OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE
The FZ Rave uses a reliable 149cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that meets BS6 and E20 fuel standards. (BS6 is a strict Indian emission rule, and E20 means the bike can run on petrol with 20% ethanol.) This engine produces 12.4 PS at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, delivering lively city performance and a smooth ride. Riders say the throttle is responsive and the bike feels strong in the mid-range, making it easy to handle for both new and experienced riders.
The FZ Rave features a 5-speed manual gearbox optimised for seamless shifting and better city drivability. The transmission is tuned for low- and mid-range torque, making frequent stop-and-go traffic in India much more manageable. This setup supports comfortable urban commuting, spirited short touring, and offers enough flexibility for the occasional highway run.
Most users and experts say the FZ Rave can reach 110-115 km/h on open roads in India, even though Yamaha’s official website does not list a top speed.
MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY
The Yamaha FZ Rave delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of 50-52 kmpl, offering good fuel efficiency and power. Its 13-litre fuel tank means you can ride longer between fill-ups, making it great for daily use and weekend trips.
Indian riders report real-world mileage of 50-57 kmpl, influenced by factors such as traffic and riding style. Many owners praise its reliability and mileage as key reasons for their satisfaction.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
Here is a detailed list of Yamaha FZ Rave’s features in India, as numbered points
- Engine-The Yamaha FZ Rave is powered by a trusted and efficient 149cc air-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that is BS6-compliant and supports E20 fuel, making it well-suited to Indian fuel standards.
- Transmission-It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox designed for smooth shifting and optimised for city and highway riding conditions common in India. (A manual gearbox requires the rider to manually select gears using a clutch and a foot pedal.)
- Fuel Tank Capacity-The bike features a practical 13-litre fuel tank, providing a reasonable range for daily commuting and occasional longer rides.
- Colour Options-Buyers can choose between two attractive colour variants: Matte Titan and Metallic Black, offering style-conscious riders options.
- Weight-The FZ Rave’s kerb weight is about 136 kg, which is lighter than most street bikes in its category, aiding handling and fuel efficiency.
- Seat Height-With a seat height of 790 mm, it offers comfortable ergonomics for a wide range of rider heights, suitable for Indian road conditions and rider preferences.
- Braking & Wheels-The bike features disc brakes and alloy wheels, enhancing safety and contributing to its modern street bike appeal.
- Fuel Efficiency & Compliance-In addition to being BS6-compliant, the FZ Rave supports E20 fuel, a significant feature for Indian consumers adapting to changing fuel norms.
BUILD QUALITY
The Yamaha FZ Rave continues Yamaha’s strong reputation for tough, durable build quality, designed for Indian roads. Its diamond-type frame is sturdy and holds up well on rough and uneven surfaces.
Yamaha pays close attention to fit and finish, with tight panel gaps and durable plastic parts that withstand daily use. The overall build feels high-quality for its class and promises long-term reliability for Indian riders.
HANDLING
The FZ Rave handles well and feels quick to respond, which is essential in India’s busy city traffic. Its lightweight of about 136 kg makes it easy to move around, and the 17-inch alloy wheels give good grip and balance.
The front telescopic forks and rear monoshock give a nice mix of comfort and sporty control. Hence, the bike feels agile in city turns and steady on the highway. Most Indian reviewers like how easy it is to handle. The suspension is firm, which helps with control, but can make you feel more bumps on rough roads.
COMFORT
The Yamaha FZ Rave is designed for comfort, with an upright, relaxed seating position that helps reduce tiredness on daily rides. The 790 mm seat height and soft, single-piece seat make it comfortable for riders of different heights, even on longer trips.
The bike’s design gives a natural riding position with enough legroom, and the fuel tank is easy to grip and control. While the firm suspension can be felt on rough roads, the overall comfort suits Indian highways and riding habits.
STYLING
The Yamaha FZ Rave keeps the bold, streetfighter look of the FZ series, with a strong and aggressive style. It has sharp lines and body panels that highlight its sporty, urban feel.
The front of the bike features a stylish LED headlamp that looks modern and lights the road well. The small, sleek fuel tank helps with handling and adds to the bike’s sporty look. Overall, the FZ Rave’s style is aimed at younger riders who want a cool street look and a practical motorcycle for daily use.
COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS
Yamaha offers the FZ Rave in two attractive colour options in India:
- Matte Titan
- Metallic Black
These colour options let buyers pick a style that fits them, whether they prefer a bold or a modern look.
Yamaha sells the FZ Rave in just one standard version in India. It comes with disc brakes, alloy wheels, and a 5-speed manual gearbox, making it a practical and good-value choice in the 150cc commuter class. By offering only one version, Yamaha keeps things simple and affordable for buyers.
VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING
The Yamaha FZ Rave is priced competitively in India, starting at about ₹ 1,17,218 ex-showroom in Delhi. It comes in a single standard version, making it easy for buyers who want a value-packed street bike without having to choose between trims.
