Yamaha has always been on the top of the market, simply because the motorcycles are extremely durable and they provide amazing ride quality. With the iconic bikes like the RX100 and the king of 2-strokes the RD350, Yamaha was devastating the Indian market back in the 1990’s and 2000’s. Then they had to eliminate the 2 stroke engines due to emission issues. Then Yamaha wasn’t undergoing a good reign until they launched the YZF R15, something that rocked the Indian market. And then came the FZ16, people loved it because it was a good performer in the city and gave good fuel economy, something that the Indian market wants. Yamaha updated the FZ to the FZ V2.0, in 2014, where the size of the engine was reduced; fuel injection system was introduced for a great economy and smoothness in performance and Yamaha have kept up this promise until date.
A few months ago a test mule was spotted, people were confused whether it was the MT-03, or whether the FZ-16 got an update. But then it was finally revealed that it is the ‘FZ25’ a super demand was created ever since the truth was known. People were awaiting its launch ever since then. Yes, it is the FZ-25. The Yamaha FZ25 launched on 24-01-2017, is looking to set a benchmark in the 250cc segment. The motorcycle is launched at an attractive price tag of INR 1,19,500 (Ex-showroom Delhi). The beefy looking motorcycle is placed in between the R15 and the R3. The FZ comes bagged with loads of features over the outgoing FZ 2.0 and FZ-S models.Looks and Styling:
The motorcycle looks meaty in nature with a muscular tank set up with neatly laid body lines. The headlamp looks similar to it’s younger and older siblings. The tail section looks similar to the outgoing FZ16 and FZ-S models. The headlamp and tail lamp use LED lights to enhance the vision for longer distances reducing the stain for the rider. The exhaust canister is neatly laid out and it looks strikingly similar to what comes on FZ-V2.0.
Yamaha has installed air scoops on both the sides of the motorcycle to improve aesthetics and also to help the engine cool down sooner, Yamaha calls it the Iconic silhouette. The front indicators are neatly placed above the headlight. Most of the parts used are similar to what is used in its younger siblings, the FZ16 and FZ-S. The motorcycle is available in 3 shades namely, Knight Black, Ballistic Blue and Warrior White.Engine:
The engine on the new FZ25 is a 249cc, single cylinder, SOCH, 4-stroke unit that is oil-cooled, and fuel injected. It comes with 4-row core oil cooler. The engine produces a maximum power output of 20.69Ps at 8,000RPM and 20Nm torque at 6,000RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Yamaha claims a wet weight 148kg which is 13kgs heavier than the FZ16. Yamaha has used the same technology used in the MT models called successive chamber expansions to provide a crisp exhaust note, enhancing the riding pleasure.Brakes and Suspension:
A major component that is missing in the FZ25 is the ABS, while its rival the TVS Apache RTR 200 comes equipped with optional ABS. The motorcycle gets disc brakes for both the wheels. The front end receives a 282mm disc brake and the rear wheel has a 220mm disc brake. The new FZ25 is featured with telescopic fork suspensions at front and the rear gets a monoshock suspension. The motorcycle measures 2015mm in length, 770mm in width, 1075 mm in height with a seat height of 795mm. It has a wheelbase of 1360mm. It carries the same 100/80-17 and 140/70-17 tires as it’s younger siblings the FZ16 and FZ-S. The motorcycle is said to receive a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters.Instrument Cluster & Fuel Economy:
The FZ25 gets a fully digital meter console which includes- Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel gauge, Odometer, two Trip meters, Fuel Reserve Trip meter, Clock, Instant fuel economy and Average fuel economy indicator. What the FZ25 lacks are the side stand and gear shift indicators. Yamaha has promised that the FZ25 will be returning a fuel economy of 43kmpl since it is purely designed to set the Indian roads on fire.Rivals:
The FZ25 is set to roll out in the market facing various rivals, the most important rivals that the FZ25 must fear are, KTM Duke 200, TVS Apache 200, Benelli TNT 25 and other bikes around the 2 lakh price segment like the Bajaj RS 200, Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Honda CBR 250R. We loved all its rivals, let us see whether the FZ25 will creep over us like the venom in spider-man.Stay tuned as we will bring you the first ride review of the new Yamaha FZ25 only at BikesIndia soon, we are equally eager to do the first ride review of the motorcycle to see how it squares off against its rivals- A winner or a runner, only time will tell.
By: Rishath Suresh
