The FZ arrived in India nearly two decades ago as a pseudo-sporty premium naked motorcycle aimed squarely at younger buyers. Over time, it evolved into Yamaha’s sporty commuter – a bike that blends everyday usability with enough visual aggression to stand out. A commuter has to be sorted, reliable and easy to live with while dealing with our weather and road conditions, and the FZ has built that reputation steadily over the years. The number of them on our streets is proof enough.
Yamaha has since expanded the FZ range. Today, multiple variants sit under the banner, most priced within a similar ballpark. While several wear V4 styling and the FZ-X adopts a neo-retro approach, the Rave distinguishes itself with a sharper front end inspired by an earlier Yamaha.
SpecificationsValuesEngine Displacement149 ccEngine Type1 cylinderCoolingAir-CooledMax Engine Power12.2bhp@7250rpmMax Engine Torque13.3Nm@5500rpmNumber of Gears5
So, where does the Rave fit in? If you’ve spent time with an FZ before, there won’t be many or rather any surprises. This isn’t a ground-up new product; it’s an FZ with a new name that follows the same established formula. The question is whether that formula still feels relevant in 2026.
Small LCD dash looks dated and is hard to read under direct sunlight.
The Rave runs the same 149cc single-cylinder engine seen across the range, producing 12.4hp and 13.3Nm, paired to a 5-speed gearbox. There’s no hybrid assist here – and it doesn’t feel like it needs one.
Its biggest strength is tractability. It’s happy ambling in second or third gear and pulls cleanly from low speeds. Refinement is good and throttle response is predictable rather than punchy. It isn’t quick, but it offers consistency. If you are looking for a quick, exciting commuter, the FZ range isn’t for you.
FZ25-inspired front end looks better executed in this application.
Flat out, the Rave will show an indicated 100kph, though its comfortable cruising speed lies below 85kph. In our earlier tests, this engine has returned around 48.5kpl in real-world conditions, and we expect it to remain frugal.
SpecificationsValuesWheelbase1330 mmSeat height790 mmGround Clearance165 mmKerb Weight136 kg
The suspension is pliant and copes well with regular road conditions. The Rave feels settled at cruising speeds and inspires more confidence in corners than a typical commuter. Braking performance could be better, with a soggy rear brake and a front brake that lacks a strong initial bite.
Except for the new front-look, the Rave shares everything with other FZ models
The main talking point on the Rave is the FZ25-inspired face. The mono-projector LED headlamp flanked by pilot lamps looks cohesive. Beyond this, the Rave remains visually identical to other FZ models. The updates aren’t as radical as the name suggests, but the new lighting signature gives the Rave more presence.
At Rs 1.20 lakh, the Rave sits alongside the FZS-Fi V4 and FZ-X. For something called the Rave, it takes an ironically restrained approach while retaining the familiar mechanical package. If you want added tech, look elsewhere. But if you prefer a straightforward, practical and easy-to-live-with motorcycle with a fresh face, the Rave fits that brief neatly – if only Yamaha gave it a more appropriate name.
