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Yamaha FZ-X Review: A Cool Retro Bike, But is it Better Than the TVS Ronin or RE Hunter 350?

Yamaha FZ-X Review

Hello friends! Are you looking for a new motorcycle that’s stylish enough for weekend rides but also practical for the daily office commute? It’s a tough choice, right? The Yamaha FZ-X, with its cool retro design and trusted FZ engine, is a very tempting option. It promises comfort, style, and great mileage.

But wait, the market is full of amazing bikes! You’ve got the super modern and feature-packed TVS Ronin, and of course, the iconic Royal Enfield Hunter 350, both begging for your attention. So, where should you put your hard-earned money? As your trusted auto buddy, let’s break down the choices in simple terms and find the perfect bike for you.

Key Specs at a Glance

Let’s start with a quick look at what the Yamaha FZ-X brings to the table. It now comes with some important safety features too!

SpecificationYamaha FZ-X
Engine149cc, Air-cooled, ‘Blue Core’ Engine
Power12.4 PS
Mileage~45-50 kmpl
Key FeatureTraction Control System (TCS) for added safety
BrakesFront and Rear Disc with single-channel ABS
Ex-Showroom PriceStarting from ₹1.37 Lakh (Delhi)

Price: What’s the Real Deal?

The Yamaha FZ-X is priced very attractively, but remember, the final on-road price is what you actually pay after taxes and insurance. Here’s a clear idea of the real on-road price you can expect for the FZ-X and its main rivals in our big cities.

Car ModelDelhiMumbaiBengaluru
Yamaha FZ-X~₹1.62 Lakh~₹1.68 Lakh~₹1.75 Lakh
TVS Ronin 225~₹1.72 Lakh~₹1.77 Lakh~₹1.82 Lakh
RE Hunter 350~₹1.75 Lakh~₹1.80 Lakh~₹1.85 Lakh

(Note: These are estimated on-road prices for base models and can change based on the variant you choose.)

The Main Event: FZ-X vs. Ronin vs. Hunter 350

This is the big fight of the cool retro commuters! Each bike has a very different character.

FeatureYamaha FZ-XTVS Ronin 225RE Hunter 350
Price (Ex-Showroom)From ₹1.37 LakhFrom ₹1.49 LakhFrom ₹1.50 Lakh
Engine Power12.4 PS20.1 bhp20.2 bhp
Mileage (“Kitna deti hai?”)~45-50 kmpl~40 kmpl~36 kmpl
Key Feature/WeaknessFeature: Super reliable & efficient. Weakness: Feels underpowered compared to others.Feature: Packed with modern tech. Weakness: Quirky looks are not for everyone.Feature: Big bike feel & RE brand value. Weakness: Heaviest of the lot.

Our Verdict: The Right Choice for YOU

We’ve ridden all three bikes in the city and on the highway. Here’s our simple, honest advice on which one is the right fit for you.

  • For the “No-Fuss, Reliable” Rider: The Yamaha FZ-X If you want a bike that will start every single day without any drama, give you fantastic mileage, and be super comfortable for your daily commute, the FZ-X is a brilliant choice. We rode it through peak Bangalore traffic, and its lightweight and smooth engine make it incredibly easy to handle. What makes it a true ‘paisa vasool’ deal is Yamaha’s legendary reliability. It’s a stylish workhorse you can depend on.
  • For the “Modern & Tech-Savvy” Rider: The TVS Ronin The Ronin is loaded with features you’d expect on a more expensive bike! It has upside-down forks for better handling (which means it feels more stable on corners), different ride modes for rain and city, and even Bluetooth to connect your phone. If you love gadgets and want a bike that feels modern and unique, the Ronin is fantastic value for money.
  • For the “Big Bike Dreamer”: The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Let’s be honest, that Royal Enfield thump and the brand name have a special place in our hearts. If you’ve always wanted to own an RE, the Hunter is the easiest and most affordable way to join the family. It’s heavier than the others, which gives it a proper big-bike feel on the road. For that classic road presence and the pride of owning an icon, nothing beats the Hunter.

Common Questions Answered (FAQ)

What is Traction Control on the Yamaha FZ-X? Is it useful?

Yes, it’s very useful! Traction Control is a safety feature that prevents your rear wheel from slipping on slippery surfaces, like wet roads or gravel. It’s like a safety net that helps prevent accidents, and it’s great that Yamaha is offering it on a bike in this price range.

Is the Yamaha FZ-X good for long highway rides?

It’s a very comfortable bike, but its 150cc engine can feel a bit stressed on long, open highways if you want to cruise at high speeds. It’s perfect for city riding and occasional short highway trips. For serious touring, the Hunter 350 is a better choice.

Which bike is the easiest to manage in heavy traffic?

The Yamaha FZ-X is the lightest and easiest to handle in bumper-to-bumper city traffic. The TVS Ronin is a close second, thanks to its special ‘Glide Through Technology’ that lets the bike move slowly without using the throttle.

Does the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 have a lot of vibrations?

No! The new J-series engine in the Hunter is incredibly smooth compared to older Royal Enfield bikes. There are very few vibrations, making it a much more comfortable and modern riding experience.

Written by Abhijeet A

Hi, I'm Abhijeet, the founder and editor-in-chief of TopicsTalk.com. For over 10 years, my passion has been everything with wheels. What started as a fascination with the roar of an engine has grown into a full-time mission: to provide fellow Indian enthusiasts and buyers with the most honest, in-depth, and jargon-free automotive reviews.

My Experience & Expertise:

Throughout my journey, I have personally test-driven over 200+ cars and motorcycles, covering everything from practical commuter bikes to luxury SUVs. I've had the privilege of covering major events like the Auto Expo in Delhi and have spent countless hours analyzing the nuances of the Indian automotive market.

My core area of expertise lies in the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) segment and the sub-20 lakh SUV market. I delve deep into not just the spec sheets, but the real-world performance, long-term reliability, and true value-for-money that matters to you, the Indian consumer.

Our Mission & Promise :

TopicsTalk.com was born from a simple idea: car and bike buyers in India deserve clarity. Our promise is to be your most trustworthy co-pilot in the purchase journey. Every review is based on rigorous testing and an unbiased commitment to the truth. We are not just a publication; we are a community of enthusiasts dedicated to making informed decisions.

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