Yamaha is likely to launch FZ250, the 250cc engine-powered FZ motorcycle to take on Honda’s CBR250. Yamaha FZ250 will come with latest technology such as fuel injection, liquid cooling and four valve motor. The bike is expected to be launched in mid 2011.
Since the naked design theme of FZ series has a huge fan following in India, Yamaha could launch the FZ250 with naked fairing unlike the upcoming Honda CBR250R with full fairing. FZ250 is much-awaited in the country because the FZ chassis is very capable of being powered by a meatier engine.
Some sources speculate that the new FZ250 will be powered by an oil-cooled 250 cc engine that produces 20 hp and a maximum torque of 20.5 Nm. The engine will be mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Yamaha FZ250 could have edgier design to show its evolution from the FZ 153 cc bikes. The headlight could be similar to FZ 16 except for two pilot lamps on top of the headlight like in the TVS Flame SR. The instrument panel could also be digital and the tank could be bulkier with elongated tank shrouds. The seats of the new FZ250 could get wider seats with better comfort for pillion too. The tail lamps could be designed based on R1 LED tail lights. Yamaha could offer the FZ250 with disc brakes at the front and the rear.
Some others speculate that Yamaha could also launch the Scorpio Z-255. In the Indonesian market, Yamaha sells Scorpio Z-255. The Scorpio is powered by a 223 cc air-cooled engine that produces 18 bhp at 8000 rpm and maximum torque of 17.5 Nm at 6500 rpm. We can expect the bike to return a decent mileage of 35 – 40 km/litre.
If Yamaha is planning to launch this motorcycle in India with an attractive price tag of Rs. 1 lakh – Rs. 1.5 lakh, Hero Honda Karizma and Bajaj Pulsar220 will be in serious trouble. Besides, there is speculation that Bajaj will launch a bigger Pulsar 250 cc. The Honda CBR250R is powered by a newly-developed liquid-cooled 250cc 4 stroke, 4 valve, single cylinder DOHC engine that is fed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI). We expect power of above 30 bhp and a torque above 18 Nm from this Honda engine.
Honda has started taking the bookings for CBR250R and the booking amount is Rs. 5000. The motorcycle will be launched in two variants, the standard variant which will be priced at around Rs. 1.5 lakh and the ABS version which will be priced at approximately Rs. 1.8 lakh. Honda CBR250R, Yamaha FZ250 and Bajaj Pulsar 250 could mark the next era of powerful streetfighter motorcycles in the country.
