Can Yamaha steal the thunder from Suzuki Gixxer?

Two bikes launched by Yamaha -- FZ F1 and FZ-S F1 -- are a bit expensive considering their mileage-enhancing technology. Still they will manage to reign over India's youth and steal market shares from Honda CB Trigger and Suzuki Gixxer 150, feels Sagar Basandani.

Soon, Suzuki Gixxer 150 will be competing with this machine.

Yamaha Motor India, the manufacturer of one of the most appealing two-wheelers has updated its youth-captivating 150cc naked sports machines -- FZ16 and FZ-S. Moreover, the bikes have not only been upgraded cosmetically but technically as well.

After the enhancement, the motorcycles are now called as FZ FI and FZ-S FI Version 2.0.

Prices of the machines are also altered: the FZ FI version 2.0 is priced at Rs 76,250 while FZ-S FI version 2.0 is priced at Rs 78,250 (both are ex-showroom price, Delhi).

With the newly introduced colour scheme and renovation the bikes look meaner and smarter.

Here's a look at the two Yamaha bikes launched recently.

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Yamaha has slighty changed the configuration of the engine as it now incorporates a close loop fuel injection technology to it. This will add a few more kilometers to the mileage count as the company claims an increase of 14 per cent to the fuel economy.

Both FZ FI and FZ-S FI Version 2.0 feature a 153cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder motor that is mated with the 5-speed transmission. The mill is now able to churn out a maximum power output of 13.1bhp with a total torque value of 12.8Nm.

However, the power and torque values have descended and thus become less competitive than the other machines in this segment. Though the masculine looks of the bikes has got enough to take them head-on.

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Yamaha designs its motorcycles to fascinate people and FZ is one of the best example to prove that. The Japanese manufacturer has changed the overall dimensions of the bike and has turned it into a compact and more competitive one.

However, the bike is still running the old suspension system that consists of telescopic forks at the front and monocross at the rear.

The tubeless tyres -- 100/80-17 front and 140/60-R17 rear -- with 5-spoke alloy wheels sports front disc and rear drum brake, which is the same as before. Size of the tyres are same but the old threads are replaced by the Nylogrip Zapper-FX 1 at the front and revz-Y at the rear.

The machine now weighs 132kg, which is 3kg less than version 1.0. The motorcycle continues to boast a full digital instrumentation panel that displays speedometer, tachometer, odometer and fuel gauge.

One can notice a change in the bike can only while riding as only the mill had undergone a major change and not to the body.

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Yamaha FZ16 and FZ-S, since inception are popular among youngsters because of their aggressive and hardcore style. The bikes with the new outfit look more robust and furious as they now sport a new rear mudguard with tyre hugger, clear lens blinkers, redesigned headlamp unit, edgy rear panels with grab bars, new tail lamp and split seat.

While features that remain the same are front mudguard, fuel tank, switch gears and handlebars.

The machine gets a better aerodynamics now with a subtle alteration.

Panther Black and Scorching Red are colour options for FZ FI version 2.0 and Astral Blue, Moonwalk White, Cyber Green & Molten Orange are the shades for FZ-S FI version 2.0.

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Yamaha FZ FI and FZ-S FI now feature a fuel injection system that is a performance enhancer.

The bike sports widest rear tyres in its segment that allows the rider to perform sharp turns with confidence. The suspensions of the bikes are sound enough to avail a pleasant and comfortable ride.

The split seat now makes the rider sit more comfortably even for longer journeys. The seat height of the bike has also been decreased so that the rider can adjust himself better over the ride.

The bike has become a better ride in terms of riding position, appearance and performance.

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The new versions of Yamaha FZ and FZ-S seems to be more competitive with new elements such as the FI tag and advanced dimensions. Hence, hopes from these two machines are high.

The machine becomes a bit expensive with the incorporation of mileage enhancing technology but seeing the positive side, price increase is acceptable. Still it will manage to reign over the market and steal the market shares of Honda CB Trigger and Suzuki GS 150.

Soon, Suzuki Gixxer 150 will be competing with this machine.