Yamaha India, renowned for its iconic FZ series motorcycles, has consistently impressed us and the customers with each product iteration. In the fiercely competitive 150cc-160cc motorcycles segment, Yamaha has emerged as a leader, offering a blend of performance, sportiness, and exceptional fuel economy. With the latest Yamaha FZ-S FI Ver 4.0, featuring advanced segment-first features such as the Traction Control System and Yamaha Motorcycle Connect Bluetooth option, the brand continues its legacy of innovation. Today, we got our hands on the latest version of the FZ-S, dubbed FZ-S FI Ver 4.0, for a detailed road test review. After spending a few days and clocking over 200 kilometres, here are our impressions about this one.

The Design
The FZ-S FI Ver 4.0 is a visual delight, particularly in the metallic grey colour option that we had for our test. Its standout feature for me was the muscular fuel tank with a stylish FZ-S logo, creating a distinctive appeal. The FZ-S boasts 17-inch alloy wheels with striking blue strips, enhancing its sporty character. The LED headlamp, LED tail light, and LED indicators add to its modern aesthetics. Additionally, the shorter exhaust and muffler, paired with chrome strips and grille-like designs, contribute to the FZ-S’s overall elegance in this new avatar.

The Instrument Cluster
Equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster, the FZ-S FI Ver 4.0 offers a negative LCD display, ensuring readability even in bright daylight. While displaying important information like speed, fuel level, and tachometer, it also enables Bluetooth connectivity for calls, messages, and alerts. However, it does not have a gear indicator, which I don’t consider a major concern for prospective buyers.

The Performance, and Ride Quality
Powered by a 149cc 4-stroke, 2-valve, air-cooled engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the FZ-S ekes out a maximum power of 12.4 PS and 13.3 Nm of torque. With a curb weight of 136 kg, the FZ-S offers a ground clearance of 165 mm, a wheelbase of 1,330 mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 13 litres. While that’s what the spec sheet tells us about the FZ-S, what we are here to talk about is its dynamics. The FZ-S FI V4 impresses with its balanced power delivery and comfortable ride quality, adeptly handling both city traffic and highway stretches. The addition of the Traction Control System ensures stability on challenging terrains, and the engine and exhaust sound create a thrilling experience, encouraging spirited riding while maintaining control.

The Brakes and Suspension
Featuring a dual-disc brake setup (282 mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc) and single-channel ABS, the FZ-S FI Ver 4.0 ensures reliable and prompt braking. The suspension system includes telescopic forks at the front and a adjustable Monocross Suspension at the rear, effectively absorbing road imperfections.

The Verdict
After spending a brief amount of time in the saddle, I felt that riding the Yamaha FZ-S Ver 4.0 is still a thrilling experience, featuring a perfect blend of performance and fuel efficiency. While the new prices demand a premium of Rs 8,000 over version 3.0, I strongly feel that the FZ-S FI V 4.0 justifies the investment with its outstanding features and riding dynamics. It embodies the true spirit of Yamaha’s “Call of the Blue” and undeniably revs your heart, making it a compelling choice in the 150cc motorcycle segment. With that, we say before looking for a motorcycle in this segment, experience this one yourself, and you might agree with me that the FZ-S FI Ver 4.0 is the epitome of riding pleasure.