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.

[Schneegz]

Here's a thought.  Now that the FZ6 will be replaced by an 800cc bike, does that mean the FZ1 will go up in displacement?  FZ12, anyone?  

[chornbe]

Here's a thought.  Now that the FZ6 will be replaced by an 800cc bike, does that mean the FZ1 will go up in displacement?  FZ12, anyone?  

My initial thought would be no, because that would be a unique engine and the FZ1 has a long-standing history of raping the R1's parts bins for old-generation engines.

But then the FZ6 was based on the YZF600 engine which was an old-generation R6 engine - and we see how that ended up.

The FZ8 has a unique engine.

IMO, I won't say "no", but I would suggest it would be financially unviable to release TWO whole new models based on unique engines. Now, then, if you were to say, build the new FZ8 engine in such a way that the crank and connecting rods could be swapped out and stroke the engine to 1200 or more CCs, maybe swap out the head or at least re-cam it, leaving most of the rest of the engine as is, THEN it would make sense to do something like that.

$.02

[Schneegz]

IMO, I won't say "no", but I would suggest it would be financially unviable to release TWO whole new models based on unique engines. Now, then, if you were to say, build the new FZ8 engine in such a way that the crank and connecting rods could be swapped out and stroke the engine to 1200 or more CCs, maybe swap out the head or at least re-cam it, leaving most of the rest of the engine as is, THEN it would make sense to do something like that.

$.02

I was thinking more along the lines of stroking the current R1 engine, but maybe you're right.  After all, the Shiver's 750cc V-2 was designed from the beginning to be bumped up to 1200cc.  Yamaha may have done the same with this new 800cc I-4(?) with a plan to use it in several different bikes.  I guess we'll find out.  

[UFO]

Okay, so that begs the question:  Are we going to see an R8 sometime?

[DogBoy]

My initial thought would be no, because that would be a unique engine and the FZ1 has a long-standing history of raping the R1's parts bins for old-generation engines.

But then the FZ6 was based on the YZF600 engine which was an old-generation R6 engine - and we see how that ended up.

The FZ6 used (uses) a re-tuned first generation R6 engine. Had nothing to do with the YZF600R engine which shared some parts with the FZR400/FZR600 line. YZF600R predated the R6 by five years. The original 600cc Fazer which was a Euro/UK only model used a retuned YZF600R engine but that was ditched when the FZ6 came out.

[chornbe]

Okay, so that begs the question:  Are we going to see an R8 sometime?

Didn't Kawasaki get enough flack for running the 636 cheater motor in racing? Where would the R8 "legitimately" compete?

The FZ6 used (uses) a re-tuned first generation R6 engine. Had nothing to do with the YZF600R engine which shared some parts with the FZR400/FZR600 line. YZF600R predated the R6 by five years. The original 600cc Fazer which was a Euro/UK only model used a retuned YZF600R engine but that was ditched when the FZ6 came out.

I stand corrected. I was working from a post (just like yours, here on ST.N or another forum) that stated that the YZF and early R6 were the same engine.

Points regarding the R8 / R1200 / R1 still apply though.

[UFO]

That gets in to the whole debate of designing consumer sportbikes for the street or track.  Kind of makes you think what kind of cool streetable sportbikes some of the manufacturers could make if they didn't limit themselves by pre-existing racing configurations.

An R8 sounds like fun.

[Rincewind]

If Moto GP had continued its 800cc limit, I bet we would see a R8.  Now, probably not.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/motogp-returns-1000cc-990cc-format-drops-800cc-racing/

[falconati]

Cool, should be a neat bike.  Might be a good option for a beginner who doesn't want to get bored of their FZ6r after a year.  ...Looks like those mockups borrow HEAVILY from the Z1000....

Okay, so that begs the question:  Are we going to see an R8 sometime?

No way.

[Schneegz]

Cool, should be a neat bike.  Might be a good option for a beginner who doesn't want to get bored of their FZ6r after a year.  ...Looks like those mockups borrow HEAVILY from the Z1000....

