2010 Yamaha FZ8?

[Schneegz]

From MCN: The rumors were true!




2010 Yamaha FZ8: official first picture

By Chris Newbigging -

Yamaha has unveiled this first official picture of the new FZ8 middleweight naked – but nothing else.

There’s no information or pictures beyond this headlight shot – Yamaha UK wasn’t even aware of the picture’s release!

It is believed the FZ8 will replace Yamaha’s current FZ6 models as a sporty middleweight naked, leaving the XJ6, XJ6 Diversion and the new-for-2010 XJ6 Diversion F to cater for the novice and all-rounder markets.

It’s main rivals will be the BMW F800R, Honda Hornet 600, Triumph Street Triple R and the Aprilia Shiver 750.

The engine is believed to be unique to the FZ8, but draws on the design of Yamaha’s current supersport engines, and tuned to suit the naked bike application.

Little is known about the level of chassis equipment – expect mid-level componentry better than the basic XJ6 range, but not quite as high quality as the race-spec kit on the 2010 R6.

MCN is working on the story now – we’ll keep you up to date as more information on the bike breaks.

Motoblog.it is also reporting it.

[Rincewind]

Dear Yamaha -

Please bring this one to the United States!  I know it looks Euro-only, but I swear we will accept it here!

Fully adjustable suspenders, too please.  Thanks.

Sincerely,

Rincewind

[chornbe]

NOW the release of the FZ6R and the demise of the FZ6 finally makes sense.

Up until this was confirmed (or at least as confirmed as it can be with MCN on the case ) that move made ZERO sense to me.

[nater]

NOW the release of the FZ6R and the demise of the FZ6 finally makes sense.

Up until this was confirmed (or at least as confirmed as it can be with MCN on the case ) that move made ZERO sense to me.

That was perplexing to me as well.  I was wondering why a current FZ6 owner would even want an FZ6R.  

[UFO]

From MCN: The rumors were true!

Anyone else find this ironic?

If it is true, can't wait to see what it looks like.  Now, let's see if it makes it to the US.

[Rincewind]

Some earlier speculation on the FZ8...

[chornbe]

How the heck would you turn that into a "light tourer" with that back end? I'd expect that on the exotics or on the RR bikes, but the FZ1/FZ6 has always been tour-capable.  

[Rincewind]

How the heck would you turn that into a "light tourer" with that back end? I'd expect that on the exotics or on the RR bikes, but the FZ1/FZ6 has always been tour-capable.  

They're just old photochops, don't take them seriously.

[Schneegz]

Anyone else find this ironic?

If it is true, can't wait to see what it looks like.  Now, let's see if it makes it to the US.

The irony was intentional.  

I also wonder if Yamaha will import it to the US.  My hope is that they'll offer it in unfaired and half-faired versions like they do with the FZ1, FZ6 and FZ6R in Europe.  If that's they case, there will be at least a small chance we'll see the faired version in the US, like we have with those three models I mentioned.

[Dave the slave]

Well there MIGHT be a chance it's coming here.  I attended the "Yamaha Champions Riding School" back in early October.  Also attending (and "escorting" a moto journalist from MCUSA) was a rep from Yamaha USA marketing department.  I asked him about the FZ8, because I had heard the Yamaha had trademarked the name.  He's sounded surprised and asked a bit sharply where I had heard that!  From his tone I suspected it might exist.  Now I don't know if that means anything, but IF a marketing guy from Yamaha USA knew about it in October... it might be coming here.

[dorklord]

Ooh, I'm envisioning something right now...

An engine between the FZ6 and FZ1 in size AND power, a fully faired or at least upper faired body, fairly upright seating position, fixed windshield, maybe even hard bags, fully adjustable front suspension and at least preload, if not the whole 9 years in the rear, a good riders seat and at least something usable for a back seat...

FJR800? FZ8ST?

Man, an 800cc ST to blow away the NT700V would be awesome, and I think right up Yamaha's alley.

[Rincewind]

http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/fz8/ - where's the US page?  Oh well, you can register as a US resident, which is what I did.  

Maybe if there are enough US registrants for e-mail info, they will think about sending it here.

[chornbe]

registered. here's hoping...  

[Schneegz]

http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/fz8/ - where's the US page?  Oh well, you can register as a US resident, which is what I did.  

Maybe if there are enough US registrants for e-mail info, they will think about sending it here.

How do you register?  

[chornbe]

Click on the box that says "Sign up for news updates", which takes you to http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/FZ8/Register.do

[Dave the slave]

Registered, but not holding my breath.  

[Schneegz]

Click on the box that says "Sign up for news updates", which takes you to http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/FZ8/Register.do

Done.  Thanks.

[Smoker]

Dear Yamaha -

Please bring this one to the United States!  I know it looks Euro-only, but I swear we will accept it here!

Fully adjustable suspenders, too please.  Thanks.

Sincerely,

Rincewind

You thinking about a change?

[Rincewind]

You thinking about a change?

Maybe next year, if I can.

[mugwump58]

Sounds like it's got potential. More realistic for me than say the mouth watering SM T.