The Yamaha FZ FI V3.0 (new Yamaha FZ-S) has been
spied testing in a near-production form in India. The clearest images to date
reveals the silhouette of the naked roadster. The 2019 Yamaha FZ FI takes
design inspiration from its elder sibling, the Yamaha FZ25. The motorcycle
features an LED headlight, which has a striking resemblance to the unit in the
FZ25. Behind it, there’s an all-digital instrument cluster. The bike features a
sculpted fuel tank with extended scoops and a faux radiator cowl.
The 2019 Yamaha FZ features a redesigned tail
section with a single-piece seat and new rear grab rails. While the rear number
plate holder is similar to the outgoing model, the front and rear mudguards are
all-new. The motorcycle gets and engine belly fairing, while the exhaust is
almost identical to the FZ25. The updated FZ FI V3.0 features new 10-spoke
17-inch alloy wheels.
While the launch details are not revealed yet, India
Yamaha Motor has shared a media invite for a press conference on 21 January. We
expect the company to launch the 2019 FZ FI V3.0 on 21 January, and possibly
the ABS variants of the Yamaha R15 V3.0, FZ25 and the Fazer 25 if not then,
soon after.
The Yamaha FZ FI V3.0 is unlikely to feature updates
to the engine. The current model employs a 149cc single-cylinder, fuel injected
motor that is tuned to generate a maximum power of 13.2 PS and a peak torque of
12.8 Nm. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
Braking will be aided by discs at both the ends with
standard ABS. However, whether Yamaha will introduce a single or a dual-channel
system remains to be seen. The current FZ FI retails at INR 81,540, while the
FZ-S V2.0 costs INR 87,542 (both the prices are ex-showroom Delhi). We expect
the new bike to cost at least INR 10,000 more, owing to the introduction of
ABS.
The FZ FI V3.0 will rival the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V,
Suzuki Gixxer, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and Honda X-Blade among others.