Going by their slogan, it's been some time since Yamaha gave its followers a good enough reason to say a loud 'Yes Yamaha.' The FZ series bikes have always presented a strong case in the segment, bringing exceptional handling with refined performance and well-rounded dynamics to the 150cc table.
The FZ and FZ-S FI V2.0 bikes come on strong, with more aggression dialed into styling, led by a sharper looking, FZ-1 inspired headlight. The pseudo intakes under the beefy tank have been revised, and the bikes also get a smart new exhaust. The new FZ and FZ-S V2.0 bikes now come with updated digital instruments.
The conventional saddle seen earlier has now been replaced by sportier split seats, while the rear is now a lot more cutting edge with angular tail panels, a revised tail-lamp and rear mudguard. The FZ V2.0 bikes disappointingly come with lower displacement, down to 149cc from 153cc, tuned in the interests of efficiency, the technology christened 'Blue Core' by Yamaha. It's a four-stroke, air-cooled single, which now includes fuel-injection as part of the package. Power is down a full bhp on the original bike, 12.9bhp at 8000rpm, which is below the segment par. Max torque is now 1.3kgm at 6000rpm. The gearbox is still a 5-speed unit that shifts in the 1-down, 4-up pattern.
The V2.0 FZ bikes continue with similar frame and chassis construction, with kerb weight down a couple of precious kilos from the carbureted bikes, to 132kg. The new FZ's, as before, include a fat set of telescopic forks for front suspension, a rear monoshock with box section steel swingarm and new compound tyres, including a thick radial at rear. A front disc brake is at hand, along with a drum brake unit at the rear. The updated Yamaha bikes are already on sale, the new FZ priced at Rs 76,250, while the FZ-S is priced at Rs 78,250 (both prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).