Yamaha FZ25 Long Term Report 2: City

Yamaha FZ25 Long Term City Report

I’ve found a new friend in our Yamaha long termer, the FZ25. It’s been over two months since we acquired this streetfighter and have been thoroughly enjoying it. For now, the ride is limited to city limits primarily because there are no launch events in Pune and I’m still in the process of setting up my new house. So finding time for long rides is difficult. There are plans to take the FZ25 for long hauls next month, but we’ll talk about it in the next report. For now, allow me to pen down my city experience.

Firstly, I wasn’t really expecting people to approach me and probe about the bike. The design language is fairly appealing, but not totally different from the FZ16, and that bike has been around for many years now. But the FZ25 still manages to put out an impression to the world that it’s different and attracts attention. Interestingly, it’s not the youth or teenagers who are in this list. It’s the people in the late 30s and early 40s who are the curious ones. This goes without saying that with the FZ25, Yamaha has surely achieved to widen its consumer base. 

In the case of performance, the 250cc single-cylinder 20bhp motor has been doing well in the city. The grunt in the low and mid-range makes it very easy to ride in the city conditions. I find myself staying between 50-70kmph most of the time and that too with a pillion. The engine feels refined and smooth in those revs. Unfortunately, the five-speed gearbox on our long termer is notchy and requires some effort, especially while shifting from second to third gear. Also, finding neutral from first gear is proving to be slightly difficult. But I’m expecting this to get fixed in the next service as an oil change is due. The shorter gear ratios means that I’m usually the first one to take off when the signal turns green and also the first one to reach the next. The fuel efficiency is hovering around 34kmpl, which I think is less for a bike this size. 

The split seats on the FZ25 is turning out to be one of the best aspects of this bike. It’s nicely cushioned, has the right amount of foam and is wide enough for a large person like me. It’s the same story with the pillion seat too. While the full digital cluster is wonderful to use, especially in the night, I was disappointed with the LED headlamp. The spread, both front and wide, isn’t enough. I always felt the need for better headlamps each time I ride the FZ25 on the Palm Beach Road. 

Bike stats

Odometer: 4100

Kilometres ridden: 1558

Fuel efficiency: 34kmpl