2011 Yamaha FZ8 Review

Yamaha FZ8 powerful but manageable enough to make his grandfather, R1, blush with pride.

As a final recipient Yamaha repli-racer heritage, in line-779cc Four is that some of the most striking technologies Yamaha Sport, to be used in everyday life, sports standards.

DNA FZ8 has its roots in the Premier Sports Yamaha, the YZF-R1. FZ1 motor current is derived from the pre-R1 crossplane. The new offspring will inherit R1-FZ1 inspired the perimeter frame is alloy, the chassis geometry, some engine components as well as many design elements of the compact and efficient motor.

Since we have already covered most of the technical details FZ8 a preview in our article we will focus on the reasons to believe this bike Yamaha is a good idea now, and how it is to ride.

Why is there

Yamaha says, after market research, has decided to bring the past to the Euro-FZ8 is only in the United States and Canada span the gap between 600cc 2011 1000cc sport bikes and street-oriented - but now that the half brushable Finally , a series of 8 siblings Fazer Canadian and Euro only.

Since 2005, "sports bike", including hyper-sports, sports bikes and sports tourers, are composed of about 20% of all U.S. motorcycle sales, Yamaha, says, second only to cruise ships, which constitute over 40% .

In exploring the demographics in these times of recession, Yamaha preview of gold in a trend of buyers who want a do-it-all sports. Some of these buyers will replace existing motorcycles, or trading up from smaller bikes, but also suggest a decrease of 9% in those who seek to add an extra bike in the stable.

53 Among the preferences of buyers looking for Yamaha, high on the list was the price positioning rider feasible, movement of large enough, color and design, size, easy to touch your feet on the ground, light and agile handling, fuel economy, and more.

In summary, the mission was to create a bike that is versatile and economical than ever, leaving passengers with sporting inclinations have their cake and eat it too.

After sampling an FZ8 for nearly 130 miles, over highways from canyons of the city, we would say that this new machine could probably do the trick.

How it works

Depending on whether you feel like a kind glass half full or half empty person, you can say FZ8 feels like 600 - but the power of the strongest 750 - or you could say it's like a detuned, FZ1 lighter.

But while the 12.0:1 compression of the FZ8, share engine fuel injection housing FZ1 architecture, basic stroke and 53.6mm, it is incorrect to call it a smaller version of 11.5:1 compression sleeve FZ1 mill.

For starters, the FZ8 four valves per cylinder is brand new, as its short lift and duration camshafts and intake funnel new - 125mm in length for cylinders 1 and 4, and 150 mm in length for cylinders 2 and 3 - to contribute to broaden its range of power.

Along with the throttle body 35 mm - 10 mm narrower than the FZ1 - These features improve torque while providing a respectable high-end technologies.

Yamaha demand for energy, but the FZ8 is the maximum and minimum 11,500 mill would peak around 105 hp and 61 lb.-ft. of torque when measured at the crankshaft.

By the way, the crankshaft is the FZ1, but weighs 30% less, that Yamaha says it will further speed quickly, while a positive effect on treatment.

 

How? Although the weight of the FZ8 is 467 pounds-stop is only 20 pounds lighter than his older brother, Yamaha, said reducing the inertia of the crankshaft can be discerned in the way the bike transitions from side to side . Along with a narrower tire on the rear of 10 mm, said he FZ8 Yamaha 50 pounds lighter. We had an FZ1 for comparison, but less than the FZ8 has an agility that contrasts with its mass.

An overlap is also designed to be as accessible as possible. Coupled with a 32.1-inch seat height identical Yamaha said narrowed behind at 4.5 gallons fuel tank and front of the rider's seat is just to help small jigs to the ground.

FZ8 driving position is a bit 'aggressive FZ1, but still pretty neutral and functional. The control rod is 5 mm forward, when the platforms are more than 15 mm and rear 10 mm lower.

And while the Yamaha has taken the trouble to deal with less weight, surprisingly, a 6 feet, 5 inches motojourno that was reported along the path, we had no discomfort either.

Even the display of unwanted stuff is its ability to function. Start-up is imminent, when it is deposited uniformly minimum of about 1100 rpm labeled analog tachometer, who lives next to the digital display speed, fuel, temperature and distance information. (At night, the backlight will be red.)

Turning on the gas produces an immediate response, the engine and its smooth power characteristics that are resistant to fall even as a beginner on the wrist. Torque supplied by a clutch - with less fiber and the metal plate that the FZ1 - along with a light clutch lever, the commitment to a snap for users.

