First FZ8 Ride Review [ashonbikes.com]

[UFO]

The engine is common to both, and it works beautifully. The fuelling is perfect, which is worth mentioning as the original FZ1 had the worst fuelling of any recent bike, and it’s desperately intrusive stutter was only fixed by giving it a soft, marshmellow response instead. Instead, the 800 surges forward powerfully and predictably, and crucially for those it’s aimed at, does so right across the rev range. You can trickle the bike right down to idle, some 25mph (35kph) in top gear, and it will still pull away cleanly and with reasonable force, although you do better to keep the needle swinging the high side of 3,500rpm to tap into the deeper levels of torque.

http://ashonbikes.com/content/yamaha-fz8-fazer8-review

[falconati]

Jesus god.  I love black exhausts, but that thing is fucking HUGE.  What were they thinking?  It's just as ugly as on the FZ1

[Diablo Rojo]

A set of gold Sato rearsets, gold levers and that thing would be looking kewl

[spaceman]

So is this gonna come to the US or what?   I'm looking to bump up from the Kawi 650, and this is exactly what I'm looking for.

[Rampant]

So is this gonna come to the US or what?   I'm looking to bump up from the Kawi 650, and this is exactly what I'm looking for.

Try the FZ6.  Similar sized bike, WAY more power up top.  My friend had one for a while and LOVED it.  Went everywhere on it, including 4+ hour rides across multiple states.   And they are CHEAP.

[SuperHans]

Jesus god.  I love black exhausts, but that thing is fucking HUGE.  What were they thinking?  It's just as ugly as on the FZ1

Big exhaust cans seem like a common trend anymmore. Easily rectified by the aftermarket.

What I dont get is the smallish fuel capacity of the FZ8? This is a class of bike that is often pressed into touring duty. The FZ6 has a greater fuel capacity of 5.1 Gal than the FZ8 of 4.7 Gal.

[phoenix]

So is this gonna come to the US or what?   I'm looking to bump up from the Kawi 650, and this is exactly what I'm looking for.

I'll be suprised if it comes to the US. With the FZ6 and FZ1, neither of which seem to be big sellers, I don't see this selling in big numbers.

[B]

I think the FZ6 is getting canned in favor of.

[SuperHans]

I think the FZ6 is getting canned in favor of.

Yes, the FZ6 is being discontinued.

[Dan K]

What's with the pricing?  The faired GSX1250FA is significant;y LESS EXPENSIVE?  Why would you buy the FZ8 or Fazer unless you are a diehard Yamaha loyalist?

This just doesn't make sense.  

- Dan

[KodiakRS]

I was afraid of this.  Non adjustable suspension, "tuned" the engine by reducing capacity, and a tank that's just a little bit too small for serious touring, yet priced higher than it's rivals.  It's almost like a budget bike that isn't cheap.  Was thinking about getting one of these as my second bike if they made it over to the states, but probably not now.  

[Cricket1]

What's with the pricing?  The faired GSX1250FA is significant;y LESS EXPENSIVE?  Why would you buy the FZ8 or Fazer unless you are a diehard Yamaha loyalist?

This just doesn't make sense. 

- Dan

Dan-  For the UK pricing you are right. But don't forget that US pricing doesnt always translate on a dollar for pound conversion.  Sometimes Mfg. do "strange" things with their pricing of the same product in different markets.  I remember a few years back when the Triumph Daytona 675 came out, and the British were going nuts with how cheaply they were priced here vs. in Great Britain.