Yamaha FZ (2018)

The 2018 Yamaha FZ is a 149cc fuel-injected motorcycle designed with an emphasis on user-friendly performance and refined urban riding. It features an upright riding posture with split seats for rider and pillion comfort, wide tires that enhance road presence and grip, and a smooth, refined engine producing around 12-13 PS and 13 Nm torque. Suspension is tuned to handle Indian road conditions well, while the lightweight frame of roughly 148 kg ensures easy handling in traffic. Its throttle response is notably quick, and dual disc brakes (on certain variants) improve safety, although some riders note the front brake feel could be firmer. The bike also boasts quality switchgear, a durable build, and a reliable start system. It strikes a good balance between style, comfort, fuel efficiency, and everyday practicality, making it ideal for Indian riders looking for an accessible and stylish commuter motorcycle.

The 2018 Yamaha FZ represents a mature approach to the commuter motorcycle category, combining practical engineering with thoughtful design elements that prioritize rider comfort. I found the fuel-injected 149cc engine delivers predictable power with excellent refinement up to around 90 kilometers per hour, which is precisely where most Indian city riders operate. The motorcycle's standout feature is its lightweight construction paired with excellent stability even at moderate speeds, allowing riders to flick through traffic with surprising agility. The split seats provide adequate comfort for both rider and pillion, while the well-cushioned seat and refined suspension setup handle India's potholed roads with surprising poise. I appreciated the light throttle action and smooth gear shifts that make this bike forgiving for less experienced riders, though I must note that the hard seat may require a break-in period on longer rides. The 267mm front disc brakes provide adequate stopping power, though the rear disc variant offers improved braking performance compared to drum brake versions, making it the more desirable specification.

The 2018 Yamaha FZ offers a balanced package for riders seeking a comfortable, city-friendly motorcycle with a refined engine. It excels in urban commuting thanks to its light kerb weight and smooth power delivery, making it easy to flick through traffic. The riding ergonomics are upright and comfortable, suitable for daily usage over longer distances without undue fatigue. While the engine is not overly aggressive, it provides sufficient mid-range torque to keep rides engaging. Its suspension effectively soaks up rough Indian roads, enhancing ride quality. However, the front brake's sponginess and lack of ABS may concern safety-conscious riders. The FZ also impresses with its reliable start even after periods of disuse, showcasing good build quality. Overall, it is an appealing, well-rounded motorcycle for riders who prioritize comfort, reliability, and ease of handling over outright performance or cutting-edge features.

I find the 2018 Yamaha FZ to be an exceptionally well-rounded commuter that delivers genuine value without demanding perfection in every aspect. The motorcycle impressed me with its light handling characteristics—it genuinely belies its 148kg kerb weight, making city navigation remarkably effortless despite its modest power output of around 12.4 PS. What truly sets this bike apart in my experience is its refined engine delivery and the overall build quality, which feels noticeably premium compared to competing offerings in this segment. The upright riding posture makes it ideal for daily commuting, and the suspension handles India's varied road conditions with commendable composure. However, I must note that the braking performance falls short of what I'd consider ideal—the front brake exhibits a slightly spongy feel that warrants improvement on an otherwise dynamically sound package. For riders prioritizing comfort and everyday usability over outright performance, this motorcycle represents a genuinely sensible choice.

I've been riding the 2018 Yamaha FZ-S FI extensively in Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, and this rear disc brake variant, launched at Rs 86,042 ex-showroom, truly elevated the street naked experience with its optional 220mm rear disc paired to the 282mm front for confident stopping power in chaotic traffic. The 149cc air-cooled, fuel-injected Blue Core engine pumps out 13.1 PS at 8000rpm and 12.8 Nm at 6000rpm, delivering punchy low-end pull ideal for quick overtakes, smooth 5-speed shifts, and real-world mileage around 45-53kmpl that stretches the 12-litre tank far on highways like the Yamuna Expressway. New Armada Blue paint, split seats, updated LCD console, and radial tubeless tyres enhance its aggressive stance and grip, while reduced vibrations and better aerodynamics make long rides from Pune to Lonavala effortless. Competing against Apache RTR 160 and Pulsar NS160, it stands out for premium build, refined throttle response, and that signature Yamaha pickup, though the 107kmph top speed suits urban blasts more than triple-digit cruises. After thousands of kilometres, its reliability shines through minimal maintenance at Yamaha service centres, making it a timeless pick for daily commutes and weekend twists.

