An optical then nothing for months, that's all we know so far of the FZ8. Finally visible and available at dealerships, this late response from Yamaha to Kawasaki Z750, it is able to fight against hegemony Kawasaki? It depends on taste! Proof.
Yamaha FZ8 - Simplicity and perplexity ...
If the Yamaha FZ8 looks just like a slightly refined FZ1 (pot and optics, however, are very different), if the engine is from Yamaha's 1000 roadster is in the detail it changes . A true cross between a XJ6 (and not a FZ6, you'll understand why) and a FZ1, the FZ8 is seen as a entry level class of 800 cm3. Finally entry ... With a price of $ 11065.82 () and $ 12034.2 () without ABS with, we can not say that the FZ8 is cheap. Certainly, quality workmanship, materials and elements "outside" is to go and overall appearance is pleasing as the neat, but here that seems a price to pay given what we found in the competition and not here. So for $ 10374.12 () and $ 11065.82 () without ABS with aKawasaki Z750 offers adjustable damping and any other program, and the BMW F800 R, posted $ 11053.37 () excluding options, is much better supplied as original equipment while offering a program road much more complete ...Curious, especially for a motorcycle with a priori expectations of sports.
Yamaha FZ8 - a basic but well over 800
We will not dwell on the technical part of the bike we have already presented in detail . Furthermore, details the first testyou find on the site is actually a teaser, Yamaha, not having guests on the first presentation of its novelty.
Never mind, I took my troubles patiently and expected to have model releases for the park take a walk, the famous FZ8.At least, far from idyllic roads that we usually offers courses for "official", the bike is likely to carry a whole and more subtle. Especially since some "details" surprise me, among whom a fork reversed course and large diameter but without any adjustment (to ensure it has an interest!) And a rear suspension just adjustable preload (the competing offer more ...). Quality of depreciation depends, however, the behavior of the motorcycle and its versatility. The composition of the motorcycle aesthetic cultivated a sober, one side eventually subdued and personality wise, even if the FZ8 intends to impose. No radiator scoops, yet very fashionable, the FZ8 is meant almost happening everywhere. I even admit he had not felt that little more excitement that accompanies the discovery of a model ...
Last point: I go the bike from Yamaha with a new tire to the rear: Pirelli Diablo . Again, the tires have a great influence on feelings and behavior of the bike. Originally, the FZ8 comes with Bridgestone BT021, a road climbs equally. Well, well, I feel there will be sport ...
Yamaha FZ8 - a ergonomics pleasant
But talking about ergonomics. My 1.80 m installed without difficulty on the handlebars and my legs are not just the way the ground despite the 815 mm seat height announced. It must be said that depreciation could not be more flexible and already it sinks slightly despite my 65 kilos small ... The saddle is cons nice shape and has a good support: its front part is thin, which allows for optimism for the 1.70 m and slightly less when combined with the reservoir to the flared and 17 liters " Only ".
The driving position of the FZ8 is half sport, half urban, short passes everywhere. The legs are slightly bent and the foot rest fairly low, which strike the ground clearance but is more for comfort. We note in passing, however, the knees moderately rejected by the shape of the tank but still allowing the bike to tighten. Overall, it was not necessarily the impression of being on a sports roadster contrary to what one might imagine, but a bike balanced and reasonable in terms of driving position. In short, a roadster "normal" . The handlebar has a nice shape, narrower and less open than the FZ1, and the arms fall naturally on the controls. The feeling on board is quite nice, the bike seems sufficiently opulent, although sober, and the feeling of being on a FZ1 is very present, both in terms of volumes as proportions.(Moved sentence). At least one is sure to be on a Yamaha. The brake lever is adjustable distance, he commanded a brake caliper 4 piston monobloc. A nice marketing argument. However, this braking seemed to me certainly well made, with a power easier to control and some sweetness. It is once again the amortization Fishing curb in front of the curve straightens the bike significantly, more so than competition, and braking hard in a straight line plunges the fork and lose the adherence (at least with the Pirelli Diablo).
Yamaha FZ8 - Everything in the engine, nothing in suspensions ...
First point and not the least, either push or to change pace to slow to exit the parking lot, the FZ8 is clumsy, despite its 211 pounds ... Neither light nor live in truth, the FZ8! Never mind, I went and spent the 30 km / h we think no more ...From 1,500 rpm, the engine is smooth, sweet and considerate. Bumping injection known low steady on the FZ1 here have virtually disappeared. Somebody might say that the engine is hollow, for now, I take its measure on the first few hundred meters traveled. Small accelerations ... And lack of sensation wholesale lack of recovery on the latest reports.
It is far from Roadsters 1000, and not that far of the 600 in terms of feelings ... but more hollow. Let me explain. Pass 4, 5 or 6 and tighten the throttle ... Well ... nothing comes before the 7,000 rpm that take a long time to arrive. By cons, once you play the box or when the engine off as rocket, then, we take extreme pleasure .... Until the suspension is not too outdated. Ie it should choose a playground rather smooth and not too winding ... Restrictive, right?