FZ8 is a 17-inch Bridgestone Battlax BT021 sport touring tires - 120/70 front and 180/55 at the rear - was developed specifically for this, and to promote a predictable properties.

They range from 57.5 inch wheelbase sporting a 51/49, weight bias front / rear. The package is supported by a non-adjustable 43 mm KYB forks and preload-adjustable shocks, each with 130mm of travel.

It pulls down the road, or folders through the canyon of the wavy S-curves mile after mile, the installation works.

Travel riders was about 150 pounds more than 250 Even if no one griped too much sleep, it should be noted that the FZ1 is fully adjustable suspension. We think this would have been nice too FZ8 - but $ 2,000 less, this is one of the planned trade-offs. Riders wishing to refine the FZ8 can still do it old-fashioned way, by changing the fork springs and oil.

And really, the delivery is not really a problem. While the sources are not particularly firm, management just became a little less than inspiring confidence in my 185 pounds, more acute when more speed, charging hard through the rough pavement or patch repairs.

This ability to take what comes mainly because of the chassis FZ1. The aluminum frame built on large-perimeter and curved aluminum swing arm to keep everything in line of the horizon tilts the PEG high-angles, inspiring the riders to keep dipping deeper and faster.

The chassis is welcome given FZ8 engine is on average a little runner and is a powerful tool that you do not have to fast forward as an Indy car in a hurry, as you do with a 600 cc supersport

Although I admit a little 'anxiety about riding a strict OE sport-touring tires in a cool climate - and if I were, I would spend, sticky sport tires only the margin more power - no slipping during Stone Bridge Riding the busy, even running on a track was just average quality bows sprayed by snow showers.

And what a corner or 6-speed gears are well matched to engine power. FZ1 FZ8 transmission differs only lower than the final report and a lower gear before - which is, however, reported 74 mph hit the bouncing the rev limiter.

Sprint, the road 100 mph, and then there is a big problem, even if we try to see how high we can climb. Similarly, reverse thrust with 310 mm discs to capture a piece four-piston front and 267 mm rear disc is easy and predictable, regardless of the speed of the wheel.

4-in-2-on-1 with a catalytic converter, stainless steel exhaust with silencer Shorty obscured in style, radiating a powerful but suitably muted note. This is particularly true for the upper range, where - milder than the cameras or not - a snarl family is narrow in-line four-way pipe to the switch as a result of warp drive.

Miss the FZ1 is more than half fairing, the FZ8 is a limited protection against the elements, but the wind speed blocking reduces the need for more coverage, at least this time. Yamaha offers $ 129.95 in darkened polycarbonate screen (not tested), which can help, if desired.

Conclusion

If a race superior to the repli-racer has made no other motion was to create a technology rich storehouse ready for the task of re-bikes like Yamaha's ultimate revelation of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle.

And for now, the $ 8.490 FZ8 is essentially in a class by itself. It offers 80% more torque at low and mid-range bike that does liter - instead of something like 55-60% typical for a poor 600 supersport. It is as agile as a 600, but the work area of ​​several thousand rpm lower will be easier to go to all these parties close tolerance inside.

Of course, with adjustable suspension and limited a bit heavier than the uber-competitive 600 Super Sport, it's not really a direct opponent, but simply a competitive alternative for riders looking for an artist very talented.

In terms of displacement, the FZ8 best lines with parallel twin 798cc BMW F800R, we recently tested. Although not compare back to back, the FZ8 feels more powerful than the BMW $ 9,950. In terms of power, Triumph Street Triple 675cc is probably a close game, as is its $ 8899 MSRP

Under a steady hand, you should get 40 mpg or better - Yamaha says it has seen 201 miles on a full tank - and should be slightly less to ensure that the $ 10.490 FZ1. It costs only $ 1,000 more than FZ6R while a generation ahead in performance and technology - especially its frame and swingarm.

Other optional accessories FZ8 includes a frame mounted on center stand ($ 189.95) protection pads ($ 129.95), engine guards, steel ($ 199.95), a passenger in the seat cover cover ( $ 229.95) Bolt Grab bars on the passenger ($ 119.95), a lower cover ($ 219.95) covers the radiator, ($ 99.95), tank bag ($ 89.95) and much more.

Unfortunately, the most useful options - ABS - as offered in Europe are not available in the U.S.

Offered: Raven (black) this year alone, says that Yamaha is now shipping FZ8, and met an enthusiastic reception of U.S. retailers who have pre-ordered an undisclosed amount, which, however, is a Yamaha reps happy. They say that the assumption is that this is a bike that should be sold.

After collection of heavyweight versatile, we can certainly see why it may be.

Interested in learning more about FZ8