Yamaha FZ S Hybrid

Yamaha first launched the FZ16 back in 2008, kick-starting the small-size streetfighter era in India. The motorcycle became instantly popular amongst enthusiasts, mainly for its muscular looks, refined and fuel-efficient engine, and comfort. Fast forward to 2025, and the market has evolved significantly. This segment has gotten extremely crowded with the entry of multiple potent offerings. The FZ, meanwhile, has managed to carve its own path with subsequent updates to become a more sensible option instead of upping the excitement level.

The current FZ line-up has close to five different models, FZS Hybrid being the most expensive one amongst them. Now, the Hybrid tag clearly gives away the futuristic nature of this motorcycle. But the question is, does the new tech give this bike any edge over the competition and what is the overall riding experience like? Let’s find out.

The overall design of the motorcycle is the same as the standard, non-hybrid FZS FI. However, a closer inspection reveals that the Hybrid version gets turn indicators integrated into the fuel tank and the graphics are different. What struck me when I got on the bike is that the rider’s view from the saddle has a huge fuel tank in the front, which makes it feel big for a 150cc offering. Overall, the FZ undoubtedly looks handsome and sporty with the right proportions. However, despite the timely changes bestowed by Yamaha, the FZ looks a bit long in the tooth and it’s high time it receives a major visual update.

On the quality front, the motorcycle leaves no room for complaint. The plastic used all around feels sturdy and the fitment is precise and durable. Even the paint finish looks premium and there aren’t any uneven panel gaps to be found.

The FZS Hybrid is easy to hop on and seats you in an almost upright yet a slightly leaned-forward riding position. With its centre-set footpegs, your knees are slightly bent and the seat is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate individuals of any stature and size. Overall, it’s a welcoming and comfortable bike in terms of seating ergos.

The suspension, especially the rear, shows a bit of firmness while going over sharper undulations like road joints or a series of high-amplitude rumblers. However, the minor dips and crests on the highway, tall and rounded speed bumps, and potholes are handled with a fair amount of plushness. Also, the ride quality feels more settled with the added weight of a pillion and that’s when even the mild firmness disappears.

Powering the FZS Hybrid is the same 149cc, air-cooled engine, which does duty on the rest of the FZ models. It produces 12.2bhp at 7,250rpm and 13.3Nm at 5,500rpm and comes mated to a five-speed gearbox. What’s different on this iteration is the inclusion of an SMG (Starter Motor Generator), which facilitates additional torque on the crankshaft in lower revs for slightly better acceleration. Now, do not expect to feel a sudden burst of acceleration when the SMG kicks in. It just offers a mild surge in the acceleration while, let’s say, overtaking in the city, making it just marginally quicker than other FZs and the difference is not really telling.

Having said that, this engine truly shines in the refinement department. Typical of Yamahas, it feels butter smooth until close to 6,000rpm. Even the slight buzz which creeps in beyond that isn’t bothersome and it gives this motor some character. This is accompanied by a crisp throttle response, and linear and progressive acceleration. The latter can be a downer for people seeking some excitement, but a boon for those who want a smooth and friendly riding experience.

The clutch is super light and the gear shifts are effortless, all of which make operating this engine a seamless experience. It feels at its best under 85-90kmph. Although 100kmph is also achievable, this is where the motor starts showing some signs of strain with an increment in vibrations and the performance tapering off.

With a kerb weight of just 136kg and a communicative chassis, the FZS Hybrid’s handling dynamics are impressive. It changes directions with commendable agility, be it while maneuvering through gaps in traffic or switching lanes on the highway. There is ample leverage from the handlebar, good front-end feel, and never does it do anything odd. Adding to the confidence-inspiring handling are brakes, especially the front, which delivers a fairly strong yet predictable bite. The brake lever, however, could do with a better feel, as it is difficult to judge the exact bite point.

Technologically, this is one of the generously equipped motorcycles in this segment. The instrumentation setup comprises a 4.2-inch colour TFT screen which has all the data neatly laid out and it is bright enough to be legible even under bright sun. Moreover, it is Bluetooth-enabled, which gives you access to turn-by-turn navigation and music control.

With the inclusion of SMG, the bike now gets an automatic start and stop system which turns the engine off when left idling for a few seconds at a traffic signal. And restarting the engine is a matter of just pulling in the clutch. This is the most seamless and glitch-free auto start-stop system I’ve come across so far, which is why I kept it on all the time. This not only raises the convenience quotient but also helps save some fuel. Other features include traction control, silent engine start, one push start, LED lighting, and single-channel ABS.

In our mileage test, which comprised heavy traffic for the most part and conservative riding, the FZS Hybrid returned 52kmpl. That translates to a range of 676km considering the bike’s fuel tank capacity of 13 litres. Well, if ridden on open roads with less traffic, the mileage figure should certainly be slightly higher.

The FZS Hybrid might not retain the traits of what the FZ16 stood for when it debuted. But in isolation, it’s a likeable motorcycle for what it is meant for. As I mentioned before, I truly admire the refinement levels of the engine and its smooth and linear power delivery. It’s also spacious enough to accommodate even larger-sized individuals while delivering a fairly comfortable ride quality. Making it further friendly is the low kerb weight and nimble handling.

Where it scores better than a few other bikes in its class is in features. With an easy-to-operate and legible TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity and auto start-stop, the FZS Hybrid undoubtedly has a feel-good factor. And the design is such that it will be liked by most onlookers. Not to forget, it’s a Yamaha, which means great quality levels and top-notch reliability.

Having said that, if you’re looking for thrilling engine performance while staying in this class, you must look elsewhere. Acceleration and excitement are not a strong suit of this Yamaha and its alternatives like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V are better in this regard. Moreover, at Rs. 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom), the FZS Hybrid is considerably more expensive than all of its rivals, which further takes away a few points from its scorecard.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi