Yamaha upgrades India line-up to OBD-II tech, introduces traction control in more 150cc bikes

Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha has updated its entire two-wheeler range in India to the OBD-II system, ahead of the upcoming regulations in April 2023. The company has also announced that its offerings will also become E-20 gasoline ready by end-2023, as the fuel rolls in phases across the country by April 2025.

Taking the compliance opportunity, the company has also introduced traction control system (TCS) in its 150cc offerings, namely the FZS-Fi V4 Deluxe, FZ-X and MT-15 V2 Deluxe models, as a standard safety equipment. The TCS was already available in the R15M and R15 V4 motorcycles in Yamaha's India portfolio.

According to Yamaha, the Traction Control System controls the ignition timing and fuel injection volume to instantly adjust engine power output to avoid excessive slippage. This ensures efficient delivery of power to the rear wheel and minimises wheelspin, enabling better rider control over the motorcycle especially while cornering. 

The motorcycles also receive minor aesthetic updates, with the FZS-Fi V4 Deluxe getting a new headlamp design with LED flashers, while the FZ-X getting a new paint scheme.

The 2023 model R15M and MT-15 V2 Deluxe models, on the other hand, get a coloured-TFT instrument cluster and LED flashers, respectively. 

While the FZ series motorcycles get a single-channel ABS, the MT-15 V2 Deluxe features a dual-channel ABS as standard. The FZS-Fi V4 Deluxe and FZ-X models are also already E20 compliant along with the OBD-II switchover.

According to Eishin Chihana, chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, “As a part of the ongoing ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign, Yamaha is committed to introduce exciting features from its global product portfolio in India and introduce initiatives to offer new experiences to our customers. In line with this commitment, we are today delighted to announce the Traction Control system as a standard feature in our 149cc - 155cc premium motorcycle range."

"Globally, Yamaha motorcycles are immensely appreciated for their impeccable handling and performance. And we are confident that the more evolved 2023 versions of our motorcycles with a list of highly-desired features will surely entice our young consumers in India," he added.

Prices for Yamaha's refreshed range start at Rs 127,400, ex-showroom for the FZS-Fi V4 Deluxe, going up to Rs 181,900 for the R15V4 in the latest Dark Knight colour scheme.