Neo-Retro seems to be a prevalent theme in the Indian motorcycle space with many manufacturers launching products that subscribe to the thought. The latest to join the party is Japanese giant Yamaha which has launched the FZ-X motorcycle in the market. The bike, based on the ever-popular Yamaha FZ, is targeted at a buyer who is looking to get the same reliability in a unique design. Along with the FZ-X, the brand has also launched its most popular scooter in India, the Fascino in a hybrid avatar. The 125 cc scooter is available in both Disc and Drum brake versions.
YAMAHA FZ-X
The FZ-X model has a neo-retro design theme for a nostalgic experience but also gets technology to meet the needs of the modern-day rider. It gets unique looking bi-functional LED headlights with daytime running lights, a newly designed negative LCD console with a power socket, and an LED taillight. There are metal components visible on the fuel tank, side covers, engine guard, headlight stays, the front fender, fender stay, and the grab-bar for increased strength and durability. The front forks are covered with black colour boots which contribute to a different style. The bike gets a higher handlebar that is positioned closer to the rider, which in sync with a relatively flat step-up seat and differently positioned footpegs offers improved ergonomics, according to Yamaha.
On the convenience front, a side stand with an engine cut-off switch, a lower engine protector guard and for safety, a Bosch single-channel ABS with tubeless tyres are present on the bike. The FZ-X is Bluetooth enabled, and it also receives a communication control unit that is compatible with Yamaha’s dedicated Y-Connect app. Through this, the rider can check smartphone notifications via the instrument cluster icons, look at maintenance recommendations, track the bike’s last parking location, track fuel consumption, receive malfunction notification, along with a unique feature – The Revs Dashboard, which displays data such as engine rpm, degree of throttle opening, rate of acceleration, an eco-friendly riding indicator, etc on the riders’ smartphone.
The bike is powered by an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 149 cc, SOHC engine which generates 12.4 PS of peak power at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Yamaha says the exhaust note is extensively tuned to produce a powerful sound. The FZ-X gets a ground clearance of 165 mm and weighs 139 kg. The bike has been launched in three colours — metallic blue, matt copper and matt black. It is priced starting at Rs 1,16,800 lakh while the Bluetooth enabled trim is priced at Rs 1,19,800 (ex-showroom),
YAMAHA FASCINO 125 HYBRID
The Fascino 125 Fi hybrid continues to be powered by an air-cooled, fuel-injected, 125 cc engine that produces a power output of 8.2 PS @6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 10.3 Nm @5,000rpm. As standard, the scooter gets a Smart Motor Generator (SMG) system where the generator functions as an electric motor to give a power assist when you accelerate from a stop, reducing the insecurity caused by the wobble during start-outs in tandem riding or during uphill climbs. About three seconds after starting, or when the throttle is cut back or the engine rpm exceeds the prescribed level, the Power Assist function is cancelled. Also, an indicator light in the instrument cluster informs the rider when the hybrid system is in operation. The system also helps in a quiet engine start system and automatic stop and start system. Yamaha says it plans to expand this technology to Ray ZR 125 Fi soon.
The more expensive disc brake version of the Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid gets features like LED headlight, daytime running lights and LED tail light. It also gets a digital instrument cluster and Bluetooth connectivity with Yamaha motorcycle connect X App which offers convenience features like answer back, locate my vehicle, riding history, parking record, and hazard. The scooter also gets features like a side stand engine cut-off switch, multi-function key with seat opener function, a 21-litre under-seat storage compartment, foldable convenience hook and an optional USB Charger. There are some new colours to choose from depending on the variant. These include vivid red special, matt black special and cool blue metallic on the disc brake variant. The new colours on the drum variant include vivid red, cool blue metallic and yellow cocktail.
The writer is Senior Editor at carandbike.com