Yamaha's FZ-S Fi Hybrid Review: More tech, more efficiency, same old DNA
Yamaha
brought out the FZ-S Fi Hybrid earlier this year. We recently got to ride it, and in this review, we'll talk about what's new, what features it offers, how it rides, and who it's best suited for.
What is the new Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid actually?
At first glance, it's clear that Yamaha hasn't tried to change the FZ-S Hybrid completely. Instead, it has focused on adding updates that make the bike more efficient, smoother to ride, and packed with modern tech. In terms of design, the overall styling remains the same as before, which isn't a bad thing because the FZ has always been a good-looking bike. The only noticeable changes are the new integrated turn indicators on the tank extensions and some fresh colour options. And honestly, why change a design that's already working so well?
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Speaking of riding comfort, the seat is wide, spacious and well-cushioned - ample for city commutes. However, for longer rides, it may cause a bit of discomfort but that definitely isn't much to break the deal. The seat height is 790 mm, which should be comfortable for most riders. Another big plus is its light weight of 138 kg, making it easy to handle in traffic and smooth to maneuver while overtaking.
What's hybrid tech?
The biggest change on this model is the mild-hybrid tech. Well, Yamaha's starter motor generator (SMG) helps in giving a subtle assist during initial acceleration and the start is silent too. Now before we get going into the details, let's discuss what it offers on paper. The Yamaha FZS-FI Hybrid packs a 149cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 12.4 hp at 7,250rpm and 13.3 Nm at 5,500 rpm, and is E20 fuel compatible.
As for the performance, the engine feels smooth and refined, with power coming in a steady, linear manner rather than an instant rush. It gathers speed gradually, making it effortless to ride in the city: calm, predictable, and easy to control. The performance is good up to about 80 kmph, but it isn't built for quick bursts of acceleration beyond that.
The highlight for us was the new 4.2-inch full-colour TFT screen. It's crisp, bright and very easy to use: one of the best we've seen in this segment. The bike also gets Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, traction control (not something you'd typically need on a bike like this, but still a nice feature to have), and a single-channel ABS system. Though at this price point, dual-channel ABS and USD forks would've sweetened the deal, especially with some rivals offering them.
In terms of handling, the FZ-S Fi Hybrid feels agile and light on its feet. The ride quality is slightly on the firmer side, but it tackles city potholes and speed breakers quite well. The rear brake offers good feedback, but the front needs a little getting used to. During our rides, we felt that the bite comes in a bit late, though it works well once you adapt.
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Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid: Verdict
If you're someone who prioritizes performance and wants a punchier ride, there are other bikes in this space that offer more performance. But if you're looking for something long-term that feels refined and is also fuel-efficient (expect around 55-55 kmpl), the FZ-S Fi Hybrid makes a solid case for itself. It may not be the fastest in the 150cc club, but it's definitely among the smartest.
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