Here's What We Know About The Upcoming Yamaha FZ-X

[UPDATE: The Yamaha FZ-X has been launched in India. To know the price, availability and the specifications, read our launch story]

Ever since it was first leaked in RTO documents, there has been a steady stream of information and spy shots of the upcoming Yamaha FZ-X. As a result, we already know quite a bit about the incoming model, even though it hasn't yet been officially revealed or launched. Here's the low-down:

It's based on the Yamaha FZ-Fi V3, obviously. That's a bit of a no-brainer, because it's got exactly the same engine as the FZ - displacement and power output are identical, and it's even produced at the same rpm. Which means that the 13.3Nm torque figure should remain unchanged too.

Another figure that's identical to the standard FZ is the wheelbase, which tells us that underpinnings are shared too. This means a single-downtube frame suspended on a conventional telescopic fork and monoshock, and disc brakes at both ends. The only real difference in this area is the gaiters on the front fork that are exclusive to the FZ-X.

The lion's share of underlying components have remained the same, so the major changes are the aesthetic ones sprinkled over the top. The FZ-X features an unconventional headlight unit, with a central projector element surrounded by an LED DRL ring with no real headlight lens to encompass it all. The way that the tall teardrop-shaped fuel-tank swoops down to the rider's seat looks more cruiser than ADV, giving the bike a pretty awkward overall look. Thanks to a tall handlebar and mind-set footpegs, the seating position seems to be quite relaxed and upright, in contrast to the standard FZ's slightly leaned-forward and sporty posture.

The FZ-X does seem to be a taller motorcycle overall, with quite a large gap between the rear tyre and the tail section. But since the overall length hasn't gone up by much and the wheelbase is unchanged, the FZ-X looks rather ungainly. We hope that the tradeoff for the oddball appearance is greater suspension travel, because if that isn't the case, then the FZ-X's only off-road credentials are block-pattern tyres and a sump guard. With the information at our disposal right now, it certainly doesn't seem like the FZ-X will be able to hold a candle to a hardcore off-roader like the Hero XPulse, instead going down more of a soft-roader path. It will be offered only with alloy wheels, with no option for wire-spoke units.

Despite the tall look, the rider's seat region seems adequately low and the seat height should remain pretty accessible. There's a slight step up as the single-piece seat flows into the pillion region, and the passenger's seating position seems to be quite upright and comfortable too. We suspect the FZ-X might be offered in two variants - a standard version and an 'S' variant, with the two differentiated by paint options and aesthetic trim. Expect the FZ-X to carry a premium of around Rs 5,000 to 6,000 over the standard FZ counterparts.