Suzuki Intruder vs Yamaha FZS-Fi: Which One’s Better To Commute On?

If you have a budget in excess of Rs 1 lakh, there are a couple of options for you in the market as of today. Of them, the Suzuki Intruder and the Yamaha FZS-Fi really stand out. 

• The Suzuki Intruder’s 150cc engine makes 13.6PS and 13.8Nm. 
• The Yamaha FZ-S Fi, on the other hand, makes 12.2PS and 13.3Nm from its bigger mill.
• It’s also hands down the more powerful of the two. 

The funky-looking commuter segment is a recently-developed one in India. With most manufacturers focusing on mileage and frugality, not many dared to venture into playing with the looks of the bikes. 

But that changed some time ago and as of now, we have two bikes that stand out with their looks and their engine. Of course we’re talking about the Suzuki Intruder 150 and the Yamaha FZ-S Fi. Let’s see how the two bikes fare against each other: 

Suzuki Intruder vs Yamaha FZS-Fi: Design & Features

There’s a clear winner here and it’s the Yamaha FZ. Despite being based on the modern-looking Gixxer 150, Intruder doesn’t really have a whole lot of features to boast of. Suzuki has taken the retro cruiser cues very seriously by not giving the bike a lot of technology and the only talking point in terms of features is its LCD console. 

In terms of features, the FZS-Fi is packed to the gills as it comes standard with single-channel ABS and chunky tyres. The negative LCD instrument console on the bike displays information such as the fuel gauge, odometer, two tripmeters, and a clock, among other things. 

There's also an ECO indicator that helps riders with throttle modulation to get more fuel efficiency out of the engine. The Deluxe model includes Y-Connect with Bluetooth connectivity, which includes features such as answer back, locate my vehicle, parking record & hazard, and riding history, but does not include navigation. It also includes traction control.

Suzuki Intruder vs Yamaha FZS-Fi: Engine & Gearbox

The FZ makes generous amounts of torque all throughout the rev range and it feels nice and peppy. Yes, it makes less power on paper, but it’s not felt in any way or form when compared to the INtruder. 

The Intruder 150 is powered by the Gixxer’s air-cooled single-cylinder motor and 5-speed gearbox. This motor, however, is fed by a redesigned airbox with a larger intake, and even the exhaust has been retuned. The end result is a mildly altered state of tune that produces the same 14Nm of torque as the Gixxer but a slightly lower 14.14 PS of peak power at 8,000rpm. 

However, the torque curve is flatter, ensuring better response at lower revs, and the torque does not trail off abruptly even when the motor is revved past 6,000rpm. Suzuki, however, has not stopped there. Because the rear sprocket is slightly larger, the final drive ratio is reduced.

Suzuki Intruder vs Yamaha FZS-Fi: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Yamaha FZ is smooth and comfortable. Its suspension is tuned for the Indian roads and it absorbs the bumps and undulations rather well. Ergonomics are how you’d expect to be on a streetfighter: forward-biased but nothing too committed. The FZ is hence a very comfortable bike and there’s no two ways about it. 

It's comforting to know that the Intruder 150 shares its underpinnings with the Gixxer 150. In fact, it uses the same diamond-type frame as the naked bike, but with some changes to accommodate its cruiser styling and ergonomics. The Gixxer's beefy 41mm front forks and preload-adjustable rear monoshock are also retained. However, the suspension tune has been changed (different spring rates and damping at both ends), as has the rear shock mounting position. 

The way the Intruder rides over bad roads is one area where it differs noticeably from the Gixxer. While the front end handles bumps fairly well, the monoshock's more horizontal angle means that rear suspension travel has been reduced (by as much as 10-15mm, according to reports). As a result, the rear has been stiffened to prevent it from bottoming out. This means that on bad roads, the ride is much firmer. 

Sharp bumps are often felt straight down the rider's spine because the rider is sitting so far back on the bike and is unable to brace or stand up on the pegs due to the riding position. Potholes and speed breakers should be approached slowly with the Intruder 150.

Suzuki Intruder vs Yamaha FZS-Fi: Dimensions

The Suzuki Intruder sounds like a long and large motorcycle on paper because it is one! While the bike tipped into corners and handled beautifully by cruiser standards, it was no match for the sharp handling of the FZ. The FZ feels planted in the corners and its significantly smaller wheelbase means its a lot quicker on its feet when compared to the Intruder. 

Commuting in the city is a lot of fun since direction changes are a breeze and with 13kg less to lug around, the FZ is a lot of fun in the city. That only means that the FZ should eke out a better fuel efficiency. That combined with its bigger fuel tank means fuel stops should ideally be lesser and wider spread, making the bike a bit easier on your pocket. 

What the streetfighter brings though, is a taller seat height. Here’s where the Intruder’s extremely inviting 740mm will be welcome for riders who are on the shorter side. 

Suzuki Intruder vs Yamaha FZS-Fi: Price

Yamaha has priced the FZ at a rather reasonable Rs 1,21,400 (ex-showroom Delhi). Even the top-of-the-line Deluxe trim, in the Majesty Red paint scheme, charges a rather sensible Rs 3,000 premium over the base variant, translating to a Rs 1,24,400 price tag. For that, what you get is the added practicality of Bluetooth connectivity. Suzuki, has meanwhile, priced the Intruder 150 at a rather absurd Rs 1,28,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). 

Conclusion

The Yamaha FZ-S Fi, then, is a clear winner here. With its more peppy engine, premium features and more sophisticated underpinnings, it triumphs over the Intruder quite handsomely. The cherry on the cake is its price tag. As is the case with Yamaha bikes, the FZ is reasonably priced and can justify its price tag rather well. 

Suzuki’s pricing strategy, similar to some of its big bikes, has been a rather poor one with the Intruder. There are several reasons why the Intruder did not perform as Suzuki intended. It was primarily undone by its polarising design, as well as the harsh ride quality. 

Furthermore, most people thought the asking price of Rs 1.28 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) was absurdly high, as you could have bought the Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise for less money!