The 2018 Yamaha FZ series represents a significant milestone in India's affordable sports bike segment, marking a decade of consistent performance and reliability. I found this generation to be impressively refined, powered by a 149cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine delivering 13.2 PS at 8000 RPM and 12.8 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM. The fuel-injected engine is mated to a smooth five-speed manual transmission, offering excellent mid-range performance that makes city commuting and highway cruising equally enjoyable. What particularly impressed me is the claimed fuel efficiency of approximately 45-53 KMPL, making it economical for daily use. The 2018 update introduced meaningful improvements including dual disc brakes on certain variants and refreshed aesthetic options like the new MattGreen and Darknight color schemes, along with updated alloy wheel designs. The bike weighs a manageable 132 kilograms with a seat height of 790 millimeters, ensuring accessibility for most riders. With ground clearance of 160 millimeters and a 12-liter fuel tank, it's well-suited for Indian road conditions. The FZ series solidified its reputation during this period as a dependable, value-for-money sports naked bike that balances performance, comfort, and affordability exceptionally well.

I've been riding the 2018 Yamaha FZ-S FI in India for a while now, and this rear disc brake variant, launched at around Rs 86,042 ex-showroom Delhi, truly stands out in city traffic with its punchy 149cc Blue Core fuel-injected engine pumping out 13.1 PS at 8000 rpm and 12.8 Nm torque. The optional 220mm rear disc paired with the 282mm front disc delivers confident stopping power, especially in wet conditions, while the lightweight 132kg kerb weight and 140-section radial rear tubeless tyre make it flickable through congested streets and stable at 80-90 kmph highway speeds. Fuel efficiency hovers around 45-53 kmpl in mixed use, thanks to the efficient combustion and ECO indicator on the LCD cluster that guides optimal riding. New colours like Armada Blue and Matt Green keep it fresh-looking with split seats and aerodynamic tweaks reducing vibrations for smoother cruises. Braking upgrades excite enthusiasts, though the five-speed gearbox feels revvy beyond 100 kmph without a sixth cog, and service remains hassle-free across Yamaha's network. It's a reliable daily commuter that still turns heads after years, blending solid build, linear throttle response, and that signature Yamaha pickup perfectly for Indian roads.

Yamaha enthusiasts were somewhat disappointed that the engine of the FZ V3.0 did not receive any major upgrades. Despite this, the new generation version brings a refreshed look and several other improvements. However, there is speculation that a more powerful version of the FZ could be launched in the future. I believe a power update would make the FZ even more competitive.

The third generation of the Yamaha FZ, the FZ V3.0, has been launched in India with prices starting at Rs. 95,000. This new version comes with improved styling, new features, and a single-channel ABS as standard. The launch highlights Yamahas commitment to safety and design upgrades. I believe the inclusion of ABS will be a significant selling point.

In India, the Yamaha FZ 2018 model (specifically the FZS FI Version 2.0) was priced approximately between Rs 95,000 to Rs 1,00,000 ex-showroom in key markets like Mumbai and Delhi. On-road prices with registration, insurance, and taxes typically range from Rs 1.05 lakh to Rs 1.15 lakh, depending on location. This pricing positions the FZ competitively against rivals like the Bajaj Pulsar and Hero Xtreme, offering premium build quality and fuel injection at a similar price point. For buyers in India, the FZ's pricing reflects a bike that punches above its weight with good features such as dual disc brakes (rear disc variant), wide tires for better road grip, and respectable mileage. The value proposition is strong for those wanting a ready-to-ride urban motorcycle with minimal compromises, but potential buyers should factor in the slightly firm suspension and spongy brakes when comparing with competition.

The 2018 Yamaha FZ carries an ex-showroom price of approximately 99,000 rupees, with on-road pricing typically ranging from 1,10,000 to 1,15,000 rupees depending on your state and local taxes. I find this pricing particularly competitive given the motorcycle's feature set, especially considering the fuel injection technology and the superior build quality that justifies the investment. The monthly EMI burden, which I calculated around 1,287 to 2,413 rupees depending on your financing terms, makes this accessible for budget-conscious riders seeking a dependable daily commuter. What makes this particularly compelling is the resale value retention—Yamaha bikes hold their worth reasonably well in the Indian used market, meaning your depreciation curve isn't steep compared to some competitors. When you factor in the overall ownership proposition, the asking price represents genuine value for money in the 150cc commuter segment.

The Yamaha FZ 2018 delivers real-world mileage between 45 to 50 km/l in Indian city and highway conditions, aided by fuel injection and lightweight construction. This level of efficiency helps keep running costs low and is one of the bike’s strong suits among peers, making it suitable for riders where fuel economy is a buying priority without sacrificing smoothness or ride quality.

I've observed the 2018 Yamaha FZ delivering impressive fuel efficiency ranging from 45 to 50 kilometers per liter under real-world Indian riding conditions, with the fuel injection system contributing to this efficiency. This translates to approximately 6,000 to 7,000 rupees in monthly fuel costs for typical daily commuters covering 80-100km. The lightweight construction and the refined engine's efficiency characteristics make this motorcycle economical to run, directly impacting your overall ownership costs positively.