First flex-fuel Yamaha: The FZ Blue Flex is Yamaha's debut ethanol-compatible bike in India, supporting E20 to E85 blends.
Specs and performance: It uses a 149cc engine delivering around 11.3–11.7 bhp and 12.8 Nm, slightly lower than the standard FZ due to ethanol’s lower energy density.
Market positioning: Priced at ₹1.24 lakh, it joins similar offerings from Hero and Suzuki, targeting India's growing flex-fuel segment.
Yamaha enters India's flex-fuel segment
Yamaha Motor India has launched the FZ Blue Flex at ₹1.24 lakh, its first motorcycle capable of running on ethanol blends from E20 to E85. This move positions Yamaha alongside Hero and Suzuki in India's emerging flex-fuel two-wheeler market, aligning with government initiatives to promote biofuels and reduce fossil fuel dependency. The bike will be sold through select Blue Square dealerships in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. HT Auto + 4
Achieving a carbon-neutral future requires a dynamic, multi-pathway strategy rather than a single solution. Having already commenced our electric vehicle journey in India, the introduction of our innovative Blue Flex technology marks another strategic milestone. This move is a deliberate alignment of Yamaha's global sustainability vision with the Indian government's progressive biofuel policies. By embracing multiple technological avenues, we reinforce our commitment to global carbon neutrality goals while providing versatile, high-quality products tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.
Hajime Aota,
DriveSpark+ 2
Engine performance and ethanol impact
The FZ Blue Flex uses Yamaha’s 149cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine adapted for ethanol blends up to E85. It produces between 11.3 and 11.7 bhp and 12.8 Nm, which is about 0.7 bhp and 0.5 Nm lower than the standard petrol FZ, a reduction attributed to ethanol’s lower energy content. While power figures are modest for its class, the engine remains paired with a 5-speed gearbox for everyday usability.
Design and features carried over from FZ range
The FZ Blue Flex mirrors the standard FZ in styling, featuring a full-LED projector headlamp with position lamps, sculpted fuel tank, faux air vents, compact exhaust, and a single-piece seat. It is equipped with telescopic front forks, a rear monoshock, and single-channel ABS. The Metallic Black model has 135mm ground clearance—30mm less than other FZ variants—and weighs 139kg, 3kg more than the FZ Rave. DriveSpark + 2
Future outlook for flex-fuel motorcycles
The FZ Blue Flex reflects a growing trend towards alternative fuels, offering a mid-segment E85-compatible option between entry-level commuter flex-fuel bikes and larger displacement models. In the immediate term, uptake may depend on ethanol fuel availability and cost. Over the longer term, as biofuel infrastructure and incentives expand, flex-fuel motorcycles could gain broader appeal, prompting more manufacturers to enter the segment.
