Yamaha India has updated its 250cc street bike offering, the FZ25, with dual-channel ABS. In its segment, it competes against the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ABS. Let’s see how the updated FZ25 ABS fares against its closest rivals.
Design and features
Based on the core design values of the FZ, the FZ25 offers the same but on a larger scale. The motorcycle has a street bike stance with lots of muscular attributes making the FZ25 an aggressive motorcycle. It features a striking design with the all-LED headlamp followed by chunky forks, wide handlebar and a sculpted tank adding to its overall look. The motorcycle has an upright riding stance with slightly rear-set footpegs offering a comfortable yet commanding riding posture. It features a full LCD instrument console consisting of two trip meters, fuel reserve trip meter, real-time fuel economy, average fuel economy figure and a clock besides from the standard information.
In the case of the Apache RTR 200 4V, it too sports a street bike styling but with edgier lines giving it a fierce look. While the riding stance is similar to FZ25, the Apache does come with two-piece handlebars making it mildly sporty. The bike features a halogen bulb for the headlamp instead of an LED one but does receive LED DRLs and a LED taillamp. It gets a petite windscreen located above the headlamp and an underbelly which adds to the sportiness of the motorcycle. Feature-wise, the motorcycle also receives a full LCD display with a few standout features like shortest time indicator, lap timer, shift light, top speed recorder and a gear position indicator.
Next is the list is the Pulsar RS 200. A fully-faired offering from Bajaj marketed as a sportsbike, it is often compared with the FZ25. Hence, it could be considered competition. The RS 200 carries a rather radical design approach that can appear extreme for some. It has a lot happening in its design, but that does aid in cutting drag when chasing triple digits. The bike has rear-set footpegs, two-piece handlebars which makes for a sporty riding triangle. In terms of features, the RS 200 sports an analogue tachometer flanked by a digital display on one side and other warning lights on the other side. The bike comes with twin-projector headlamps and a crystal LED tail lamp.
Cycle Parts
Beginning with the FZ25, built around a Diamond frame, the bike comes with telescopic forks up front and link-less monoshock mounted on the swingarm for the rear. For braking, the street bike features a 282mm disc with a two-piston caliper for the front and a 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper for the rear. Earlier it was given a miss to keep the costs low, but the FZ25 is now offered with dual-channel ABS as standard equipment.
The Apache RTR 200 4V gets a Double Cradle Split Synchro Stiff frame. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks for the front and a mono-tube monoshock for the rear. Stopping power on the bike comes from 270mm petal disc with a two-piston caliper for the front and a 240mm petal disc with a single-piston caliper for the rear. The motorcycle features dual-channel ABS with RLP (Rear Wheel Lift-off Protection) control.
The Pulsar RS 200 employs a perimeter frame and is held by telescopic forks with anti-friction bushes up front and a monoshock with Nitrox canister at the rear. For braking, the faired motorcycle features a 300mm disc with two-piston caliper and a 230mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the back. The Pulsar RS 200, inspite of being a fully-faired sportbike is offered only with the option of a single-channel ABS.
Engine
The FZ25 has the biggest displacement engine amongst the lot. It features a 249cc air-cooled single-cylinder motor with Yamaha’s Blue Core technology that is capable of churning out 20.3bhp of max power and 20Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
The Apache RTR 200 4V is powered by a 197cc oil-cooled single-cylinder motor with lightweight Nano friKS coated piston. The engine is capable of generating 20.7bhp and 18.1Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox assisted by an A-RT (Anti-Reverse Torque) slipper clutch.
The Pulsar RS 200 is the only liquid-cooled motorcycle in the trio, featuring a 199cc single-cylinder motor with Bajaj’s Triple Spark technology. The motor is tuned to produce 24.5bhp and 18.6Nm which is also the highest in the lot. The motor comes coupled to a 6-speed gearbox and is yet another highlight for the motorcycle.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, the Apache RTR 200 4V ABS is the cheapest amongst the lot at Rs 1.11 lakhs. But it misses out on features like an LED headlamp and a 6-speed gearbox despite its supposed sporty character.
Yamaha has priced the FZ25 at Rs 1.33 lakhs. While the higher displacement might be considered to compensate for the 5-speed gearbox, the addition of dual-channel ABS is a definite welcome to the package.
The Pulsar RS 200 is the costliest amongst the three, fetching a sticker price of Rs 1.39 lakhs. At that price, what you get is a liquid-cooled motor, 6-speed gearbox and projector lamps. The trade-off, a single-channel ABS unit.
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
