How Does The Yamaha FZ-X Perform In The Real World?

After long anticipation, Yamaha finally brought an entry-level neo-retro bike to India. While we hoped for it to be the XSR155, it turns out to be the FZ-X. We tested the bike thoroughly and here are the real-world acceleration, braking and mileage numbers:

The FZ-X uses an FZ-FI derived 149cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor that makes 12.4PS and 13.3Nm. With that being said, it takes 0.44s seconds more to hit 60kmph and 1.62 seconds more to the 80kmph mark than the Bajaj Pulsar NS125, even after having a slightly larger motor.

Out on the highway, you’ll only be able to maintain 80-85kmph comfortably. Beyond that, the bike feels a bit strained.  Apart from that, the FZ-X doesn’t even manage to breach the 100kmph mark as it runs out of breath at 96kmph (VBOX tested).

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The engine is quite tractable at low speeds and doesn’t feel sluggish even if you ride around the town in 5th gear, at speeds as low as 30kmph. Like the engine, even the gearbox has been retained from the FZ-FI. However, for overtakes, you might have to shift down a gear or two and work the engine a tad bit more. 

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Yamaha has equipped the bike with a 282mm front and a 220mm rear disc. The FZ-X covers quite some distance before coming to a complete halt. While the block pattern tyres are ideal for trails, they don’t inspire too much confidence under hard braking on the tarmac. The front maintains its composure, but the rear washes out often as the bike comes with single-channel ABS.  

It’s evident that the Yamaha FZ-X is a commuter-friendly motorcycle. The tractable motor makes the bike for a good city runabout. However, the anaemic motor and the absence of the 6th gear impacts the highway-mileage considerably. Moreover, it weighs 139kg and gets a 10-litre fuel tank, which is 4kg heavier and 3-litre less fuel tank capacity than the FZ-FI.