The Yamaha FZ Blue Flex E85. Introduction of Flex-Fuel Technology
Yamaha Motor India has launched its first flex-fuel motorcycle in the Indian market, the FZ Blue Flex. It is capable of running on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E85. Developed keeping in mind the ethanol blending programme of the Government of India, the bike offers fuel flexibility along with expanding the country's ethanol infrastructure.
Yamaha is part of the company's strategy focused on sustainable mobility and alternative fuel technology, making it work on electric vehicles as well as cleaner fuel options. The bike is the ninth model in Yamaha's FZ series and the first in the company's portfolio to support high-ethanol blends up to E85.
Engine and Performance: A slight reduction in power, but great flexibility
The FZ Blue Flex is powered by the same 149cc air-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine found in the standard FZ range, but with internal modifications to suit a higher ethanol blend. Its peak output is 11.7 PS @ 7,250rpm and 12.8 Nm @ 6,000rpm, which is 0.7 PS and 0.5 Nm lower than the standard FZ's 12.4 PS and 13.3 Nm respectively.
This reduction is due to the lower energy density of ethanol, which is a common thing in flex-fuel engines. The flex-fuel engine requires different calibrations to be compatible with the E85, giving it slightly less power than the standard petrol. However, the mileage of the bike can be up to 55 kmpl when running on the E20, while it is likely to decrease on the E85. This engine comes with a 5-speed gearbox.
Design and Features: Looks like FZ Rave, but with a new color.
In terms of design, the FZ Blue Flex is similar to the standard FZ, especially the FZ Rave. It features full-LED projector headlamps, integrated position lamps, muscular fuel tank, faux air vents, compact exhaust and single-piece seat. It is offered in a single Metallic Black colour option, which gives it a premium and sporty look.
However, there have been some changes. The ground clearance has been reduced to 135mm, which is 30mm less than the standard FZ's 165mm. At the same time, its kerb weight is 139kg, which is 3kg more than FZ Rave. The bike is equipped with single-channel ABS with telescopic front forks, rear monoshock, front and rear disc brakes.
Why is the FZ Blue Flex so special?
The FZ Blue Flex is the first flex-fuel motorcycle in its class in India. The biggest feature is that it can run on any ethanol blend from E20 to E85, while most bikes are limited to just E20. This bike is future-proof for those people because as the ethanol blending increases, riders will not have to worry about switching fuel.
The bike is part of Yamaha's sustainable mobility strategy, under which the company is working on electric vehicles as well as alternative fuel technologies. It is the fourth two-wheeler in India to adopt flex-fuel technology, joining the likes of Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV and Hero Splendor and HF Deluxe.
Price and Availability
The Yamaha FZ Blue Flex is priced at Rs 1,24,240 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This is ₹400 more than the FZ Rave (₹1,23,840) and around ₹9,480 more than the regular Petron FZ (₹1,14,760).
The FZ Blue Flex is initially available only at select Yamaha Blue Square Premium dealerships, located in the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. This availability is in line with the availability of E85 fuel, as E85 fuel is currently not available everywhere. As the E85 infrastructure expands, it is expected that this bike will be made available in more states.
Conclusion
The Yamaha FZ Blue Flex E85 is a big step in the Indian two-wheeler market, which is working towards mainstreaming ethanol blending. The FZ Blue Flex is India's first 150cc flex-fuel motorcycle that can run on fuel ranging from E20 to E85. Priced at ₹1.24 lakh, with a premium FZ design and 11.7 PS of power, the bike targets riders who want to be flexible with future fuel options.
However, there are trade-offs such as a slight reduction in power and lower ground clearance, but this is an important step towards sustainable mobility. If you are looking for a bike that can keep up with the changing fuel standards and is sustainable, then the FZ Blue Flex can prove to be a great option for you. Stay tuned to timesbull.com for all the latest auto news, launch updates and shopping guides.