Yamaha India is likely to launch the much-awaited FZ-X on June 18.
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It will use the same engine and underpinnings as the 149cc FZ range
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Styling will be along the lines of a neo-retro scrambler
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Pricing expected to be around Rs 1.15 lakh
Yamaha FZ-X: expected India launch
After a long trail of patent filings, spy shots and leaked images, the Yamaha FZ-X finally seems to be all set for launch. The Japanese manufacturer has sent out a media invite for June 18, and though it doesn’t explicitly mention what bike it pertains to, the FZ-X seems to be the most likely one at the moment.
Yamaha FZ-X: specifications
As confirmed by leaked government documents, the bike will share its 149cc single-cylinder engine with the FZ range, with an identical power output of 12.4hp at 7,250rpm. We expect the torque figure to remain unchanged, at 13.3Nm, as well. The same document also reveals that the FZ-X’s wheelbase is identical to the standard FZ’s, at 1,330mm. This strongly implies that the chassis and cycle parts will be carried over too, so expect a single-downtube frame suspended on a telescopic fork and monoshock. Recent spy shots of the bike also confirm the presence of 17-inch alloy wheels.
Yamaha FZ-X: design
The main difference, then, will be the FZ-X’s design. Yamaha has taken a neo-retro approach, with a classic design that features modern touches. An old-school round headlight replaces the FZ’s streetfighter face, and fork gaiters and minimal sump protection give the bike a scrambler vibe too. That being said, the bike also has a touch of cruiser to it, with a tall fuel-tank that swoops down to the rider’s seat. Seemingly tall handlebars and what appear to be more forward-set pegs should result in a pretty upright riding posture and make the FZ-X slightly more comfortable than the bike it’s based on.
Yamaha FZ-X: expected price
Since the tweaks are largely cosmetic, we don’t expect the FZ-X to be all that much more expensive than the FZ or FZS models. You can expect a price tag of around Rs 1.15 lakh, which would make it around Rs 6,000 more expensive than the FZS-Fi and Rs 11,000 more expensive than the FZ-Fi.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
