2023 Yamaha FZ-X: All Because of New Emission Norms?

2023 Yamaha FZ-X: All Because of New Emission Norms?

The 2023 Yamaha FZ-X has been launched in India. Launched predominantly to help it meet with the new pollution requirements and fuel standards, the FZ-X did receive a few additional tweaks and twists. The first of these changes/upgrades is OBD2 compliance. As the Government of India continues on its path of steadily raising the ethanol level in fuel, every two-wheeler marketed and sold in India must have On-Board Diagnostic system that detects emissions in real-time and alerts the rider if there is a mismatch. The OBD2 upgrade on FZ-X is therefore a component of the phase II of Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) rules, which went into force on April 1 of this year. The engine is now E20 certified, which means it can use petrol containing up to 20% Ethanol.

DESIGN LANGUAGE

The inclusion of LED indicators and a Traction Control System (TCS), both of which are now  standard across Yamaha’s motorbike line-up in India, are two of the FC-X’s most noticeable improvements. Regarding the traction control system, on a 12.4 horsepower motorbike, this system is only likely to be used in conditions like the monsoon or when grip levels are reduced as a result of something like an oil spill. The LED indicators appear rather slick. However, it’s a crucial aspect for increased safety, especially in challenging circumstances. The twin channel ABS would have been preferable, but the FZ-X continues to offer only a single channel system, whereas vehicles like the more reasonably priced but substantially more potent Bajaj Pulsar N160 offers twin channel ABS. In order to make the 2023 FZ-X up-to date with the most recent laws, Yamaha has also included a few attractive features such as an All-LED Lighting system, a fully digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity. However, riders may have benefitted more from features like a gear position indication or a hinged fuel filling lid or turn-by-turn navigation system.

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

The engine of FZ-X though has a substantial mid-range speed and is smooth and tractable, making for a decent city ride. It is RDE complaint, which means it subscribes to the most recent pollution standards. Although the peak speed is not much more than 100 kmph, a comfortable cruising speed is closer to 80 kmph. The FZ-X has the advantage of feeling very light and maneuverable, so generally it remains a welcoming and smooth city motorcycle but falls short once you enter the highways.

VERDICT

The FZ-X is priced between 150 and 200 cc variants at Rs. 1.37 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), with the former being more cost-effective and the latter being more performance-oriented. In light of this, the FZ-X might not be your first choice when looking at 150–200 cc bikes. However, even though the FZ-X is still more costly than most other motorcycles in its segment, except for the more competent Suzuki Gixxer, the price increase isn’t that significant with these modifications included.

2023 Yamaha FZ-X Specs: