Ethanol Bike: Yamaha has launched its new FZ Blue Flex motorcycle in the Indian market. It is a flex-fuel compatible model of the FZ series, capable of running on ethanol blend fuels ranging from E20 to E85. With this launch, Yamaha has become the new company to enter the Flex Fuel two-wheeler segment in India. Earlier, Suzuki has introduced flex-fuel models of its Gixxer SF 250 FFV and Hero of its Splendor and HF Deluxe.

149cc engine, but slight reduction in power
The new FZ Blue Flex is powered by a 149cc air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine, which is also used in the existing FZ models. This engine generates maximum power of 11.7hp at 7,250rpm and peak torque of 12.8Nm at 6,000rpm. However, compared to the standard FZ, it gets 0.7hp less power and 0.5Nm less torque.

Design and features
Talking about design, FZ Blue Flex has LED headlight like FZ Rave launched last year. Apart from this, the bike gets the same muscular fuel tank, faux air vents and single-piece seat. For suspension, telescopic fork is provided at the front and monoshock at the rear, while a 5-speed gearbox is available for transmission. Like before, single-channel ABS is also provided in the bike.

Braking system and display
Both the front and rear wheels of the FZ Blue Flex have disc brakes, which work with Bosch’s anti-lock braking system (ABS). The bike has an LCD digital instrument cluster, which shows speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and other important information. Apart from this, features like side-stand engine cut-off switch, 140mm wide rear radial tire and engine cowl are also provided in it.

Price and availability
Yamaha FZ Blue Flex is currently launched in Metallic Black color option. In the initial phase it will be sold in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Its ex-showroom price has been kept at Rs 1.24 lakh. With this price, this bike finds its place almost in the middle of Yamaha’s FZ lineup of 9 models.