Yamaha FZS 25
We rode the 2021 Yamaha FZS 25 and figured out whether the original gangster of the segment can still hold its own against the newbies of the modern naked 250-cc world
The updated quarter-litre Yamaha single aims to grab a fat piece of the 250-cc pie
WOULD THE YAMAHA FZS 25 STILL BE A GOOD choice in 2021, considering the newer and modern naked 250-cc competition? A simple answer to that question would be difficult to phrase. Hence, a breakdown would be the need of the hour. Having said that, it must be said that the original gangster still plays quite a holy tune with enough positives to take part in the segment. The 2021 Yamaha FZS 25 isn’t much different from its predecessor, especially considering mechanicals. The few changes are mainly design cues that do sit on the love-it or hate-it fence. Although looks are perception-based; we feel that the previous-gen FZS 25 was a betterlooking motorcycle. The 2021 model now comes with a new headlamp design featuring futuristic style lamps and a mishmash of angular lines, reminiscent of the MT series, but it doesn’t seem to sing the same tune on the whole. While the MT’s styling sits well with its space-age look, the FZS 25’s seems more like an afterthought. You also get handlebar guards on the FZS that do look the part of a streetfighter, which aren’t really needed but do add to the bike’s appeal.
The lines from the tank to the rear is where we find the old FZ’s lineage. Macho curves flow well into a now two-piece yet comfortable seat with a tasteful tail tidy. We liked this and felt that with more thought to the front end, the 2021 FZS 25 would sit much higher in our style chart.
The fuel-injected 249-cc SOHC, single-cylinder motor fits the Indian urban commuting and weekend riding bill to a tee. Youngsters should find the peak 20.8 hp and 20.1 Nm of torque fair and not really wanting in the power department, especially with its torquey inclination. Yes, highway riding would be covered, too, with the FZS 25 making triple-digit figures on the speedometer easily, without much buzzing or vibrations. Transmission is carried out by a five-speed gearbox which is quite good, the changes being smooth with no signs of clunkiness. Braking is carried out by a 282-mm disc at the front and a 220-mm one at the rear with dual-channel ABS. There is good feel from these units that get the job done without skips to one’s ticker.
Yamaha motorcycles are known for their handling; a look at the pros of their motogP bike should give you a clear idea of the company’s direction. the story remains the same throughout the Japanese company’s two-wheeled line-up and the 2021 FZS 25 would not put a blemish on that reputation. the diamond frame chassis handling is fairly sharp with direction changes being smooth and planted. ergonomics play their role here, too, being slightly on the aggressive side, yet, with the large seat, there is room for manoeuvring into an agreeable position for a long journey. the telescopic front forks and seven-step adjustable monoshock work well in combining handling performance with a comfortable ride.
Feature-wise, you get a digital console housing important numbers of speed, revs, fuel level, and more. the FZS 25 is also equipped with a fuel consumption indicator as well as a side-stand engine cut-off switch. lighting is carried out by led units all around, which are quite bright and give rise to no complaints.
however, unlike 2017, where the FZ 25 was the only modern naked 250 in the market, 2021 is a different story. the Yamaha FZS 25 now has a Suzuki, a bajaj, a Ktm, and two husqvarnas to compete with and, considering these motorbikes, the hill does seem quite steep. the FZS 25 does have the goods on some of them on the whole, but the Suzuki gixxer 250 and bajaj dominar 250 do offer a lot of bang for one’s buck. both of them are newer motorcycles that have impressed us immensely with their performance. the Yamaha FZS 25 cannot match the competition with performance, to be fair, but where it does land its punch is with usability and the all-important aspect of weight on the wallet. the Yamaha FZS 25 is priced at Rs 1.57 lakh (ex-showroom), which sits a whole Rs 10,000 less than the dominar and the gixxer. that does set up quite a showdown; personally, i would go for the Suzuki, but if i did end up with the Yamaha, i cannot say i’d be unhappy.
the 2021 Yamaha FZS 25 is an all-round machine that ticks all the boxes its segment boasts of. it is still a valid choice in 2021 and though it is the oldest and cheapest in its segment, it still eats proudly at the same table that it started.