2011 Yamaha FZ8 First Impressions

 

 

 

 

Just recently, Yamaha held a press intro for the all-new 2011 FZ8 in Venice Beach, CA – just miles from SRheadquarters - during which Sport Rider Magazine was able to put over 120 miles on the newly-designed machine along the coast of Southern California.

The bike, which was offered as a ’10 model in Europe, is not what many would consider an all-new design though, as it features geometry numbers that are identical to the FZ1. Where the FZ8 is different than previous models though, is in the engine department. The bike runs a 779cc DOHC four-cylinder engine with a newly developed top end that runs four valves per cylinder (rather than five like the FZ1) and boasts a 12.0:1 compression ratio. The crankcase and crankshaft of the FZ8 are taken directly from the five-valve R1 engine, and while the stroke is unchanged, bore numbers have been reduced from 77mm to 66mm.

As previously mentioned, the geometry of the FZ8 is unchanged from that of the FZ1. Weight balance between both bikes stays the same and the 57.5 inch wheelbase has gone untouched. But when you throw a leg over the motorcycle, Yamaha’s efforts to make the bike feel smaller but still comfortable are immediately apparent. This is because ergonomically speaking; the FZ8 has taken on a number of changes. The handlebars are pushed some 5mm forward and the foot rests are down some 10mm and back an additional 15mm. 

To further accommodate the rider and to make the bike feel less cumbersome, the bike was designed with a narrow tank/seat junction. The result is an upright seating position that is similar to the FZ1 and FZ6R, but with more room to move around in the saddle.

In an effort to provide strong midrange power and a controllable engine response, Yamaha engineers altered the engine’s cam lift and valve timing. And although the 749cc engine does not seem overwhelmingly strong on the bottom, it did impress us with its very linear power delivery that makes riding through the canyons very enjoyable. As you exit a corner and open the throttle, the build of power is so smooth and manageable that getting from one corner to the next is quick and effortless.