Many Indian riders see the FZ-Rave as an excellent value for money. It combines reliable performance, good looks, and useful features at a lower price than many rivals. Users like its comfortable seating, fit for riders of different sizes, good mileage (some get up to 57 kmpl), and strong brakes. Many owners say it has more features and a better ride than other 150cc bikes, making it a good pick for both new and experienced riders.
The FZ Rave primarily competes with other premium 150cc street motorcycles popular in India, including:
- Honda Hornet 2.0
- TVS Apache RTR 160
- Bajaj Pulsar NS160
- Suzuki Gixxer 155
Among these bikes, the Yamaha FZ-Rave stands out for balancing style, fuel efficiency, and comfort, making it a good fit for city riding in India.
VERDICT
Overall, the Yamaha FZ Rave is an excellent choice for Indian city riders who want reliability, style, and good fuel efficiency in the 150cc class. It offers strong performance and practical features, such as E20 fuel support and a large fuel tank, making it ideal for daily use and weekend rides.
Some buyers may not like the firm suspension or the lack of more versions, but the FZ Rave’s value for money and Yamaha’s trusted name make it a strong choice in its class. Riders who want a bold, practical street bike with solid build and good mileage will find the FZ Rave a good option in India.
PROS
- Engine Performance:The Yamaha FZ-Rave features a trusted 149cc BS6-compliant engine that delivers around 12.2 bhp, providing a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
- Fuel Efficiency:Real-world mileage reports typically range from 50 to 57 kmpl, making it an economical choice for riders.
- Lightweight Design:Weighing about 136 kg, the bike offers nimble handling, ideal for navigating urban traffic.
- Stylish Appearance:The bold streetfighter styling, including LED headlamps and sharp body lines, appeals to the youth demographic.
- Fuel Tank Capacity:With a 13-litre fuel tank, the FZ-Rave ensures extended riding with fewer fuel stops.
- E20 Fuel Compatibility:The bike’s compatibility with E20 fuel adds practical value for riders in India.
- Comfortable Ergonomics:Designed for comfort, the ergonomics make it suitable for daily commuting.
- Solid Build Quality:The durable construction of the FZ-Rave enhances its appeal in the commuter segment.
CONS
- Firm Suspension:The suspension is tuned on the firmer side, which may not fully absorb rough patches and potholes on Indian roads, resulting in reduced comfort on longer rides.
- Limited Variants:The absence of multiple variants or higher trims may restrict buyers’ access to premium features and advanced technology in this segment.
- Top Speed Limitation:The top speed is capped at around 110-115 kmph, which may be limiting for riders seeking more highway capability.
- Single-Channel ABS:The single-channel ABS (if present) falls short of the dual-channel safety features now standard on many competing motorcycles.
OTHER RELATED LINKS FROM BIKELEAGUE INDIA
LIST OF ALL YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES IN INDIA
MT 03
321cc, 25-37km/l,
42.0 PS @ 10,750 rpm
29.5 Nm @ 9,000 rpm
Price – ₹ 3,29,608 Onwards
YZF R15 V 4.0
155cc, 40-45km/l,
18.4PS @ 10,000rpm,
14.2Nm @ 7,500rpm
Price – ₹ 1,74,019 Onwards
MT 15
155cc, 30-35km/l,
18.4ps @ 10,000rpm,
14.1Nm @ 7,500rpm
Price – ₹ 1,55,469 Onwards
R15 S
155cc, 30-40km/l,
18.6ps @ 10,000rpm,
14.1Nm @ 8,500rpm
Price – ₹ 1,53,892 Onwards
AEROX 155
155cc, 44-49km/l,
15PS @ 8,000rpm,
13.9Nm @ 6,500rpm
Price – ₹ 1,38,075 Onwards
FZS FI
149cc, 40-45km/l,
12.4PS @ 7,250rpm,
13.3Nm @ 5,500rpm
Price – ₹ 1,23,963 Onwards
FZS FI V4.0 DLX
149cc, 40-45km/l,
12.4PS @ 7,250rpm,
13.3Nm @ 5,500rpm
Price – ₹ 1,20,304 Onwards
FZ X
149cc, 40-45km/l,
12.4PS @ 7,2500rpm,
13.3Nm @ 5,500rpm
Price – ₹ 1,19,194 Onwards
FZ Rave
149cc, 50-57km/l,
12.4 PS @ 7,250 rpm
13.3 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
Price – ₹ 1,17,218 Onwards
FZ FI V3
149cc, 45-48km/l,
12.4PS @ 7,250rpm,
13.3Nm @ 5,500rpm
Price – ₹ 1,12,693 Onwards
RAY ZR STREET RALLY 125 FI HYBRID
125cc, 65-74km/l,
8.2PS @ 6,500rpm,
10.3Nm @ 5,000rpm
Price – ₹ 85,974 Onwards
FASCINO 125
125cc, 55-61km/l,
8.2PS @ 6,500rpm,
10.3Nm @ 5,000rpm
Price – ₹ 74,044 Onwards
RAY ZR 125
125cc, 55-61km/l,
8.2PS @ 6,500rpm,
10.3Nm @ 5,000rpm
Price – ₹ 73,430 Onwards
About Yamaha motorcycles
In India, Yamaha motorcycles have been part of strategic partnerships, iconic models, and continuous innovation. However, our journey is not just about products, but also about the riders who make our motorcycles come alive. It has been marked by strategic alliances, iconic product launches, and a constant focus on innovation and customer engagement. The Yamaha bike’s cost range is designed to cater to various riders, starting from ₹83,091 for entry-level models and going up to ₹4,65,267 for premium options in India.
