Manufacturers are working hard to make their bikes more efficient, whether through better combustion tech, aerodynamics, or weight reduction. But with tightening emissions standards and rising fuel costs, many brands are going electric.
That said, hybrids—despite being common in cars—haven’t caught on in the motorcycle world. Space and weight constraints make it tricky to package a hybrid drivetrain into a bike without making it bulky or expensive. But Yamaha is trying something new, at least in India, with the FZ-S FI Hybrid, a mild-hybrid take on the 150cc commuter segment.
At its core, Yamaha’s hybrid system is simple but clever. The bike uses a Smart Motor Generator (SMG), which does two things: it works as a silent, smooth starter motor (since it’s directly connected to the crankshaft), and it provides a little electric boost at low speeds.
