Yamaha has expanded its FZ range with the launch of a new quarter-litre streetfighter, the FZ25. Based on the Brazil-spec Fazer 250, the FZ25 will take the fight to the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the KTM 200 Duke. While the fuel-injected Apache would have been a more suitable rival, TVS hasn’t commenced deliveries of this version as yet. So we decided to consider its carburetted sibling for a comparison test. We take a look at how the Yamaha FZ25, KTM 200 Duke and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V stack up on the paper.
Design & Engine:
The approach taken by the Yamaha FZ25, KTM 200 Duke and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V towards styling is more or less the same. All three get characteristic streetfighter styling cues – an edgy headlamp, muscular tank, raised tail section and a meaty rear tyre. The FZ25 draws influence from the MT range of streetfighters, with the LED headlamp and tank shrouds boosting its appeal.
While the Apache RTR 180 drew flak for its busy design, the Apache RTR 200 4V is easier on the eye than its smaller sibling. The radical and outlandish looks have been ditched to adopt an athletic design which suits its character. The KTM 200 Duke also gets an edgy design with its elongated headlamp and extended tank shrouds. The bright liveries further accentuate the motorcycle’s creases and lines.
At the heart of the FZ25 is a 249cc oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, delivering 20bhp and 20Nm of torque through a five-speed transmission. The FZ-S Version 2.0 has been tuned for refinement and good fuel efficiency, with performance taking a back seat. It would be interesting to see whether Yamaha has taken a similar approach with the FZ25 or given performance a priority.
The Apache RTR 200 4V is powered by a 198cc oil-cooled single-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed transmission. Even with its 51cc deficit, the Apache matches the FZ25’s power output, though the torque rating is lower at 18Nm. However, the 200 Duke outdoes both these bikes by significant margin. The 199cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine delivers 25bhp and 19Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission.
Features & Cycle parts:
The FZ25 is based on a diamond frame with 41mm telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock. It runs on MRF Zapper-FX1 tyres. The Apache RTR 200 4V gets a double cradle frame with telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock, both supplied by KYB. While the standard bike gets TVS Remora tyres, TVS also offers customers the option of stickier Pirelli Angel CT tyres. True to KTM’s tradition, the 200 Duke is based on a lightweight trellis frame. Both the 43mm inverted front forks and the rear mono shock are sourced from KTM’s subsidiary – WP Suspension. The 200 Duke rides on MRF Revz C tyres.
While the FZ-S was one of the first motorcycles to get a fully-digital instrument console, it missed out on a few crucial functions. Yamaha has taken care of this with the FZ25, and the redesigned console has been updated to display a clock and average fuel consumption. Despite this, it still lags behind the consoles on the Apache RTR 200 4V and the 200 Duke. The Apache RTR 200 4V features a top-speed recorder, 0-60kmph recorder and a lap time recorder apart from the usual functions. Though the 200 Duke’s console doesn’t get these, it does show the average fuel consumption, average speed recorder and a coolant temperature gauge.
When it comes to brakes, the 200 Duke has an advantage. It is equipped with a 300mm front and a 230mm rear disc. The FZ25 on the other hand gets a 282mm front and a 220mm rear disc. The front disc of the Apache RTR 200 4V is the smallest of the lot at 270mm, though the rear disc is the largest at 240mm. Both the 200 Duke and the FZ25 use Bybre callipers.
Price:
The Yamaha FZ25, Apache RTR 200 4V and the KTM 200 Duke are targeted at customers who looking for a commuter motorcycle, but are willing to sacrifice efficiency for performance. They have been developed keeping in mind the Indian customers' affinity for the streetfighters which stand out of the crowd.
The 200 Duke might edge ahead in terms of performance and features, but all of this comes at a cost. At Rs 1.43 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the 200 Duke is the most expensive of the lot.
The Apache RTR 200 4V is the most affordable at Rs 90,015, while the FZ25 slots between the two with a price tag of Rs 1.19 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi).