A modern 800cc I-4(?) should be plenty to keep most riders happy (as long as the bike is light enough).  I hope it doesn't look much like the Z1000, 'cause that sucker is UG-LEE!  Hopefully the FZ8 will be somewhat like the Street Triple R - light, sporty and with quality components - but more practical than the Triumph.  By that I mean a decent passenger seat (one like the FZ6 would do) and the ability to accept aftermarket hard cases.  If so, the FZ8 would make one helluva UJM.

Incidentally, it wasn't that long ago I remember a bunch of us bitching on this forum about the lack of bikes in this displacement category.  That doesn't seem to be the case anymore.

[chornbe]

If the replacement for the proper FZ6 continues this trend of asinine looking wasp's ass tail sections, Yamaha has really not been listening. People are talking about mid-sized sportable commuters and light tourers. Slapping a kotex on the back of the bike and calling it a pillion seat is stupid.

[Schneegz]

Visor Down reports that the FZ8...

is rumoured to be going on display for the first time at this year's NEC Show - 27th November to 6th December 2009.

If so, Yamaha did a good job keeping this bike under wraps during development, which supports my belief that the great majority of the "spy shots" and "leaks" we get of new bikes are deliberate attempts by manufacturers to generate excitement for a product.  But then, why didn't Yamaha do the same with the FZ8?

[Rincewind]

If the replacement for the proper FZ6 continues this trend of asinine looking wasp's ass tail sections, Yamaha has really not been listening. People are talking about mid-sized sportable commuters and light tourers. Slapping a kotex on the back of the bike and calling it a pillion seat is stupid.

Yes!  With a decent range of 200 miles please!

A modern 800cc I-4(?) should be plenty to keep most riders happy (as long as the bike is light enough).  I hope it doesn't look much like the Z1000, 'cause that sucker is UG-LEE!  Hopefully the FZ8 will be somewhat like the Street Triple R - light, sporty and with quality components - but more practical than the Triumph.  By that I mean a decent passenger seat (one like the FZ6 would do) and the ability to accept aftermarket hard cases.  If so, the FZ8 would make one helluva UJM.

Incidentally, it wasn't that long ago I remember a bunch of us bitching on this forum about the lack of bikes in this displacement category.  That doesn't seem to be the case anymore.

Yes!  Decent passenger provisions, and the ability to add racks - how hard is that for manufacturers to understand?!?

Visor Down reports that the FZ8...

If so, Yamaha did a good job keeping this bike under wraps during development, which supports my belief that the great majority of the "spy shots" and "leaks" we get of new bikes are deliberate attempts by manufacturers to generate excitement for a product.  But then, why didn't Yamaha do the same with the FZ8?

Good for them.  Can't wait to see it on Friday, thanks for the date.

[Schneegz]

Good for them.  Can't wait to see it on Friday, thanks for the date.

Don't thank me yet!  Visor Down could be dead wrong!  

[falconati]

A modern 800cc I-4(?) should be plenty to keep most riders happy (as long as the bike is light enough).  I hope it doesn't look much like the Z1000, 'cause that sucker is UG-LEE!  Hopefully the FZ8 will be somewhat like the Street Triple R - light, sporty and with quality components - but more practical than the Triumph.  By that I mean a decent passenger seat (one like the FZ6 would do) and the ability to accept aftermarket hard cases.  If so, the FZ8 would make one helluva UJM.

Incidentally, it wasn't that long ago I remember a bunch of us bitching on this forum about the lack of bikes in this displacement category.  That doesn't seem to be the case anymore.

Agree with the passenger seat - make it comfy!

[bucktownbilly]

please, oh please, let it be set up to tour.  Or at least suitable for me to set it up for touring.

Been jonesan for a new bike  Opted to service old bike and not to pick up a new discontinued FZ6 in hopes that this time next year there would be a bike I want.  This could be it unless they come out with a Tiger 675 cub or Versys 800.  

