Does The FZ-X Have An Edge Over Its Larger Rivals?

Published June 19, 2021
Views : 6238
3 min read

Which of the four bikes offers the most value for money, on paper?

Yesterday, Yamaha launched its first neo-retro offering in India, the FZ-X. The bike is offered in two variants and the only difference between them is the Bluetooth connectivity. We couldn’t help but ponder over how the latest Yammie fares against the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Hero Xtreme 160R and the Honda XBlade. So, here are the four bikes compared on paper.

Engine

Specifications	FZ-X	Apache RTR 160 4V	Xtreme 160R	XBlade
Engine	Air-cooled 149cc 2-valve	Oil-cooled 159.7cc 4-valve	Air-cooled 163cc 2-valve	Air-cooled 162cc 2-valve
Power	12.4PS @ 7,250 rpm	17.63PS @ 9,250 rpm	15.2PS @ 8,500 rpm	10.2PS @ 8,000 rpm
Torque	13.3Nm @ 5,500 rpm	14.73Nm @ 7,250 rpm	14Nm @ 6,500 rpm	14.7Nm @ 5,500rpm
Gearbox	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V outshines all the bikes here. Making the most power and torque, the Apache not only lets you have fun during spirited rides but also makes it easier for city commutes. On the other hand, the XBlade with the second-largest engine here makes the least power. Impressively enough, the FZ-X too outdoes the XBlade in terms of power, despite having a slightly smaller engine.

Underpinnings

Specification	FZ-X	Apache RTR 160 4V	Xtreme 160R	XBlade
Frame	Single Cradle	Double Cradle	Tubular Diamond	Diamond Type
Front Suspension	41mm Telescopic fork	Telescopic fork	37mm Telescopic fork	Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	7-step adjustable monoshock	Monoshock	7-step adjustable monoshock	Monoshock
Front Brake	282mm disc with ABS	270mm front disc with ABS	276mm disc with ABS	276mm with ABS
Rear Brake	220mm disc	200mm disc/130mm drum	220mm disc/130mm drum	220mm disc/130mm drum
Front Tyre	100/80-17	90/90-17	100/80-17	80/100-17
Rear Tyre	140/60-17	110/80-17	130/70 -17	130/70-17

The FZ-X gets a chunkier fork and also aces it in the braking department. Its larger front disc should contribute to better stopping power. Unlike the remaining three, the FZ-X is only available in dual-disc brake models. On the other hand, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V gets the slimmest rear tyre, making it easier to switch directions by a decent margin.

Dimensions

Specification	FZ-X	Apache RTR 160 4V	Xtreme 160R	XBlade
Wheelbase	1,330mm	1,357mm	1327mm	1347mm
Ground clearance	165mm	180mm	167mm	160mm
Fuel tank capacity	10-litre	12-litre	12-litre	12-litre
Seat Height	810mm	800mm	790mm	795mm
Weight	139kg	145kg (Single disc)/147kg (Double disc)	138.5kg (Single disc )/139.5kg(Double disc)	143kg (Single disc)/144kg (Double Disc)

The Xtreme 160R gets the shortest wheelbase, making it easy to flick around corners and filter through bumper to bumper traffic in our cities. It also gets the lowest seat height, which further makes it easier for shorter riders to get on and off the bike.

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On the other hand, the Apache RTR 160 4V gets the longest wheelbase, which can make it cumbersome to deal with in tight spaces. But the same also provides more stability while changing directions at high speeds. Adding to the practicality aspect, the TVS also gets the highest ground clearance, which can come handy in our road conditions. The Yamaha FZ-X’s small fuel tank could limit its touring capabilities to some extent.

Price and Verdict

Model	FZ-X	Apache RTR 160 4V	Xtreme 160R	XBlade
Ex-showroom Price, Delhi	Rs 1,16,800 to Rs 1,19,800	Rs 1,08,565 to Rs 1,11,615	Rs 1,10,540 to Rs 1,12,340	Rs 1,09,264 to Rs 1,13,364

In terms of value for money, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is favoured considering the oomph on offer for the asking price. The FZ-X's dash of modern features does give it an edge in terms of the ownership experience. However, the same also brings the highest asking price when compared to its rivals.

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