Yamaha FZ FI

Design: After the BS6 updates, the 149cc engine has seen a power drop from 13.2PS to 12.4PS while the torque has been bumped up by 0.8Nm to 13.6Nm. The underpinnings remain unchanged and the BS6 motorcycle continues to use the same telescopic forks and monoshock. It comes shod with a 100/80-17 tyre at the front and a 140/60-17 radial tyre at the rear.

Features: The FZ gets a negative LCD instrument console with a bar-style tachometer above, and a fuel guage are constantly displayed, along with an ABS warning lamp. The odometer, Trip 1, Trip 2, F Trip, clock and others can be selected for display. Along with that, there is also an ECO indicator to enable more fuel-efficient riding.

Engine: The Yamaha 150cc bike has been equipped with fuel injection to offer better throttle response and Blue Core technology to increase mileage. The FZ-FI returns around 40kmpl fuel efficiency in real-world conditions. The bike employs a diamond type frame that is suspended on telescopic front forks and a monoshock unit at the back. Braking is done by disc brake at front and the FZ-FI doesn't get rear disc brake even as an optional extra.

Rivals: Honda CB Hornet 160: In the form of the CB Hornet 160R, Honda now has a competitive offering in the premium 160cc motorcycle segment. It looks the part with its sporty styling and chiselled lines. Performance of the motorcycle is also admirable with respect to its rivals and it offers decent fuel efficiency as well. It seems that Honda have got it right the third time around. Suzuki Gixxer: The Suzuki Gixxer’s engine and suspension have been developed under the watchful eyes of the same designers who also produced the Suzuki GSX-R series. This is a worthy city-based sporty 155cc bike with distinct design and enviable refinement. You would like it for its sporty and rev happy engine. The suspension setup is slightly on the stiffer side but that gives it an edge over the Yamaha FZ. It also feels nimble to flick around in the city traffic, mainly due to the riding stance it offers. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: If a bike has to survive in the cut-throat 160cc two-wheeler segment, it needs to be competitively priced and pack enough performance to keep riders happy. Thankfully, the Apache RTR 160 4V delivers well on both fronts with class-leading features. The Apache RTR 160 4V is not only the most refined RTR we have ridden till date but also one of the most refined 160cc motorcycles to be ever produced in India. Bajaj Pulsar NS 160: The Pulsar NS 160 gets Bajaj’s patented DTS-i technology. The forte of this motorcycle is its ride quality and its handling characteristics. It ticks all the right boxes when it comes to style, performance and the gearbox is very slick shifting. Refinement levels though are admirable. The Pulsar NS 160 is a worthy contender and makes a strong case for itself in this highly competitive 160cc segment.

Variants: The Yamaha FZ-FI is priced at Rs 1,11,700.