Yamaha FZ-S long term review, first report

It's been six years since Yamaha introduced the muscular FZ-16 with a carburettor-fed engine in India. The Japanese manufacturer has since made sure that the successful FZ retains its youthful image, furnishing it with regular visual upgrades. For the first time now, however, the Yamaha FZ gets a new fuel-injected engine and fresh new body panels. We have the newest lord on the street as a part of our long-term fleet now, and I’ve ridden it the past few months in and around Mumbai and Pune. The FZ-S V2.0 is just back from a thorough service schedule, in time for a quick round trip to Mumbai from Pune.

I don't really prepare much for rides like these, as a reliable bike like the FZ-S takes charge to care of most of my worries. The easily legible LCD display records distances, but no clock here was missed when covering long distances.

A quick stop for fuel and air later, I commence my long distance ride on the FZ-S.

Once astride, cruising at speeds of up to 100kph is handled gracefully by the Yamaha. The new fuel-injected engine is more responsive now, compared to the regular carbureted version, and the throttle always responds with lively feel. The downsized 12.9bhp motor on the FZ-S starts running out of breath post 8,000rpm, but still churns out decent enough top speed capability, in the region of just over 100kph. This much power is definitely adequate to trot around in the city, but while riding on the highway, once the momentum was broken, I had to step down a gear at least to get back up to speed.

After a tiring day’s work in Mumbai, I set off on my way back to Pune, only to find it was raining heavily. On my way out of the city that never sleeps, I encountered my fair share of traffic. Needless to say, the FZ-S’s good low and mid-range performance never let me down. Apart from worrying about my paperwork getting drenched in the showers, I was pretty confident of the FZ's capabilities. A highlight here was the wide tyres that provided satisfactory grip on wet tarmac. The FZ-S has a slightly aggressive riding position due to the straightish handlebar and foot-pegs that extend ever so slightly backward. It feels ready to tackle any situation on the road, and with its meaty 41mm suspension up front and a monoshock at rear, it conquers harsh bumps confidently. I eventually reached home that night, drenched to the bone, yet quite pleased and having enjoyed my long ride.

The FZ-S V2.0 makes a fun loving steed, and you can expect sporty handling from this surefooted motorcycle, with handling that’s forgiving enough even when stopping the bike hard and banking on its 267mm disc brake setup in front. The FZ-S has also proven worthy of transporting my friends in comfort, riding pillion with me even long distances. The rear suspension doesn't bottom out even when going through potholes, much to a pillion's relief.

The FZ-S is an example of a really well-built 150cc motorcycle, where Yamaha has ensured good quality and not ignored the finer bits. Also, the company has made sure the major mechanicals function impressively as well. The Yamaha FZ-S V2.0's muscular silhouette retains the same confident image as was instilled in its loyal patrons from day one.

Rayomand Darius

Odometer
800km

Price
Rs 78,250 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Maintenance cost
None

Faults
None