[BlueRidgeKat]

Now, let's see if it makes it to the US.

The US is not even getting a 2010 Suzuki of any kind so I would guess theres about a 0% chance of getting this one from Yamaha. Besides, look at all the other Yamaha's that still have not made their way to the states.

[BlueRidgeKat]

Didn't Kawasaki get enough flack for running the 636 cheater motor in racing? Where would the R8 "legitimately" compete?

Probably the same place that the GSX-R750 does, yet it has been quite popular and a good seller. Or at least it was until now when apparently no Suzuki's are selling in the US. I would have to go to Canada, but the 2010 GSX-R750 on the Canadian Suzuki site in brown & silver sure would do it for me.  

[Feedmemedia]

Sure would be nice to see it at the Toronto show Dec 11 - 13.

[Baz]

There is no FZ8 listed in the 2010 Canadian models.

Canada's Yamaha Motor Division mimics Europe, in fact we are considered a marketing arm of Yamaha Europe. (All of our Yamaha's colours and accessory catalog are identical to Europe's, and parts come here from the UK)

Still only the YZF-R6 and the FZ6R listed as 2010 models here. In fact the same goes on the European site.

Is it possible this R-8 will be a 2011 model? I would very seriously doubt that a new 2010 model would be announced this late in the year after the dealer shows.

The Dealer shows is where Yamaha (and the others) actually take dealer orders for the bikes. I am guessing this will be a mid 2010 release at the very earliest.  

 

[SVTNate]

Give me something light and sporty with adjustable suspension and comfortable ergos.  I've already got an FJR in the garage, and I'm looking for a lightweight canyon carver to park next to it (without race replica discomfort, and insurance rates).  I hope the FZ8 is fairly well sport oriented, and available in the USA.

[Phenix_Rider]

Give me something light and sporty with adjustable suspension and comfortable ergos.  I've already got an FJR in the garage, and I'm looking for a lightweight canyon carver to park next to it (without race replica discomfort, and insurance rates).  I hope the FZ8 is fairly well sport oriented, and available in the USA.

  More balls than the FZ6, and no fugly fairing like the new bandit.  Yamaha has the best transmission out there.  Something like the CB1000R would be nice- radial brakes, decent suspension, and a minimal bikini style fairing with integrated signals would be perfect.

[nanbil]

... Yamaha has the best transmission out there.  

Wow this is sure new; my TDM's transmission would never be described as great let alone "best".

[SVTNate]

  More balls than the FZ6, and no fugly fairing like the new bandit.  Yamaha has the best transmission out there.  Something like the CB1000R would be nice- radial brakes, decent suspension, and a minimal bikini style fairing with integrated signals would be perfect.

Did the NEC show release happen on Friday?  I don't think so, because I tried to find something more than the headlight shot on Google and I can't.

If Yamaha delivers what you and I are looking for, I'll be talking numbers with my dealer.  It'd be my third brand-new Yamaha in under 2 years.

If the R1 wasn't so dang uncomfortable, I'd probably already have one of those.  I love that bike!

[kevrider]

Didn't Kawasaki get enough flack for running the 636 cheater motor in racing? Where would the R8 "legitimately" compete?

did they take *any* flack?  i thought they won more comparos than they ever did before the 636.  they still had the 600 for racing, 636 for the street.  i thought it was a smart move.  triumph finally gave up following and copied the idea with the 675.  that's how i read it, anyway.  why follow?

[Schneegz]

Did the NEC show release happen on Friday?  I don't think so, because I tried to find something more than the headlight shot on Google and I can't.

If Yamaha delivers what you and I are looking for, I'll be talking numbers with my dealer.  It'd be my third brand-new Yamaha in under 2 years.

If the R1 wasn't so dang uncomfortable, I'd probably already have one of those.  I love that bike!

I've been checking MCN UK since Friday, and nothing yet.  If Yamaha revealed the FZ8 at the NEC, you'd think MCN would cover it.  Visor Down didn't give a specific date, they just said between 27 November and 06 December.  

