The Yamaha LC135 V7—widely known locally as the LC135 Fi—arrived as a massive evolutionary step for one of Southeast Asia's most iconic underbone motorcycles. Released by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, this iteration brought electronic fuel injection to a platform that riders had loved for generations. If you're looking for a commuter bike that balances everyday practicality with sporty style, you'll find that this version changes the game without losing its classic commuter soul.
Under the skin, the LC135 V7 ditches the older carburettor setup for a modern fuel-injected system paired with a 135 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. It churns out roughly 12.4 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 12.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. You get a four-speed automatic centrifugal clutch transmission, meaning you don't have to fiddle with a hand clutch lever while weaving through heavy rush-hour traffic.
Engine Performance and Fuel Injection Upgrades
The shift to fuel injection wasn't just about emissions compliance; it transformed how the bike delivers power. Throttle response feels crisp right off the line, and you don't experience the hesitation or bogging down that older carburettor models sometimes suffered from during cold starts.
The liquid-cooling setup keeps engine temperatures stable during long gridlocks under a tropical sun. When you twist the throttle on open backroads, the engine revs smoothly up to its mid-range sweet spot. It's not built to challenge true 150 cc or 155 cc sports mopeds on a track, but it outpaces standard 110 cc and 125 cc commuters effortlessly.
Real-World Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is where commuter bikes live or die. With a 4.6-litre fuel tank, the Yamaha LC135 V7 gives you an impressive operating range between fill-ups.
- City commuting with frequent stop-and-go yields roughly 45 to 50 kilometres per litre.
- Steady highway cruising at moderate speeds can push efficiency past 55 kilometres per litre.
- Aggressive full-throttle riding drops efficiency closer to 40 kilometres per litre.
These numbers mean you can commute for a full week on a single tank of petrol, keeping your running costs remarkably low.
Chassis, Handling, and Braking System
Weighing in at just 109 kg, the bike feels feather-light between your legs. That low weight translates directly to agile lane-splitting and effortless cornering. You can flick it through tight gaps in city traffic with minimal physical effort.
The suspension setup features conventional telescopic forks up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Yamaha tuned this setup to handle bumpy urban asphalt quite well, soaking up potholes without feeling overly bouncy.
Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels—a notable upgrade from older generations that relied on rear drum brakes. This dual-disc configuration gives you much sharper stopping power and better confidence when you need to brake hard in an emergency.
Design Updates and Special Editions
Visually, the V7 modernised the traditional underbone silhouette. Sharp body panels, aggressive lines, and a redesigned LED pilot lamp give it a much more aggressive stance than its predecessors.
Yamaha offered standard color variants like Ruby Red, Crystal Cyan, and Midnight Star alongside a Desert Storm Special Edition (SE). The SE package often adds practical extras right out of the box, such as a custom front basket and premium graphics that stand out in a parking lot full of standard commuters.
Common Mistakes Owners Make
Even a reliable machine like the LC135 V7 can suffer if you don't maintain it correctly. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Neglecting coolant changes: Because it's liquid-cooled, ignoring the radiator fluid leads to overheating and potential head gasket damage. Check your coolant reservoir monthly.
- Overloading the front basket: The factory basket is designed for light items like a small backpack or groceries. Tossing heavy tools into it alters your steering geometry and makes the front end twitchy.
- Ignoring chain slack: Underbone bikes put a lot of sudden shock through the final drive chain. Failing to clean, lube, and adjust chain tension regularly wears out your sprockets prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Yamaha LC135 V7 require a manual clutch?
No, it uses an automatic centrifugal wet multi-plate clutch combined with a rotary four-speed gearbox. You shift gears with your foot, but you don't need a hand clutch lever.
What is the difference between the standard model and the SE version?
The Special Edition features exclusive paint schemes, distinct graphics, and often comes bundled with factory accessories like a heavy-duty front basket, while mechanical specifications remain identical.
Can this motorcycle handle long-distance touring?
Yes, many riders use it for interstate touring. While it's built primarily for urban commuting, the liquid-cooled engine handles sustained speeds well as long as you take regular rest breaks.
Where is the fuel tank located?
The fuel tank sits underneath the main seat compartment, which means you have to lift the seat to refuel at petrol stations.
