2019 Yamaha FZ FI takes plenty of design cues from the FZ25 while mechanically it is expected to remain the same
With the YZF-R15 V3 making a strong impact in the domestic market ever since it went on sale, Yamaha is planning a brand new version of its popular FZ. The third iteration of the FZ FI or the FZ-S has been caught testing on public roads recently fuelling a speculation over whether it is the bike in the question to launch in January or not.
While the other probability being MT-15, we do think that the new FZ is the motorcycle coming out on full swing on January 21, 2019. A latest set of spy pictures do indicate what is in store, as the Japanese manufacturer prepares to carry on the momentum created by the R15 V3 with the updated FZ-S.
The 2019 Yamaha FZ-S derives plenty of design inspiration from the bigger FZ25. It comes equipped with a similar looking LED headlamp as in its quarter-litre sibling and an updated digital instrumentation should also take its place. Moreover, the body panels are updated to have a more dynamic stance as the FZ25 and thankfully not overdone like the Fazer 25.
The fuel tank has a chiselled profile and it might continue with the same 12-litre capacity. It also features new 17-inch wheels, exhaust unit replicating that of FZ25, new fenders up front and rear, updated tail portion, single piece seat, radiator cowl, engine protector and so on. It will retain the same mechanical components as the outgoing model.
Other than the cosmetic updates, we do not expect any performance changes, as the existing 149 cc single-cylinder fuel-injected engine should be capable of producing 13.2 PS maximum power and 12.8 Nm of peak torque. It is connected to a five-speed transmission. The engine could be further refined and tuned to offer more fuel efficiency.
Yamaha will introduce ABS into the mix and it may not be a dual-channel system to keep the costs in check. Expect the 2019 Yamaha FZ FI V3 or FZ-S to cost around Rs. 8-10,000 more than that of the outgoing motorcycle due to the addition of ABS and other updates. It will continue to rival Bajaj Pulsar NS160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Honda’s X-Blade and Suzuki Gixxer that is also due an update.