Of course, Visor Down may have just been blowing smoke.  

[2RR2NV]

unique engine?  hmmmm...V4 perhaps?  or a crossplane 800?  if they made a V4 800 and it was setup for some ST duty, i may have to rethink the VFR dealio.

[Schneegz]

unique engine?  hmmmm...V4 perhaps?  or a crossplane 800?  if they made a V4 800 and it was setup for some ST duty, i may have to rethink the VFR dealio.

I doubt it'll be a V-4.  The FZ line are budget bikes - not cheap, but not expensive either.  A V-4 engine is more expensive to build than an I-4, which is why few bikes feature a V-4.  Crossplane?  Maybe.  

[nanbil]

I believe that unique here means that the engine will only be used for the fz8; not the the engine itself will be a unique design.

"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."

[2RR2NV]

ya all a bunch of party poopers. can't a guy dream or wish that someone other than Honda would make a V-4 ST in the future?

[Phenix_Rider]

I believe that unique here means that the engine will only be used for the fz8; not the the engine itself will be a unique design.

"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."

Could be sleeved down like a Z750

[Schneegz]

ya all a bunch of party poopers. can't a guy dream or wish that someone other than Honda would make a V-4 ST in the future?

Someone already is!  

[Rincewind]

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/30november09_uniquenaked.htm

MD Daily speculated:

Expected to be lighter than the current FZ6 and have an aluminum chassis and more sophisticated suspension than its smaller sibling, anticipate digital instrumentation, a low-exiting exhaust and modern lights (utilizing the latest LEDs). The bike should be revealed by Yamaha shortly. Stay tuned.

 

I guess this bike is not going to be shown at the NEC show, as was suggested.

[JamesG]

In other words, a sleeved-down, naked FZ1...

[Baz]

ya all a bunch of party poopers. can't a guy dream or wish that someone other than Honda would make a V-4 ST in the future?

An 800 cc V-4? Lots on sale in Honda dealerships.

[Schneegz]

In other words, a sleeved-down, naked FZ1...

Except Motorcycle Daily claims it'll be lighter than an FZ6.  Not sure how they're supposed to pull that off.

[Phenix_Rider]

Except Motorcycle Daily claims it'll be lighter than an FZ6.  Not sure how they're supposed to pull that off.

Same headlight as the FZ6"R"- bet it has the same frame too.

[Schneegz]

Same headlight as the FZ6"R"- bet it has the same frame too.

FZ6   -  459lb wet
FZ6R -  467lb wet

Also, the Motorcycle Daily article states the FZ8 will have an aluminum frame.  The FZ6R has a steel frame, which is why it's heavier than the FZ6.

[sguanche]

I really believe that the engine is going to be a 800cc parallel twin. It could be a modern TDM motor. Yamaha sells 900cc TDM's overseas. Something to compete with the BMW F800R sold in Canada but not in US. Stateside it would compete with BMW F800ST and Ducati 796 Hypermotard. There is a slot, nobody is mass producing 750's other than Suzuki but I place my bet on a 800 watercooled twin.

[chornbe]

I really believe that the engine is going to be a 800cc parallel twin. It could be a modern TDM motor. Yamaha sells 900cc TDM's overseas. Something to compete with the BMW F800R sold in Canada but not in US. Stateside it would compete with BMW F800ST and Ducati 796 Hypermotard. There is a slot, nobody is mass producing 750's other than Suzuki but I place my bet on a 800 watercooled twin.

I'm going completely the other direction. I'm betting on a completely new block design, modular, perhaps cross-plane, I4 that you Yamaha can stroke to ~1000 and ~1200 with off the shelf parts for other models. Frankly I think a common-block engine is way, way, WAY overdue in this market space. If the stories hold true and Honda is betting / basing several new models on the VF(R/X)1200(T/F/R/S/xxx) platform, they're going to be playing catch-up to BMW but could light the world on fire with new models that require a minimum of tooling and unique parts inventories.

