Yamaha has expanded its portfolio in India with the launch of the FZ Blue Flex, marking the company's entry into the country's growing flex-fuel motorcycle segment. Priced at Rs 1.24 lakh (ex-showroom), the new model is compatible with ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E85, joining a growing list of two-wheeler manufacturers supporting India's transition towards cleaner fuel alternatives.
Built on the familiar FZ platform, the FZ Blue Flex incorporates the engineering changes required to operate on higher ethanol blends while retaining the core characteristics of the standard motorcycle. It continues to be powered by a 149 cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine, although performance figures have been marginally revised to suit flex-fuel operation.
The engine develops 11.7 hp at 7,250 rpm and 12.8 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Compared with the standard FZ, this represents a reduction of 0.7 hp and 0.5 Nm, a difference commonly seen in flex-fuel vehicles because ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol.
Familiar hardware
Yamaha has largely carried over the existing hardware from the FZ lineup. The motorcycle features the LED headlamp from the FZ Rave, along with the same fuel tank design, faux air vents and single-piece seat. It also retains a five-speed gearbox, telescopic front forks, a rear monoshock suspension and a single-channel ABS setup.
One notable difference is its ground clearance, which stands at 135 mm—30 mm lower than the 165 mm offered by the other FZ variants. The FZ Blue Flex also weighs 139 kg, making it 3 kg heavier than the FZ Rave.
Initially, the motorcycle will be offered exclusively in Metallic Black. Yamaha will retail the model through its Blue Square premium dealerships across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
Positioned in the middle of Yamaha's nine-model FZ lineup, the FZ Blue Flex offers customers an ethanol-compatible alternative without departing from the familiar FZ package. It is aimed at buyers seeking a practical commuter motorcycle with the flexibility to run on a wider range of fuel blends.
As India continues to increase ethanol blending in petrol, flex-fuel motorcycles are expected to gain greater relevance. Rather than focusing on outright performance, the FZ Blue Flex is designed to offer everyday usability while giving riders the convenience of compatibility with multiple ethanol-petrol fuel blends.
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