With the following stage of BS6 emission norms kicking in on April 1, producers are updating their two-wheelers to function on-board diagnostic know-how that displays emissions in real-time. In accordance, Yamaha lately up to date its bike lineup, gearing up for these upcoming norms, whereas additionally future-proofing the bikes as the federal government continues to steadily enhance the ethanol content material in our gasoline.

The up to date FZ-X that we lately rode in Rajasthan is among the many firm’s first fashions to function an E20-compatible engine, which means that it may run on gasoline that comprises an ethanol content material of upto 20%. E20 petrol is nearly starting to roll-out throughout the nation, and if the federal government’s imaginative and prescient materialises, all petrol offered in India by 2025 will likely be E20.

Yamaha’s total bike lineup will likely be E20-compatible by the tip of the yr.

These under-the-surface updates are prone to fly below the radar for many consumers, as a result of to trip, the bike and the engine really feel just about the identical as earlier. And which means a refined and pretty tractable 149cc motor with crisp throttle response and a meaty mid-range that makes for an excellent metropolis steed. But if outright efficiency or lengthy freeway stints are a prime precedence then that is definitely not the bike for you. There could be very little top-end efficiency to talk of, and as earlier than, prime velocity is just not far past 100kph, whereas a cushty cruising velocity is extra within the ballpark of 80kph.

LED indicators are a brand new addition for 2023, and look smooth.

There are just a few extra adjustments that will likely be extra obvious to consumers. On the visible entrance, indicators at the moment are smooth LED items, and the FZ-X is being provided in a brand new color scheme which options golden alloy wheels for the primary time. Functionally, the largest change is the addition of a traction management system, which you’ll inform by the presence of a wheel-speed sensor on the rear.

Traction management system might be turned off.

On a 12.4hp bike, the traction management system is simply actually going to return into play in conditions just like the monsoon, or when grip ranges are compromised on account of one thing like an oil spill, and it’s a good function to have for these tough events. On most days, although, traction management won’t be referred to as upon, and it might’ve been nicer to see the addition of dual-channel ABS as a substitute. Unfortunately, the FZ-X continues with a single-channel system, whereas one thing just like the extra reasonably priced but considerably extra highly effective Bajaj Pulsar N160 is ready to supply dual-channel ABS. Addressing different areas like the shortage of a gear place indicator or a hinged fuel-filler would have additionally been extra impactful on a day-to-day foundation than one thing like traction management.

Light weight and a well-balanced chassis make it well-behaved within the twisties.

The brakes themselves proceed to be a little bit on the duller facet, and would require a hefty tug to provide severe stopping energy. That apart, the remainder of the chassis is greater than able to dealing with the efficiency ranges this engine presents, and the FZ-X is a sure-footed and predictable handler. There is a slight firmness to the rear monoshock, however on the entire, the trip high quality is kind of snug and this gels properly with the easygoing nature of the bike.

The FZ-X stays fairly comparable, which means that it’s a pleasant and clean metropolis bike, however fails to ship as soon as you permit city confines. It’s additionally dearer than most others within the air-cooled 150-160cc area, except the extra succesful Suzuki Gixxer.