2011 Yamaha FZ8 Review - First Ride

Of course it might sound cooler with an aftermarket exhaust, and make a few extra ponies. The stock system gives the stealth factor, however. You can scream it when you need to, without drawing unwanted attention. Note curvaceous, control-filled die-cast aluminum swingarm. The process lets Yamaha precisely tune its characteristics.

Conclusion
If the race toward repli-racer superiority has done anything for the rest of motorcycling, it’s been to create a rich repository of technology ready to be re-tasked in bikes like Yamaha’s latest rendition of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle.
And as of yet, the $8490 FZ8 is essentially in a class by itself. It offers 80% the low and midrange torque that a literbike does – instead of something like 55-60% typical to a peaky 600 supersport. At the same time, it is about as agile as a 600, but its several-thousand-rpm lower operating range will be easier going on all those close-tolerance internal parts.
Of course, with limited suspension adjustability, and being somewhat heavier than uber-competitive 600 supersports, it is not really a direct opponent, but merely a competitive alternative for riders looking for a broadly talented performer.
In terms of displacement, the FZ8 best lines up with the 798cc parallel-Twin BMW F800R we recently tested. While we did not compare them back to back, the FZ8 feels more potent than the $9950 BMW. In terms of power, Triumph’s 675cc Street Triple is likely a close match, as is its $8899 MSRP

Yamaha had a fleet waiting for us at the lobby of a hotel in Venice, Calif.

Under a steady hand, it should get 40 mpg or better – Yamaha says it’s seen 201 miles from a full tank – and should be slightly less to insure than the $10,490 FZ1. Its price is just $1000 more than the FZ6R while being a generation ahead in performance and technology – especially its frame and swingarm.

While there are bikes that arguably compete, in a real sense, the FZ8 stands alone.

Other optional accessories for the FZ8 include a frame-mounted center stand ($189.95), protective frame sliders ($129.95), steel engine guards ($199.95), a passenger seat cowl cover ($229.95), bolt-on passenger grab bars ($119.95), a lower cowl ($219.95), radiator cover ($99.95), tank bag ($89.95), and more.
Unfortunately, that most useful of options – ABS – as offered in Europe, is not available in the U.S.
Offered in Raven (black) for this year only, Yamaha says it is shipping the FZ8 now, and has met with enthusiastic response from U.S. dealers who have pre-ordered an undisclosed quantity that nevertheless has Yamaha reps satisfied. They tell us the supposition is that this is a bike that should sell.
After sampling the versatile mid-heavyweight, we can definitely see why this could be so.
Interested in finding out more about the FZ8? Join our free Yamaha FZ8 Forum.