The Yamaha FZS FI V4 has become one of the most popular premium commuters in the country. Featuring slim, stylish bodywork, the KATANA’s twin-spar, aluminium chassis is an evolution of the legendary GSX-R architecture, which provides crisp handling, good stability, and agile cornering and is designed to provide easy handling and confidence on the freeways as well as on out-of-town streets.
EXCITING ENGINE PERFORMANCE, RIDING FEEL
Beneath the snazzy styling there’s a 149cc air cooled, fuel injected engine, making 12.4PS and 7,250rpm, and 13.3Nm at 5,500rpm. It’s got good acceleration and great mid range with a nice 5-speed transmission to work with as well. The FZS V4 will touch close to 115km/h – good to hit the highway but still very much a wattler through the city.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is where it scores and delivers an impressive total of 45-50kmpl in the real world and even around 55-60kmpl for those who can keep their right wrist in check. This puts the FZS V4 among the most economical bikes in the 150cc segment, great for daily commuters who want an opportunity to save on fuel expenses.
Sleek Design and Modern Features
Somewhat muscular styling for the FZS V4 came courtesy of Yamaha. It has a sculpted Fuel tank with aggressive extensions, a wide compact exhaust and a dynamic LED headlamp and tailunit to make it a modern streetfighter. Grey or Cyber Green and Ic-Fluo Vermillion are bold color schemes, and the cartoon-inspired decals don’t do anything to make it look any less mean.
Tech wise, the FZS V4 gets a full-digital instrument console with bluetooth connectivity (Y‑Connect app) showing riders ride stats, notifications and service reminders. Add in an LED lighting package and a side‑stand engine cutoff to simplify your parking, and then you’re ready to hit the road, smoke chest!
Ride, Handling & Comfort
At 136 kg kerb, the FZS V4 is agile in traffic and stable at speed. The seat is low at 790mm which combined with the bike’s chill upright riding stance also makes it a good beginner focused motorcycle. It gets telescopic forks upfront and a 7-step adjustable monoshock at the back - thus ensuring the ride is plush enough to absorb potholes and make things comfortable for the rider.
Braking & Safety
The FZS V4 has a decent braking setup: 282mm front disc and 220mm rear disc, assisted by single-channel ABS. Front-only ABS is good enough for most city riding, though some rivals now provide dual-channel systems. Yet, Yamaha’s arrangement allows for composed braking and reassured rider confidence. Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros
- Streetfighter looks and MotoGP genes combined
- Seamless high-tech engine and strong fuel economy
- Weight for easy handling
- Connectivity Bluetooth Y‑Connect etc.
- LED lights and a traction control add a touch of modernity.
Cons
- Frontlink only ABS
- Low on power compared to 160cc rivals
- No 6th gear—could affect highway cruising features
Rider Feedback & Long-Term Well, the big news is that no one here died, I guess
Owners like it for its fuel economy, easy to handle and comfortable. Some riders note slightly stiffness in rear suspension and less histrionics on open roads. For many novices, the smoothness of the delivery, and its manageability, will be appreciated, but high-speed riders might wish for a stronger top-end hit.
Price & Segment Competition
So at a price of approximately ₹1.30 lakh ex-showroom, the FZS V4 finds itself in direct competition with the likes of TVS Apache RTR 160, Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Hero Xtreme 160R – It scores slightly higher than the competitors around looks, mileage and Yamaha’s strong service support but looses out in outright performance and braking techs in direct comparison – 2021 Yamaha FZS Version 4.0 review test ride.
Final Verdict
” The Yamaha FZS FI V4 is a great all rounder for those who are looking for a head turner, reliable & a frugal 150cc bike. It looks good, it rides well and it maximizes fuel economy, so the K is a solid everyday motorcycle. Performance enthusiasts may crave bikes with more power or dual-channel ABS, but city slickers and newbies should not have much to complain about with the FZS V4’s creamy motor, nimble handling, and rider aids.
