2017 Yamaha Fazer 25 review, test ride

Ever since its introduction, the Fazer series has always been a semi-faired version of its naked sibling – the FZ25. The reason for this is the simple formula it follows – being the more comfortable and practical alternative. The Fazer 25 has no mechanical or ergonomic changes, unlike the original Fazer FZS1000 that was introduced back in 2001. The latter had significant changes when compared to its alternative – the YZF-R1. Underneath the flamboyant fairing of the Fazer 25 is a mechanically unaltered FZ25, similar to what the company does with the 150cc FZ and Fazer.

There are not many motorcycle companies that can make a good, proportionate-looking faired motorcycle. However, Yamaha effortlessly pulls this off, motorcycle after motorcycle. When looked at from afar, the Fazer 25 has the classic faired motorcycle silhouette. Design-wise, the front fairing is polarising but a head-turner nonetheless, the twin chin-like LED DRLs are bright and look upmarket. Sitting just above these DRLs is the MT-inspired, low and mean-looking LED headlamp from the FZ. We noticed that the headlamp on our long-term FZ25 is prone to vibrating, but the unit on the Fazer is securely held in place within the fairing. The fit and finish on the motorcycle is top-notch, with no vibrations of the plastics, even at higher revs.

The motorcycle also gets large, well-placed rear-view mirrors which are mounted onto the fairing instead of the handlebars. The rest of the motorcycle remains largely unchanged, except for the colour schemes which are bespoke to the Fazer. The matte red-and-gold colour combination is unique, but quite prone to gathering dust and dirt, on its surface.

The Fazer 25 uses the same 249cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled motor that makes 20.9hp and 20Nm of torque. This peak torque figure arrives at a low 6,000rpm which gives the bike the grunt the FZs have been known for. The Fazer also has the same five-speed gearbox as the FZ25. The added wind protection on the Fazer – owing to the new fairing – leaves you wishing for more top-end performance; and a sixth gear. On the flipside, cruising at speeds of around 80kph in the fifth gear always keep you in the powerband; which means overtaking manoeuvres are just a twist of the throttle away.

Handling suspension duties is a conventional 41mm fork, up front and a monoshock, at the rear. The FZ25 comes equipped with 100/80 and 140/70 section, 17-inch MRF Zappers, these tyres offer decent grip in a variety of conditions. It is a slightly stiff setup, so bumps and lumps at higher speeds aren’t particularly absorbed well. However, this slightly firm set-up can give the rider confidence within a short period of riding the motorcycle. The motorcycle also manages to scrape its underside with two regular-sized individuals on board over sharp speed breakers. Braking is provided by a 282mm disc in the front and a 220mm disc at the rear; and is quite effective. More bite would be nice, though.

To conclude, the Fazer 25 is the motorcycle for you if you are looking for a sporty-looking, yet comfortable and practical bike for the city. The additional 6kg of weight on the Fazer cannot really be felt in regular usage. The Fazer should also offer a similar 3.97sec 0-60kph as the FZ25. If more style and added wind protection are what you are looking for over the naked FZ25, the Fazer 25 can be yours for an additional Rs 10,000, bringing the total to Rs 1.28 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).