Yamaha FZ25: First look

The all-new Yamaha FZ25 has been launched in India for Rs 1.19 lakh, ex-Delhi. This is Yamaha's first 250cc motorcycle in India and occupies the spot between the YZF-R15 and the YZF- R3. The fuel injected bike conforms to BS4 specifications. Here is some more dope on the latest Yamaha.

 Looks:

It has the same visual appeal as the Yamaha FZ16 version 2.0. However, as the specs clarify, the FZ25 is bigger. The headlamp is all-new and boasts LED lights. The front mudguard has a matte wrap on it while the front forks have Yamaha written on them. The black alloy wheels are wrapped in tubeless MRF rubber. Unlike the smaller FZ, these aren't radials.

The meter console is new and all-digital. The initial impression of the sculpted mirrors is that they may not offer a wide range of vision but we will wait for a first ride to confirm this. The split seats themselves are borrowed from the smaller FZ while the side panels and grab rail are new. The tail lamp is an LED unit and has a split design. The exhaust is again a new iteration of the FZ16.

Engine:

While this fuel injected engine has been in use in other Yamaha products in Brazil and Japan, this is the first time it makes an appearance on Indian soil. Yamaha makes this engine here and this explains the aggressive pricing for the 250cc naked. The long stroke engine uses a single overhead cam and two valves to breathe.

It makes 20.9PS/20Nm and transfers the power via a 5-speed box. Yamaha claims that this engine is tuned for rideability and for a punchy mid-range. In Indian riding conditions, riders should comfortably get 43kmpl fuel efficiency, claims Yamaha. At the launch, we did rev the engine and the note is slightly gruffer than the smaller fuel injected FZ. It is BS4 compliant too.

Features:

The front (282mm) and rear (220mm) disc brakes bring the motorcycle to a halt. When asked why there wasn't even an option for ABS, a Yamaha official said that, " The brakes do the job adequately and there was no need for ABS. However, once the norms come in, we are ready with the ABS-equipped variants to be rolled out."

The motorcycle also comes with Always On Headlamp or AHO. When you first turn the ignition key, the yellow pilot lamp comes on, like in the Fazer. Once you start the motorcycle, the full LED main headlamp unit comes on. The rear tyre hugger and saree guard are integrated units and do not stick out like in the R15 or FZ16.

Availability:

The motorcycles will start rolling into showrooms across the country from Feb 2017. Customers can currently book the motorcycle for Rs 5,000 across dealerships.

Competition:

Given the price range that the Yamaha FZ250 competes in, it will go up against the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, its own stable mate the YZF-R15 and the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS. For about Rs 15,000 more, the Bajaj Dominar 400 also comes into the picture as competition. Wait for our comparison test to find out which bike's better.

Also see:

Yamaha FZ25 launched in India at Rs 1.19 lakh

Image gallery: 2017 Yamaha FZ25