What about the FZ150?

I wonder why anybody isn’t showing any interest in Yamaha’s other bike, the FZ150. After all, this is the more affordable of the two unveiled at the Expo! And that is also a reason why it might actually sell more. Moreover, unlike the R15, The FZ will be more rideable on a day-to-day basis. Will explain why, a little later...
Now, Yamaha hasn’t said anything about the engine, its characteristics, power of torque rating, or even its roots, but here’s what I think…
…Yamaha, most of you are aware, is into road racing in India, as well. The company runs its Gladiator at the event. In the Group B or fully modified 4-stroke class, the Gladiator displaces over 150ccs. And is quite a threat to the TVS Apache RTRs running around the circuit alongside.
I do agree, Ashwin, Yamaha’s rider is a gifted guy, but TVS riders aren’t jokers either, and the skill set of Moses is nothing short of brilliant.
Where am I going with all of this?
Just digging to find the roots of the FZ really!
Like I said, the Gladiator 125cc engine has been bored and stroked to displace 150cc plus for racing purposes. The FZ will run a variant of this tweaked engine. Variant because, given the performance and the state of tune the racing engine runs, it might be a little difficult for us fuel efficiency conscious buyers to digest.
Moreover, anybody in interested in a true performance machine can always pick up the R15, right?
So, the FZ then will run a 150cc engine. But unlike the R15 there won’t be no fuel injection, no liquid or oil cooling, or even a 4-valve head. Power be will down too, expect max output to be around the 15bhp mark. Torque will be potent though, and will come into play pretty early in the rev range as well, aiding both city rideability as well as highway riding, particularly overtaking and negotiating ghats. The bike will run a 5-speed box, the same from the Gladiator, and might run identical gear ratios as well.
Performance wise, expect it to fall short of the RTR by a very slight margin in the acceleration runs - the 0-60kmph and the 0-100kmph times. It will however, have the Hunks, the X-tremes, the Unicorns and even the Discover 150s running for cover.
On the commercial side of things, the FZ150 will comfortably out sell the R15. But will it outsell the rest as well?
Initially, maybe not. But the R15’s magic might rub on the FZ too. So all those RD, RX and even the R15 fans who don’t have a lakh to spare (in case of the latter) or for in case of the former two, enough time, will buy the FZ for the promise and the brand.
Furthermore, there’s little disputing that its styling is absolutely kick-ass – then be it the FZ inspired naked front, edgy mud guard, muscular tank, stubby exhaust, or even the pseudo spar frame (it’s actually a single downtube diamond type layout). Style conscious buyers then, will without doubt pick it up as well.
Price it around the 60,000 mark, and Yamaha could have a winner on its hands!