$.02

[sguanche]

I'm going completely the other direction. I'm betting on a completely new block design, modular, perhaps cross-plane, I4 that you Yamaha can stroke to ~1000 and ~1200 with off the shelf parts for other models. Frankly I think a common-block engine is way, way, WAY overdue in this market space. If the stories hold true and Honda is betting / basing several new models on the VF(R/X)1200(T/F/R/S/xxx) platform, they're going to be playing catch-up to BMW but could light the world on fire with new models that require a minimum of tooling and unique parts inventories.

$.02

That's not unreasonable, you have some good points and the Honda example is excellent. I think the manufactures are holding out till the end of the year to pull out their marketing surprises, and to your point, the competition is driving Yamaha to meet or exceed current trends.

[chornbe]

I would certainly suggest that Yamaha seems to have the agility to do it more so than Suzuki or Kawasaki.

[Schneegz]

That's not unreasonable, you have some good points and the Honda example is excellent. I think the manufactures are holding out till the end of the year to pull out their marketing surprises, and to your point, the competition is driving Yamaha to meet or exceed current trends.

They better hurry up and put all their cards on the table, 'cause I'm planning on buying a bike next year!  

[Dave the slave]

They better hurry up and put all their cards on the table, 'cause I'm planning on buying a bike next year!  

Hell!  I'm planning on buying a bike in the next 3 months!  This bike could be a contender.  Of course even if it's released, it might not be USA bound.  That would be sad, but not a surprise.

[nanbil]

I really believe that the engine is going to be a 800cc parallel twin. It could be a modern TDM motor. Yamaha sells 900cc TDM's overseas. Something to compete with the BMW F800R sold in Canada but not in US. Stateside it would compete with BMW F800ST and Ducati 796 Hypermotard. There is a slot, nobody is mass producing 750's other than Suzuki but I place my bet on a 800 watercooled twin.

Unfortunately, I don't see this happening.  The FZ series engines have all been I-4 designs, so the FZ8 will be an I-4 not an I-2.  

[Dave the slave]

Has there been any hints on when more info will be released?  I'm looking at a Speed or Street triple, but if this bike rockin I'd be tempted.

[Phenix_Rider]

The 650R kids have been clammering for an 800+ P-Twin Ninja.  I don't see that happening.

[Schneegz]

Hell!  I'm planning on buying a bike in the next 3 months!  This bike could be a contender.  Of course even if it's released, it might not be USA bound.  That would be sad, but not a surprise.

True, unfortunately.  

[bucktownbilly]

I say released in Europe as a naked for '10 and then we see a naked AND half faired about this time next year?  

[KodiakRS]

Anyone heard anything in the last two months?  Apparently the headlight guys at Yamaha are waaaay ahead of the rest of the company.  

[Rincewind]

Today's email:



Welcome to the first official FZ8 News.

Back in November we released the headlight shot of the FZ8. Today the surprises keep on coming as we reveal a detail of the FZ8 Fazer. Yes, you read that correctly. The FZ8 will also be available in faired version with the same outstanding performance for an exhilarating riding experience.

More news on both FZ8 and FZ8 Fazer will be revealed on March 12th, 2010 and will be delivered directly to your inbox!

The countdown has begun.

Till then,

Yamaha
      
      

[bucktownbilly]

Looks like my request for a faired version is going to granted  New bike in my future

[swimmer]

Looks like my request for a faired version is going to granted  New bike in my future

Faired version = I'm interested as well.

[chornbe]

I'm guessing it's going to be 1/2-faired like the FZ1.

[McHack]

Wow,  both faired & standard versions!

I dont see HOW they can keep THIS out of the US...

[mr moto]

I'm guessing it's going to be 1/2-faired like the FZ1.

