Introduction: The “Lord of the Streets” Evolves
In the crowded 150cc segment in India, few names carry the weight of the Yamaha FZ. For over a decade, it has defined what a muscular street commuter should look like. Now, in its fourth generation—the Yamaha FZS V4 Deluxe—it’s not just relying on its good looks.
Yamaha has injected serious technology into this package, most notably adding a Traction Control System (TCS), a feature unheard of in this displacement category just a few years ago.
We got an up-close look at the stunning Matte Red variant, and it demands attention. In this review, we break down the design, the new tech features, performance, and whether this bike is the right choice for your daily commute.
Design & Aesthetics: Dressed to Kill in Matte Red
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the red bull on the streets. The design language of the FZS V4 remains familiar, retaining that signature muscular fuel tank and aggressive stance that defines the “streetfighter” look.
However, the Matte Red paint scheme, as seen in these studio shots, elevates the bike’s premium feel significantly. Unlike glossy finishes that can sometimes look toy-ish, the matte finish absorbs light beautifully, highlighting the sharp creases on the tank extensions and the side panels.
The front fascia features the updated LED headlight with distinct DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), which gives it a modern, robotic face. The gold-colored rims on some variants have been replaced with sleek black alloys here, which complement the red bodywork perfectly. The chunky rear tire—a staple of the FZ identity—remains, ensuring the bike looks much bigger than its 149cc engine suggests.
Features & Technology: Punching Above Its Weight
This is where the Yamaha FZS V4 truly distinguishes itself from its predecessors and many rivals.
1. Traction Control System (TCS)
This is the headline feature. In a country known for unpredictable road surfaces—sand, gravel, and wet patches—TCS is a massive safety bonus. It detects rear-wheel slip during acceleration and cuts power momentarily to regain grip. For new riders, this is a game-changer.
2. Y-Connect Bluetooth Connectivity
The fully digital LCD instrument cluster now pairs with your smartphone via the Yamaha Y-Connect app. It’s not a full turn-by-turn navigation system, but it offers crucial notifications:
- Call alerts
- SMS and email notifications
- Phone battery level status
- Fuel consumption tracking and last parking location on your phone.
Engine & Performance: The Refined Commuter
At its heart, the FZS V4 retains the tried-and-tested 149cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC engine. It is now fully compliant with the strictest BS6 Phase 2 emissions norms and E20 fuel ready.
- Power: 12.4 PS @ 7,250 rpm
- Torque: 13.3 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
The Ride Experience: Don’t let the aggressive looks fool you; this is not a track machine. It is, however, an exceptional urban commuter. The engine is incredibly refined and buttery smooth. The torque is concentrated in the low-to-mid range, making city overtakes and filtering through traffic effortless without needing constant gear shifts.
The suspension setup (telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock) is tuned slightly towards the firmer side but absorbs city bumps competently. The riding posture is upright and comfortable, perfect for daily office runs or college commutes.
Mileage and Practicality
For the target demographic of the FZS V4, mileage is paramount. Thanks to Yamaha’s “Blue Core” technology and fuel injection, the bike is surprisingly frugal.
While ARAI figures are higher, you can realistically expect real-world mileage between 45 km/l to 50 km/l in mixed city and highway riding conditions, provided you aren’t constantly redlining the engine.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
| Looks: The Matte Red finish is premium and head-turning. | Top-End Power: Feels breathless on open highways above 90 km/h. |
| Safety Tech: First-in-segment Traction Control System. | Headlight Intensity: The LED throw could be better for unlit highways. |
| Refinement: Extremely smooth and reliable engine. | Price: Slightly expensive compared to some powerful rivals like the Pulsar N160. |
| Handling: Wide tires offer great stability in corners. |
Verdict: Should You Buy the Yamaha FZS V4?
The Yamaha FZS V4 Deluxe in Matte Red is a compelling package. It is not the fastest bike in its segment, nor is it the cheapest.
However, it strikes a brilliant balance for the modern urban rider. It offers the reliability of Yamaha engineering, the safety net of Traction Control, modern Bluetooth features, and looks that still turn heads years after the original FZ launched.
If you prioritize style, comfort, fuel efficiency, and safety tech over outright top speed, the FZS V4 is arguably the most sensible and stylish choice in the 150cc market today.
FAQs
Q: What is the on-road price of the Yamaha FZS V4? A: The price varies by state due to taxes, but expect the on-road price to be approximately ₹1.45 Lakh to ₹1.55 Lakh (as of early 2024).
Q: Does the FZS V4 have dual-channel ABS? A: No, the FZS V4 comes with single-channel ABS (front wheel only) but compensates with the addition of Traction Control.
Q: Is the Matte Red color difficult to maintain? A: Matte finishes require specific cleaning products that don’t contain wax or gloss agents. While they look gre
