Yamaha recently pulled back the curtain on an ambitious new strategy for the Indian market, outlining a future filled with fresh models and electric vehicles. While the plan confirmed several new launches, one tantalizing hint has the motorcycle community buzzing: the potential return of a fan-favorite workhorse, the incredibly reliable FZ-25.
This isn’t just a simple rehash of an old model. Yamaha’s strategy signals a potential shift, moving beyond its established 155cc lineup to re-enter a segment hungry for dependable, everyday performance.
A Glimpse into Yamaha’s Future Lineup
At a recent corporate event, Yamaha laid out a roadmap to launch 10 new two-wheelers in India by 2026. Four of these—the XSR 155, FZ Rave, EC-06, and Aerox E—have already been unveiled. The remaining six are shrouded in mystery, but a close look at the presentation slides reveals a crucial clue.
Yamaha teased future additions to its best-selling FZ family. The silhouette shown, while not a full reveal, strongly suggests a motorcycle with a larger displacement than the current FZ-S models. This has led industry watchers to speculate that Yamaha is preparing to resurrect the FZ-25, a model discontinued a few years ago that still holds a sterling reputation for bulletproof reliability.
Why the FZ-25 Makes Perfect Sense Now
Yamaha has thoroughly saturated the 155cc segment with a sports faired bike (R15), a naked streetfighter (MT-15), a scrambler (XSR155), and a maxi-scooter (Aerox). There’s little room left to grow. A logical next step is to leverage existing engineering. Since Yamaha already possesses a proven 250cc engine platform, reviving the FZ-25 is a strategically sound move that requires less investment than developing an all-new powertrain.
The FZ brand name is a powerful asset in India, consistently drawing in buyers. After recently launching a more affordable FZ model, reintroducing a premium, powerful variant like the FZ-25 would be a natural progression, offering a clear upgrade path for existing Yamaha owners.
What to Expect from a New-Gen FZ-25
If the FZ-25 does make a comeback, it can’t simply return unchanged. The 250cc segment has become more competitive.
- Performance: The original model produced 20.4 BHP and 20 Nm of torque. To stand tall against rivals that often boast 23-25 BHP, Yamaha would likely retune the engine for a healthier power output. A welcome upgrade would also be a modern 6-speed gearbox, replacing the older 5-speed unit for better refinement and highway efficiency.
- Design & Features: The new FZ-25 would undoubtedly carry the muscular, streetfighter DNA of the current FZ family. While it was always a handsome bike, expect a contemporary design language. In terms of tech, don’t expect premium features like cruise control. This bike is built for practical, daily use. However, a significant and likely upgrade would be the Bluetooth-enabled digital display from the MT-15, offering smartphone connectivity for calls, messages, and navigation alerts.
- Price & Positioning: Staying true to the FZ lineage, Yamaha would likely position the FZ-25 as an accessible and high-value 250cc option. We anticipate an on-road price ranging between ₹1.9 lakh and ₹2.1 lakh (Mumbai), making it a compelling proposition for riders seeking Yamaha’s renowned reliability without a stratospheric price tag.
While Yamaha has yet to make an official announcement, the evidence is mounting. For countless Indian riders who value durability and practical performance above all, the return of the FZ-25 can’t come soon enough.
