2013 Yamaha FZ-S review

Engine and Performance

The Yamaha FZ-S has a very refined 153 cc engine that produces close to 14 horses. Ride around on the FZ-S and you immediately realise what this machine is meant for. This is a bike for the city, with all its power concentrated on roll on’s. Its quick to the 60 kmph mark in about 5.7 seconds and is happy till about 80 kmph. After that its huff’s and puff’s its way to a top speed of 120 kmph and that’s the max we could achieve, and is all that you can expect from an engine of this size and tune. All the power in the FZ-S lies at the bottom end and the engine is very responsive in the region of 3000 to 7000 RPM. The FZ-S also has a throttle position sensor, that varies the timing of firing to give you maximum efficiency. The gear-shifts are very smooth with good feel and you precisely know that the gear has slotted. Riding around the city is super fun and even after prolonged runs in traffic cramped roads the engine and gearbox retained its composure. With a pillion on-board there is a marked difference in the ease at which it gets going, but it comes to terms with the extra load post 3000 RPM. Probably the only let down of the engine is that with mostly city riding we got a mileage of 40 kmpl from the Yamaha FZ-S, kinda low for a 150cc segment bike. 

Look and Feel and Build Quality

In this department the Yamaha FZ-S scores almost full marks. Its definitely the best looking motorcycle in its segment and the colour options (Fearless Black/ Glory Gold/ Raging Red/ Tempest Blue) too are very good. Be it the meaty front forks, the well sculpted tank, the nice bold exhaust or the extra wide rear wheel, each part adds up to a gorgeous looking motorcycle, while individually still being a feature worth mentioning. While seated on the bike you are already confident that you can handle this machine with ease, the wide handlebars, the slightly rearset footpegs and the low seat makes you hold on to the bike in a rather stylish way. 

There is a lot of plastic on this bike, with the biggest and the most prominent being the tank. The actual tank is under the plastic one and this feature has allowed Yamaha to mould a rather unique and aggressive looking tank which would have been difficult with a metal one. Do not be worried about the plastic quality though, every part is of good make, strong and will withstand the test of time.

Handling and Braking

The Yamaha FZ-S with its rather comfortable yet sporty seating position gives you a good pedestal to push this machine with confidence into pretty much any sort of road condition. The grippy wide tyres makes sure you are planted and combine that with the comfortable suspension and a comfy wide seat you have good package that is perfect for daily city use. The suspension being a little soft still manages to keep up with you when you are pushing this bike hard around that corner, thanks to the well balanced chassis on the Yamaha FZ-S. In the city it was a pleasure to handle and although we do not recommend it, its pretty quick, easy and almost natural to change directions on and swing between the gaps. The braking department is headed by a 267 mm disc at the front and while they are a bit spongy in feel they work just fine. The rear drum brake is sharp and has a good feel to it. Both together do a very good job of bringing the FZ-S to a halt in a jiffy. Although the power may not demand it, but you can’t help but think about the fact that maybe a rear disc probably would have done wonders for the motorcycle.

Accessories and Key features

The FZ-S has evolved over the years and it has got some minor tweaks and additions based on customer feedback. The main tweaks are the seats which were widened, the rear mudguard that was elongated to avoid splashbacks and slightly bigger wider pillion grab rails. A new addition was the kick start, something that a lot of people wanted possibly due prior experience with bad electronics, as the electronics on the Yamaha FZ-S are spot on. The digital meter shows all the basic information, speed, RPM, fuel level and is yellow backlit. It was clear and easy to read in low light and no light conditions but was not bright enough for daylight. The mirrors maybe could have been bigger for a more wider view. Switchgear quality is decent and was rightly placed and easy to operate. The headlights were just about right, not the top of the class illumination but by far not the worst. 

Value for Money

The Yamaha FZ-S costs Rs. 72,280/- ex-showroom New Delhi and at that price it is a bit costlier than its 150cc counterparts. But what you get for that price is a trouble free ride with good ride and build quality. Even after couple of years of ownership we have people who have no complaints or any problems except for the usual wear and tear, this of-course with regular and timely service. Spares are decently priced and service costs are pretty similar to its competitors. 

Final Verdict

The Yamaha FZ-S has been with us a long time and Yamaha have pretty much refreshed it and kept it fresh and taken customer feedback seriously. Its a perfect city bike for the younger college crowd where looks and off the life performance matters. Fuel efficiency could have been better but where it makes up for this is in its reliability, it will not keep throwing you the small niggles every other day while at the same time it is a pleasure and an easy to ride bike. 

Specifications Sheet

ENGINE

CHASSIS

Test Riders

Sudeep

Avin

Anoop

Ashwin