Yamaha’s journey in India began in 1985 with the legendary RD350, and it has since evolved into a diverse portfolio of scooters and motorcycles. The company’s future in India is promising, with ambitious plans to expand its market share, introduce high-capacity models, and enhance its manufacturing and dealership network.
By focusing on premium positioning, technological advancements, and targeted marketing campaigns, Yamaha is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in the competitive Indian two-wheeler market. As Yamaha continues to “Rev Your Heart” with its blend of performance, style, and innovation, it remains a significant player in shaping the future of India’s motorcycle industry.
Timeline of Yamaha Motorcycles in India
1985: Market Entry
Yamaha’s entry into the Indian motorcycle market in 1985 was a significant milestone in the country’s two-wheeler industry. This entry was made possible through a strategic alliance with Escorts Motors Limited, which played a crucial role in establishing Yamaha’s initial foothold in the competitive Indian market. Yamaha’s experience in India serves as a case study in international market entry, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships, local market adaptation, and long-term commitment to achieving success in emerging markets.
Key Model Launches
- RD350 (1983-2009): Known as the “Road Burner,” the RD350 was one of Yamaha’s first offerings in India. Due to its raw power and aggressive styling, it quickly gained a cult following and set a high bar for performance in its segment.
- RX100 (1985-1996): This lightweight, two-stroke motorcycle became a cultural icon. Its affordability, speed, cost/price, and ease of maintenance made the RX100 model extremely popular among young riders compared to other Yamaha bikes, and it symbolized freedom and rebellion.
1990s: Establishing a Footprint in India
Manufacturing Milestones
- 1999: Yamaha’s Surajpur factory in Uttar Pradesh achieved its first major production milestone, reaching the one-million-unit mark. This achievement underscored the growing demand for Yamaha motorcycles in India.
2000s: Expansion and Diversification Of Yamaha motorcycles
Manufacturing Expansion
- Yamaha motorcycles in India continued to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, with the Surajpur and Faridabad plants playing crucial roles in production.
Market Challenges
- Following the Asian financial crisis, Yamaha’s market share declined, holding only 4% of the market. This period highlighted the challenges Yamaha faced in maintaining its position in the competitive Indian market.
2010s: Renewed Focus and Growth
Key Milestones and Launches
- 2012: Yamaha reached the five-million-unit production milestone, a testament to its growing presence in India.
- 2012: Launch of the Ray scooter, marking Yamaha’s entry into the Indian scooter segment.
- 2015: Inauguration of the Chennai plant in Tamil Nadu, representing a significant expansion of Yamaha’s manufacturing capabilities in India.
- 2016: Celebration of one million scooters produced in India, highlighting the success of Yamaha’s diversification into the scooter segment.
- 2019: Yamaha achieved the ten-million-unit production milestone, with the FZS-FI Version 3.0 being the ten-millionth unit.
Strategic Initiatives
- “The Call of the Blue” Campaign: Launched in 2018, this flagship campaign aimed to reinforce Yamaha’s premium positioning in the Indian market, targeting young motorcycle enthusiasts.
- Blue Square Showrooms: Introduce premium dealerships to enhance the brand experience and showcase Yamaha’s exclusive range of products.
Product Portfolio Expansion
- Introduction of the FZ series, which gained popularity for its design and performance.
- The launch of the Fascino scooter significantly contributed to Yamaha’s sales in the scooter segment. It offered a cost-effective option compared to other Yamaha bikes, which ranged from ₹83,091 to ₹97,509 in India.
2020s: Current Status and Future Outlook
Current Market Position
- As of 2023, Yamaha held a 14.8% market share in the Indian two-wheeler market, with sales of 430,000 units. This represents a significant increase from the 3.6% market share and 522,000 units sold in 2021.
Future Plans and Strategies
- Market Share Expansion: Yamaha aims to increase its market share from 3.8% to 10% by 2027, focusing on higher-capacity motorbikes and targeting first-time and young buyers in urban and semi-urban areas.
- Product Development: Plans to introduce new models with higher capacities to cater to the growing demand for performance-oriented products.
- Manufacturing and Exports: Consider setting up a new factory to support growth plans and increase exports to new markets in Europe and Japan.
- Dealership Expansion: Plans to add 255 new Blue Square showrooms to the existing 300 dealerships, enhancing the premium customer experience.
- Technological Advancements: Incorporating features like side stand engine cut-off switches and stop-start systems to enhance safety and fuel efficiency.
Other related links from Bikeleague India
- Yamaha vs Honda vs Kawasaki : Comparing Bike Giants
- Two wheeler Sales in India FY 2023-24 | Analysis of Top Brands
- Yamaha Ray ZR Street Rally 125 Fi
- Yamaha Ray ZR 125
- Yamaha FZS V4
