly though, the output from the engine has reduced. The 149cc engine (previously 153cc) now produces 13.1 PS at 8000 RPM (old one produces 14 PS at 7500 RPM so the power decrease is almost 1 PS) and 12.8 Nm at 6000 RPM (old one produces 13.6 Nm at 6000 RPM, hence the torque is reduced by 0.8 Nm), there is no performance decrease due the reduction in output, the company claims. Yamaha has priced the updated FZ at Rs. 76,250/- while the new FZ-S is retailed at Rs. 78,250/- (ex-showroom, Delhi), the increase in price is Rs. 6000/-.
The Yamaha FZ is now the least powerful bike in the segment but it’s the cheapest motorcycle to come with fuel injection as standard. Yamaha hasn’t given the FZ a disc brake at the rear, it continues to use a drum unit. The automaker is likely to pass on these changes to the Fazer in due course of time. The company has offered the updated bike in four body colours. The old FZ Version 1.0 (which uses a carburettor) will continue to be sold alongside the new model.