Give that man a cigar !   more here ...http://www.motociclismo.it/edisport/moto/MotoCiclismoR2.nsf/gd/Esclusivo--Yamaha-Fazer8--la-semicarenata-della-FZ8-mantiene-la-famigliarita-con-la-FZ1-Fazer-

[Rincewind]

"European motorcycle press expects both bikes to be revealed in May of this year as 2010 models (perhaps 2011?)" -- per MD

Further renderings of the bike at this URL.

[mugwump58]

Centerstand, touring windscreen and hepco and becker rack? Hmmmm, so many possibilities...

[bucktownbilly]

Ok, I guess I can live with it as a replacement for my FZ6 but a little underwhelmed with the offering.  Really just a mini FZ1 in the looks department.  I was expecting something a little fresher.  I wanted it to move me emotionally

[chornbe]

These are renderings. I don't speak Italian. Do we have any verification on whether these are *actual* Yamaha-supplied images, or just more Raptors & Rockets-like musings?

PS... if you want "fresh", try the B-King, Z1000, VFR1200 or new MTS1200.  

It seems whenever a company *does* do something outside the mold, they get panned, regardless.

[Rincewind]

According to MCN UK the pics are believed to have been leaked from the Yamaha factory in Japan.

I agree, it's a bit anticlimactic to me also.  

[bucktownbilly]

use it for touring so want a half fairing.  That knocks out the Bking, Z1000.  Think VFR1200 or new MTS1200 will be too pricey.  Same deal with the KTM supermoto touring.  Maybe Shiver GT but heard mixed reviews.  May just get the 2010 Versys when yellow hits the states and learn to mellow out a bit when I ride  

[McHack]

I dont see the problem here...

People who own FZ6's generally tend to love them,  except for maybe a slightly abrupt clutch at engage point...  right?

Then,  Yammy cranked out the FZ6R,  which put everyone up in arms because we all started to anticipate the demise of the FZ6, for a dumbed down entry point.     Then,  Yamaha gives us what will no doubt be a good jump in power.

Personally,  I think this is great!!!   WTF is up w/ motorcycle owners,  just logging on to forums & just whining like its thier job?

[chornbe]

I dont see the problem here...

People who own FZ6's generally tend to love them,  except for maybe a slightly abrupt clutch at engage point...  right?

Then,  Yammy cranked out the FZ6R,  which put everyone up in arms because we all started to anticipate the demise of the FZ6, for a dumbed down entry point.     Then,  Yamaha gives us what will no doubt be a good jump in power.

Personally,  I think this is great!!!   WTF is up w/ motorcycle owners,  just logging on to forums & just whining like its thier job?

Agreed.

I loved my FZ6.

I'm looking forward to what the FZ8 brings to market. Even if *ALL* it is is a buffed FZ6 with displacement advantage, that's still a winning mix, IMO.

[Tar Snake]

 WTF is up w/ motorcycle owners,  just logging on to forums & just whining like its thier job?

It's not????????????????

[McHack]

It's not????????????????

Oya...  I sometimes forget what I get paid to do...  

SQUIRRELLLL!!!!

 

[2Pokey]

I'm looking forward to what the FZ8 brings to market. Even if *ALL* it is is a buffed FZ6 with displacement advantage, that's still a winning mix, IMO.

I agree. Had the FZ8 been available 3 years ago it would now be in my garage. I decided I would rather have the FZ6 then the 2007 700-800cc offerings. Options for factory hard bags would make it almost impossible for me to pass up.

[bucktownbilly]

Don't mean to whine, just stating my opinions.  

What I will miss most is what I like most on the FZ6.  Those underseat pipes just look cool.

[JReazor]

These are renderings. I don't speak Italian. Do we have any verification on whether these are *actual* Yamaha-supplied images, or just more Raptors & Rockets-like musings?

PS... if you want "fresh", try the B-King, Z1000, VFR1200 or new MTS1200.  

It seems whenever a company *does* do something outside the mold, they get panned, regardless.

Only because so many designers seems to think that "outside the mold" means gut wrenchingly ugly.