Photography: Siddhant Gadekar
Yamaha has given its long-standing premium commuter motorcycle, the FZ-S, a makeover with the updated console from the YZF R15S, all-LED lighting and new colours while also making it BS6.2 norms compliant. Consequently, it is now compatible with E20 fuel, depicted by a sticker on the tank. The engine, though, still delivers the same output as the more affordable FZ-S, which also makes it the least powerful motorcycle in its segment. Does the FZ-S still make a case for itself in the highly competitive 150cc motorcycle segment?
Unlike the recently updated FZ-X, which remains visually unchanged, the FZ-S Ver 4.0 has a brand-new headlamp design, which immediately sets it apart from the Ver 3.0 model. While looks are subjective, I feel it looks better than the one on the Ver 3.0. What’s more, it is an LED headlamp, and Yamaha saw fit to update the entire lighting setup to LED ones. I particularly liked the LED turn indicators, which are properly bright even in the daytime. Our test bike came in the Metallic grey shade, which had blue wheels, and the combination was eye-catching without being shouty, like some older FZ-S colourways, which utilised bright yellow, orange and green shades. The other two paint schemes on offer are also mature ones, despite the usage of gold wheels on those. The rest of the panels are identical to the Ver 3.0, which is already a handsome motorcycle, so no complaints there. Overall, Yamaha has improved what could be improved and left the rest untouched, and the effect is pleasing to the eyes.
The FZ has always been an accessible motorcycle, because of the low seat height. Those traits have been retained on the FZ-S Ver 4.0 as well. The FZ-S is one of those rare motorcycles where you instantly feel comfortable on the saddle. The ergonomics are truly in the Goldilocks zone — the width and height of the handlebar/seat and the positioning of the footpegs. A special mention to the seat, which with its tapering shape lets shorter riders touch the ground easily thanks to the narrow front section, yet is wide enough to accommodate even larger riders. The padding is supple but firm, and is comfortable even on extended rides. .
The Ver 4.0 also gains the LCD console from the Yamaha R15S. It is a negative display which besides adding to flair, is easy to read. This console also gets Bluetooth connectivity through the Yamaha Y-Connect app, which allows access to a lot of information about the motorcycle.
The 149cc air-cooled motor is tuned for fuel economy, and while it is an engaging motor, it lacks the performance of its direct rival, the Bajaj Pulsar P150. The other bikes of this segment have all moved up to 160cc, and therefore have more performance on tap. The FZ-S is the least powerful motorcycle in the 150cc-160cc segment, but it is also one of the lightest. Where it scores, though, is in terms of refinement. The Yamaha powerplant shows its pedigree and is almost entirely vibration-free throughout the rev range. The gearbox matches the engine in terms of refinement, with minimal vibrations. The gearing is well spaced as well, though occasionally you may need to downshift one extra gear to get better drive out of corners.
Thanks to the incessant rains while testing, I was unable to push it properly. However, the FZ-S felt sure-footed despite riding through properly wet roads. It comes with a single-channel ABS, and a traction control system(TCS) – a segment first. While TCS offers an added peace of mind, I never once felt it cut in. In fact, it felt more of an overkill given the natural handling abilities of the bike, which refuses to get out of shape even when you ham fist it. The suspension is on the firmer side, but the damping is excellent, allowing the FZ-S to soak up broken tarmac without the rider feeling most of it. The fat rear tyre generates so much grip that it’s quite difficult to lock up the rear. It is also very stable under braking, and the ABS triggers when expected, which makes it predictable under braking.
The FZ-S Fi Ver 4.0 DLX comes across as a motorcycle which, while appearing pricey on paper, is more than the sum of its parts. It is priced at Rs 1.29 lakh, ex-showroom, which is a premium of Rs 7,500 over the Ver 3.0, and Nearly Rs 10,000 over the the Pulsar P150 which has quite a bit more poke. However, for riders who are looking for a no-nonsense motorcycle that does it all, be it commuting, weekend rides, or that occasional long trip, as long as you are not in a hurry to reach your destination, it makes a very good case for itself. While the Pulsar P150 is an edgier option, the utter competence of the FZ-S makes it the perfect companion for day-to-day riding for both the enthusiast and the average Joe.
