Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid vs Rivals: Price and Specifications Compared

Vinay Kamboj

2 weeks ago

Yamaha’s FZ-S Fi Hybrid brings a touch of innovation to the 150–160cc segment by integrating an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) — a feature that offers silent starts, auto start-stop at idle, and short bursts of torque assist. While it may not lead in performance, Yamaha aims to justify its premium positioning with smart tech and efficiency gains.

But how does it measure up against two strong competitors — the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V? Here’s a complete comparison.

Engine and Performance

Spec	Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid	Bajaj Pulsar N160	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Engine	149cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder	164.8cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder	159.7cc, air-/oil-cooled, single-cylinder
Power	12.4hp @ 7,250rpm	16hp @ 8,750rpm	17.5hp @ 9,250rpm
Torque	13.3Nm @ 5,500rpm	14.6Nm @ 6,750rpm	14.7Nm @ 7,500rpm
Gearbox	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed
Power-to-weight	89.8hp/tonne	105hp/tonne	119.8hp/tonne

The Apache RTR 160 4V is the most powerful here, with its oil-cooled engine and high-revving character giving it the edge in outright performance. The Pulsar N160 follows closely, offering a well-balanced engine with decent torque. The FZ-S Hybrid, though the least powerful, counters with its ISG assist system — helping with marginal efficiency and throttle response at lower speeds.

Weight and Dimensions

Spec	Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid	Bajaj Pulsar N160	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Kerb Weight	138kg	152kg	146kg
Seat Height	790mm	795mm	800mm
Ground Clearance	165mm	165mm	180mm
Fuel Tank	13 litres	14 litres	12 litres
Wheelbase	1,330mm	1,348mm	1,357mm

The Yamaha FZ-S Hybrid stands out as the lightest bike here — an advantage for city commuting and ease of handling. The Pulsar N160, despite being the heaviest, offers the largest fuel tank, making it more suitable for longer rides. The Apache, again, strikes a middle ground with good clearance and a comfortable riding posture.

Chassis, Suspension and Brakes

Spec	Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid	Bajaj Pulsar N160	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Suspension (F/R)	Telescopic fork / Monoshock	Telescopic fork / Monoshock	Telescopic fork / Monoshock
Brake size (F/R)	282mm disc / 220mm disc	300mm disc / 230mm disc	270mm disc / 240mm disc
Tyres (F/R)	100/80-17 / 140/60 R17	100/80-17 / 130/70 R17	90/90-17 / 130/70 R17

While all three bikes share a similar suspension setup, the Pulsar N160 and Apache offer their best features in higher variants, such as USD forks and dual-channel ABS. The FZ-S Hybrid sticks to a more basic mechanical package with single-channel ABS, though it boasts the widest rear tyre — aiding grip and aesthetics. The Pulsar is also the only one here with radial tyres at both ends, promising better high-speed stability.

Features and Technology

Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid: Traction control, Bluetooth connectivity, TFT display, ISG with auto start-stop, LED headlamp (reflector type), single-channel ABS.
Bajaj Pulsar N160: LED projector headlamp, LCD console, Bluetooth, dual-channel ABS (top variant).
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Ride modes (in top variant), LCD display, Bluetooth, dual-channel ABS (top variant), LED headlamp (reflector type).

Yamaha is the only one offering traction control in this segment, along with a TFT display and the silent-start ISG tech — making it the most feature-rich, albeit with compromises in performance and safety tech like dual-channel ABS. Both the Pulsar and Apache offer stronger safety kits and more performance-centric features in their higher-spec variants.

Pricing

Model	Price Range (ex-showroom)
Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid	₹1.45 lakh
Bajaj Pulsar N160	₹1.22 – ₹1.43 lakh
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V	₹1.25 – ₹1.40 lakh

The FZ-S Hybrid commands the highest price despite being the least powerful, mainly because of its tech-focused appeal. The Pulsar N160, in contrast, is the most affordable option — especially in its base variant, though it skips a few features. The Apache offers the most powerful engine while staying competitively priced, making it a strong value-for-money contender.

Verdict: Tech vs Performance

If you’re someone who prioritizes modern features, fuel-saving tech, and an easygoing city bike, the Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid could be a good fit. However, if you’re after performance, better braking safety, and more dynamic riding, both the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar N160 offer a more well-rounded package — with the Apache leaning more toward performance, and the Pulsar toward stability and practicality.

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