Yamaha FZ25
Long overdue and refined big-cube single
The first quarter-litre naked from Yamaha hits our shores and it has everything that the FZ16 lacked and more...
BACK IN 2008, DURING THE AUTO EXPO held in Delhi, I remember our editor pointing out that the just unveiled Yamaha FZ16 would have been an even better bike if it came with a larger 250-cc engine. And about eight years down the line, we have the first quarter-litre naked motorcycle from Yamaha Motor India in the shape of the FZ25. However, over the last eight years the Indian motorcycle scene has transformed, and how. Apart from missing the first-mover advantage, Yamaha are, in fact, late to join the 200-to-250-cc party. The specifications, at least on paper, do not knock the ball out of the stadium either, but what they have got right is the price. At Rs 1.20 lakh, ex-showroom, Pune, it really is an appealing price for a quarter-litre bike carrying the prestigious tuning fork logo. And it looks the part too. One might argue that the FZ25 looks quite similar to the FZ16 sibling, but Yamaha are just trying to maintain the well-appreciated FZ series’ street fighter styling throughout the range. And what we love about the FZ25 design is that it hasn’t been forcibly beefed up, but has good proportions and the weight distribution is centralised. The shape of the splitall LED headlight, along with the muscular fuel tank, gives the 250 a Transformer-like persona. The large 14-litre fuel tank has deep knee recesses and is also carved out on top to make room for the handlebar while steering the bike. And similar to the FZ16, it has a black plastic stripe running on the top of the tank. The seat is large and offers good comfort for both the rider and pillion. Besides, the pillion gets sickle-shaped grab-rails.
Like its smaller sibling, the FZ25 has a natural seating position. Knees gripping the narrow waist perfectly, arms relaxed while holding on to the single-piece handlebar, and the feet resting comfortably on the slightly rear-set pegs. The quality of the switches, palm grip and other cycle parts is up to Yamaha standards. Since the FZ25 meets BS-IV guidelines, it comes with ‘All-time Headlight’ and we like the way Yamaha have incorporated the pass light in the high-beam switch as seen on higher capacity bikes. The instrument console is all digital, very basic and gets the job done. It has a tachometer bar spread horizontally across the LED display. Then there are a couple of trip meters and even gives out the average fuel economy.
Gearing up for the short ride on the streets and highway of Goa, I crank up the single-cylinder mill and the compact sideslung exhaust emits a familiar sound, very similar to the FZ16’s. Talking about similarity, even the tyre size of the two Yamaha models is the same, the only difference being that the FZ25 doesn’t come with radial tyres but simply a 100/80-section tyre up front and a 140/70-section rear. These MRF Nylogrip tyres have been specially designed with softer compound rubber for greater grip. These taller tyres and the longer swingarm also make the FZ25’s saddle height about five millimetres taller than its younger sibling.
To meet the tempting price-tag, Yamaha have brought to India a 249-cc, single-cylinder air-cooled engine with SOHC, twovalve configuration from their treasure-trove of powertrains. Here it produces 20.9 PS at 8,000 rpm and 20 Nm of torque at comparatively low 6,000 rpm. Aiding this torquey engine is the fuel-injection system which ensures uniform fuelling and better combustion. Twist the throttle and the FZ25 takes off without any lag, with the FI ensuring brisk acceleration. The single has been tuned to offer strong bottom-end and mid-range. While the gear ratios of the five-speed transmission are well spaced out there’s rarely any need to downshift, thanks to the creamy torque available throughout the range. The gearshifts are seamless and every cog slots in confidently. Be it city or highway, the gearing feels spot-on for the job.
However, what makes the Yamaha stand out from the usual 200-250-cc bunch is the seamless power delivery and refined engine which will not intimidate inexperienced riders. On the few open stretches the FZ25 continues to propel ahead with gusto and only flattens out at higher engine speeds. Touring enthusiasts will be happy to know that it remains relaxed while cruising at 110 km/h. We even managed achieve a top speed of 135 km/h plus, which is quite impressive and removes any doubt people might have had about the FZ25 being ‘not that powerful’. These figures will surely nudge FZ16 owners looking to upgrade towards the FZ25. This isn’t a hooligan but a well-natured, spirited bike that’s ideal for your daily commute.
If you look closer, you’ll notice some of the other parts shared with the smaller FZ. For instance, the FZ25 retains the same chassis but in the 250 the front down-tube has been split into two to accommodate the exhaust port of the 250. This also translates into the handling of the bike, which is as nimble as the smaller FZ. Cutting through traffic or leaning through a corner, the FZ25 remains extremely composed and surefooted. Accentuating its handling are the sticky MRF tyres and the setup of the beefy 41-mm forks upfront and monoshock at the rear. Even the swingarm has been elongated by 30 mm (compared to the FZ16’s) giving the FZ25 a longer wheelbase of 1,360 mm, keeping the 250 more composed as it darts on the highway. It is commendable how the bigger FZ manages to be so light, which gives it a great power-to-weight ratio.
The suspension has been tuned to offer a comfy ride quality, as the FZ25 filters out most of the road undulations without
losing poise. This will come in handy especially on most of our city roads. Compared to its younger sibling, the 250 also has a larger 282-mm front disc and a 220-mm rear one, which help in shedding speed quickly. And although the FZ25 doesn’t come with an ABS just yet, it’s not really a deal breaker.
At the end of the ride, and in spite of some spirited riding, the FZ25s displayed an average fuel economy of close to 40 km/l, which is quite an achievement. It’s mainly because the engine produces optimum power at lower revs, and the fact that the fuel injection offers precise fuelling. This is an ideal option for those looking for a bike which isn’t over intimidating, is smooth on power delivery, and has the refinement and reliability of a Yamaha. It’s a sweet bike which will take you quickly from office to home to your loved ones. And the Rs 1.42 lakh on-road, Pune, price just seals the deal for me.