Yamaha FZS V4

Yamaha FZS V4: A Modern Legend – My Personal Reflection

The very first time that the clatter of the Yamaha FZS V4 called for my foot to be stationed on it's peg, it felt like I was meeting an old friend who got back from a previous incarnate looking even better. Imagine your childhood friend deciding one day, to shift from being a couch potato to a gym going dresser. That’s the FZS V4 for you. This bike is a continuation of a name we have been hearing for years, only it’s different enough to interest us once again.

What sets Yamaha FZS V4 out of the ordinary?

The FZS series has been the flagship for Yamaha in term of design and power all along. Just like it is predecessors, the V4 is just as complex but comes with a modern day touch. Well, let’s start with the strong tank build coupled with intense bright red with LED headlights you get that second look feeling. And honestly, people are not going to buy a bike just because of how it looks like, the performance has to match it. Spoiler alert: it does.

Engine and Ride Quality

The small 149cc engine is fuel injected and if there is one thing that Kawasaki have been quietly getting right the last few years, it is the engines. It gives a punch that spices it up for those who need to move round the busy city or those who want to cruise on the open road. I then took the car on my familiar city driving and all I can say there was a small traffic, tight streets, sudden stops and once even a wild cattle crossing the main road in front of me while doing 60km/h and the car did not bat an eyelid. Throttle response is good while the power customization is linear and there are no aggressiveness vibrations associated with the segment. Whoa it is as if the bike is telling you “Take it easy man I’m here for you”.

Suspension setup should also get standing ovation on its own. The telescopic forks in the front and a mono shock at the rear provide a good level of comfort through upper tetchy zones and uneven roads. I decided to take it around my neighbour hood on some of the worst roads you could imagine – or at least, imagine if you lived in a city that has a surprisingly high road tax. This may feel like riding on a cloud but it feels as though it is floating above the road.

Tech That Catches the Eye

I instantly fell in love with the car the instance I looked at the LCD instrument cluster. It is bright, clear and, you’ll notice as you read it – perfect for the scorching sun. No squinting required. It is straightforward to make and does not fool around to offer all the information in a glance. It’s the sort of technology that you can sense has been created by a bike rider someplace.

The most unexpected feature was Bluetooth compatibility. It took me mere minutes to sync my cell phone to the bike and now, I find myself wired to calls and messages without the hassles of rummaging into my back pocket. It is straightforward and secure, however, I’d like to stress that keeping your mom’s calls as the top priority – no one wants to let her down and hear her fierce words on the importance of the safe ride.

Handling and Brakes

This bike is manoeuvrable and agile On the flip side, this bike is very sensitive and receptive to the rider’s commands. It was just as comfortable cruising at speed, changing direction between cars or taking a fast bend. It is one of those bikes that gives you a feeling you are a better rider than you actually are. Disc brakes accompanied with single channel anti-lock braking system offer good braking and transmission system. Trust me when I tell you that you’ll be so glad for those brakes the moment that auto rickshaw decides to make a sudden U-turn.

Mileage: Every Rupee Counts

Let’s talk about mileage. To my surprise, for a person like me who frequently takes a bike for a spin and actually monitors the fuel consumption much to my shame, the FZS V4 returned anything between 45-50 kml during my time with it. It won’t sweep any awards for being the most fuel efficient bike in town but it gets the job done in such a way that you won’t think you are blowing your payroll on fuel.

Who Should Ride This Bike?

This bike reminds the general rider who would like a hint of style in their everyday cycling machinery. Whether you are a college students now craving for that attention grabber or a working individual who needs a solid and reliable ride with a spice of sleek design, the FZS V4 is perfect for you. From your daily run to work, the weekend cruise, or that random late afternoon drive when you really need some time alone.

What’s the Catch?

Every bike has its flaws and to some extent the FZS V4 is no exception. The pillion seat itself is not the largest – it might be a sticking point if you want to be regularly taking a passenger on your bike. I was ask my friend to sit on the back of the motorcycle while in a short ride, he does not look happy —he complained of feeling boxed in. If you are planning on extended car trips with a friend, perhaps this should come into your mind. Yeah, that was the plan, no plan is to sort these things before the journey begins, isn’t it?

My Final Thoughts

The Yamaha FZS V4 gives off a companion feel like that guy or gal you can always go on an adventure with. It looks good, is crammed full with useful functions and drives as it should without complaints. Occasionally, there is a bicycle that does more than just transport you from one point to another but also offer you a good reason to travel. But if you are thinking of placing it in your garage, I’d say you should include it. This is not about a bike; it is what you can get from the bike.