2023 Yamaha FZ-X First Ride Review: Old Wine in a New Bottle

The Yamaha FZ-X has been updated for 2023. While that statement might just stand up in a court of law by the skin of its teeth, I wouldn’t argue that it is necessarily a bad thing. Recent years have seen multiple government mandates see motorcycles becomes safer, less polluting which means that they have received new tech. The FZ-X is no different. In its 2023 avatar, it is compliant with E20 fuel and has an OBD II diagnostic port, both requirements by law, or they will be by the end of the year. Yamaha saw this as an opportunity to give the FZ-X a shot in the arm to make it more desirable and well, I will leave it up to you to decide if that has worked or not.

What is new?

Apart from the features listed above, Yamaha has thrown in a new Matte blue shade along with golden rims. They really boost the image of the FZ-X, and I am even inclined to say that this adds to the retro charm of the motorcycle. There is a new traction control system as well, which is not standard on Yamaha motorcycles. It’s not like this motorcycle needs it, but it’s reassuring knowing that handling slippery terrain will be easier on the FZ-X. That’s the list of meaningful changes, as far as the 2023 Yamaha FZ-X is concerned.

Anything else?

Not really. The Yamaha FZ-X still rides like it used to. Its motor is quite linear in nature and doesn’t mind being revved hard. It can get slightly vibey in nature as the revs climb, but its hardly bothersome. The clutch action remains light, and it’s easy work going through the gearbox. The only bit that feels missing is the slightly feet-forward riding position which means that going shifting the gears in a quick fashion proves to be rather cumbersome

On the handling front, the FZ-X is rather fun. It’s quick through a twisty road, despite the fact that Yamaha offers it with semi-black pattern tyres. Off-road too, the FZ-X can hold its own It’s not meant for any serious stuff, although light gravel trails and little sand or dirt are all opportunities for a little bit of fun. You can’t really stand up comfortably because of the ergonomics that are road-biased, but even sitting down, the motorcycle feels playful over loose terrain. The one element that could have been better are the brakes. The front doesn’t offer enough stopping power to inspire confidence whereas the rear brake feels inert.

The seat remains comfortable, and is quite comfortable for journeys with pillion riders. Although, these journeys will have to remain relatively short in nature as the FZ-X starts to run out of steam as it approaches the 100 km/h mark, not something you want to experience when travelling on highways. Shorter journeys will be fine, but on long road trips, you want to be able to comfortably cruise at that speed, and not be siting on your red line.

Verdict

It’s safe to say, that almost everything is the same when it comes to the 2023 Yamaha FZ-X. It remains a super-comfortable city motorcycle that can take on short highway stints and be a little bit of fun off the beaten path as well. If you are looking for a motorcycle that can quite literally daily it, this is one of the best motorcycles on that shortlist. However, if you want performance, we suggest you look elsewhere.