It will be better in the city you say you? Not sure. Finding myself for two or three times in a bad position when having to restart the engine 2 nd at an intersection (a vehicle happened to me over and I theoretically had plenty of time to pass), I like to suggests that this concern was more related to poor quality of gasoline at a low unforgivable at this level or the necessity of having to scream routine motor to move a little bit. For it is the paradox a bit of this two-speed motor (well two faces): it is especially ON / OFF. Very nice if you want to play continuously, but to be used to a Fazer 600 Hornet 900 or a legacy, we must recognize that the FZ8, it has less torque and less recovery in low and medium speeds. An attic, right?
As long as the report is well chosen and the engine turns, the respondent is nevertheless there. I note against a low around 4,500 rpm (the standard anti-pollution thank you?), Which reinforces a sacred peak of character with a change of tone pot to 7,000 rpm or so. Is surprising and rapidly graying! For it is indeed the major asset of the FZ8: motor behavior in the towers. Excellent! Well, not that much. On the first ring road access to a highway, I hold the FZ8 on the angle, and begins to feel the escape from the rear when the power comes. "Oh, that reminds me sometimes inappropriate triggering of the V-Tech to the VFR, but now I feel much worse." While the rear tire is honing (I know very well the reactions of New-Diablo himself on other bikes), but the reaction surprises me. I take the time to blow dewaxing gum , a sudden zig, zag and curves gently but negotiated through a maximum angle. And there, long before the footrest not rub, the FZ8 is always found in a transition phase during which the rear cup and spear thrust engine ... Disturbing!
50 km further, the Diablo is clean, without that confidence is absolutely coming. This is both very flexible suspension strikes a great comfort, but just in rhythm sport tire that trying to offset this softness without ever succeeding. To summarize, the agreement between these two elements is not and never will be full length of the test. One notable inconsistency with the driving style solo sport and lean angle. Gosh. Fortunately, the slip of the rear is very gradual and that the feedback is sufficient, thereby maintaining a good safety margin. Originally, the FZ8 comes with Bridgestone BT021 which seem to better accommodate this gap suspensions. Anyway, this phenomenon demonstrates the importance of the choice of tires for the FZ8. As to what to choose, then the question arises. Stay at Bridgestone to avoid unpleasant surprises, the bike is registered with these types of profiles and structure.
Oh, I almost forgot ... 180 km of autonomy before reserve, 220 in very quiet pace, both say that having to often play the throttle and gearbox feels. As the tank only 17 liters. Here are reducing the scope of the FZ8 and emphasizes once again conduct a reasoned and reasonable.I did not be around 7l/100 km average consumption without ever actually pull the engine ...
Yamaha FZ8 - where conscientious
After just under 500 km, here is perspective. To clarify things. Since it was my first test of the Yamaha FZ8 and I do not yet have other FZ8 reference, I therefore leave the benefit of the doubt this bike. About 3000 miles on it, after the park and press Yamaha floor Pirelli Diablo that are in my opinion not the best that we can find for her, the FZ8 this trial had no trouble yet in appearance.
I tried everything in this test to run at what I could do with any other bike but never really find myself totally free of this mistrust. Trying to change the rear spring preload in the hardening (chewing gum, very little for me), try to play on the tire pressure to regulate the suspensions ... nothing has changed. The FZ8 is a versatile bike, go anywhere, but not flies everywhere, at least not with Diablo rims. In duet, the bike is better established, its base slightly modified behavior gives him a little calmer to capitalize more on certain qualities of the engine. 75% of the time and for a vast majority of motorcyclists, it may agree if they are not too fussy or they do not like too make the most of their bikes. But for the remaining 25%, those who have pinned high hopes invested in this bike and I fear that they too disappointed.
So yes, this bike got a problem and particularly disappointed. A philosophical problem first: I have understood? Yamaha seems to have focused on the sensations, and it succeeded: I did not want to drive fast with this bike, I had my share of bad feeling before. What good do a nice engine as "up" to put in a chassis as average (which takes off over bumps, sausage rolls as soon as we quickly) and also basic to the suspensions? Admittedly, it may be more docile and easy to measure, but its low interest seems limited. Not really pleasant city because of a certain heaviness and motor lazy in this environment and for this use, not really nice road when you want a little fun of the fact that suspensions occur quickly outdated , I hope I have not had any luck with this bike and a new test will allow me to revisit this case at least interesting. But above all that you can tell me what you think of the new FZ8. I understand completely that she likes, and even he admits to have found the charm, but for the first time, the negatives far outweigh the positives for a motorcycle. And that's a problem.
Worse, if all the FZ8 are like that, why sell it so expensive? It offers much less a former Fazer 1000 ... is less rigorous than XJ6 ...
I hope to soon have another test model for this trial in perspective, in the meantime, here is a first notice for the less clear ... Sorry. Honestly.
