Small updates to Yamaha’s trusty workhorse make the experience a bit better
Yamaha went from providing something exciting to the masses with the FZ 16 to a grown-up urban dweller from the FZ V2 and the same sort of continued with the V3 and now this V4. And yet, a lot of Indians seem to have loved it dearly. So here’s what’s good and not so good about the FZ-S Fi V4.
One of the main reasons why Indian commuters have ended up loving the FZ is because the 149 cc mill delivers its creamy and easy going performance while not being too much of a burden on your bank account. It is quite chill in every possible scenario, making sure the rider stays calm and composed in the heat of traffic.
The motor’s niceties are complemented well with a commuting friendly bike set up. So, you sit on it naturally, no body pain to complain about after any sort of ride and you are always in great control over the operations. Couple that with supple ride and the FZ will make sure that you remain settled even over the most unsettling road conditions.
Injecting a bit of drama or oomph would have definitely helped the FZ. Yamaha’s too conservative and frugality driven mindset has deterred enthusiasts from getting one and opting for its competition. There is enough potential in the chassis to harness more power and yamaha should be doing just that instead of adding features that don’t really count for much.
Like traction control on a 14 PS motorcycle is completely pointless. The driving force isn’t plenty as the system barely intervenes. And when it does, it isn’t a seamless experience. It would’ve been better off if we got dual-channel ABS instead, a safety aid that really counts in the real world.
One could overlook the bland performance and focus on the fuel savings had it been more economical than its competition. But sadly, it isn’t. At Rs 1,29,400 (ex-showroom Delhi), it is just as pricey if not more than some of the 160 cc sporty commuters in the country which offer just as much fuel efficiency, and have better performance and features.
Yamaha’s same tried, tested and unchanged recipe continues to exist and I sort of get why. It has a sense of calmness and ease of riding that most commuters appreciate. Not to mention its frugality that has always been a plus point. We wish though there was a bit more zing in the motor as the handling package could definitely be complimented better then. And instead of gimmicky features like traction control, dual-channel ABS would make things far safer on two-wheelers such as this which are relatively low on power.
