2010 Yamaha FZ8/Fazer 8

[R6_kid]

Set to replace the FZ6, Yamaha has gone with a 779cc engine to make the bike more usable and competitive against similar "middle" capacity bikes such as the BMW F800, Ducati Monster 696, Kawasaki Z750 and Aprilia Shiver 750.

Pics and more info here:
FZ8 (naked)
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_fz8%2010.htm
Fazer 8 (semi-faired)
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_fazer_8%2010.htm

Will be interesting to see if it makes it to NZ.

[Hitcher]

I'm keen to ride one of these, particularly if the engine is derived from the current R1 (having recently ridden one of those) and being the proud owner of a Shiver.

[Spyke]

Why do semi faired bikes always look average.

on the other hand i'd buy the naked version

[blackdog]

Why do semi faired bikes always look average.

on the other hand i'd buy the naked version

yup. nekkid every time.

i hear we will get it in nz but it aint gonna be cheap ($18-19k ish). compare to $15-16 for a shiver or z750 or $19 for the z thou

[whowhatwhere]

It would be good to see the FZ8 in New Zealand. It's a shame that the FZ6 was never available in the first place. Will be interesting to see what they have done with the engine - on first looks it appears to be a sleeved down version of the FZ1 engine. Not saying that's a bad thing; keeps costs down but does hint that Yamaha haven't made the bike as light as it could have been.

The looks are a bit uninspiring - would have been good to see something that looks a bit different to the FZ6 from the front. Loving the rear end tho. Always a sucker for a nice rear.

If Yamaha pricing in the UK is anything to go buy, this is going to be one expensive bike.

[R6_kid]

If it has a cross-plane crankshaft it'll be a beast. Sadly I don't think it will.

[grbaker]

yup. nekkid every time.

i hear we will get it in nz but it aint gonna be cheap ($18-19k ish). compare to $15-16 for a shiver or z750 or $19 for the z thou

Ye don't get much change from 20k and for 20k you can look at a LOT of other bikes. (btw 2010 Shivers going for $13,990 in Welly if yer bent that way)

[blackdog]

Ye don't get much change from 20k and for 20k you can look at a LOT of other bikes. (btw 2010 Shivers going for $13,990 in Welly if yer bent that way)

nah those shivers are just the old 2008's they are stil trying to move, so stil new but an old model that did have some issues......

[IdunBrokdItAgin]

Funny that no-one here mentions the street triple as a competitor. Especially the R version with the closer price tag and the upgraded brakes and suspension.

The FZ8 is already being talked about as a competing bike on the triple websites.

I had my heart set on a FZ6 half-faired (some would say it was butt ugly but I liked its all-round capability). Unfortunately, they are very rare in NZ (plus didn't like the naked one), went with a street triple in the end and still loving the bike.

I'm am quite interested in what the FZ8 will turn out like, all rounder like the FZ6? Or more of a tourer like the Honda VFR?

[whowhatwhere]

Street Triple is £2k cheaper than the FZ8 in the UK. Yamaha need a reality check - I bet a lot of Yamaha dealerships are very nervous right now, expecially if that's the only brand they sell.

[blackdog]

If it has a cross-plane crankshaft it'll be a beast. Sadly I don't think it will.

sadly no.....

[R6_kid]

I'm am quite interested in what the FZ8 will turn out like, all rounder like the FZ6? Or more of a tourer like the Honda VFR?

While I am slightly biased, I'm actually wondering why they didn't got with a higher performance TDM900 motor - maybe aim for 110-115hp - it'd have oodles of torque. Re-invent the TRX850 as a modern middleweight sport tourer. PB and MCN have raved about them recently and even gone to the extent of commissioning "what if" photochops of what Yamaha could do with ti.

[blackdog]

While I am slightly biased, I'm actually wondering why they didn't got with a higher performance TDM900 motor - maybe aim for 110-115hp - it'd have oodles of torque. Re-invent the TRX850 as a modern middleweight sport tourer. PB and MCN have raved about them recently and even gone to the extent of commissioning "what if" photochops of what Yamaha could do with ti.

power commander + pipes you easy got 120hp i woulda thought

[carver]

looks like another over rated uninspiring over priced yamaha

[R6_kid]

power commander + pipes you easy got 120hp i woulda thought

Yeh but a parallel twin running 270deg crank (like the TDM/TRX) making 120hp has a shit load more torque - probably in the 115-130Nm range.

[slowpoke]

Sorry, but you guys are dreaming if you think you're gonna get 120hp and 120Nm torque out of a TDM/TRX. Even an SV1000 might make that sort of power but still well short of the torque, 'round the 100Nm mark.

[whowhatwhere]

A Fazer is always going to be an inline-4. It's made for the European market who have a fetish for the inline-4. I'm just a bit miffed that yamaha didn't put a bit more effort in as the FZ8 and FZ1 now look far too similar, but then I guess it's just an evolution of the old 6. I think the Diversion F looks better personally (apart from the parts-bin swinger!).

[geoffm]

Can't see them selling many of those for $20k. There is much competition if you ahve that sort of dollars, and much of it better looking than that naked version.

[revlikeshit]

R6_Kid.......
dont know where you get this idea that a 270' crank 800cc(or even 850cc)twin is somehow going to make more torque than a 800cc inline four with the same sort of tuning(e.g bog stock factory road bike)

If anything the inline four will have more peak torque by a decent amount, the difference will be the way the two deliver said torque, twin will be more tractable, four will like to be revved.

Money no object my pick would be the duke 696.

[NZsarge]

I'm keen to ride one of these, particularly if the engine is derived from the current R1 (having recently ridden one of those) and being the proud owner of a Shiver.
No I don't think it is, pretty sure it's derived from the current FZ1 which has a retuned '03-'04 R1 based motor. If the next FZ1 gets the cross plane motor it should be a ripper of a bike in theory.

Street Triple is £2k cheaper than the FZ8 in the UK. Yamaha need a reality check - I bet a lot of Yamaha dealerships are very nervous right now, expecially if that's the only brand they sell.
Pay no attention to UK prices coz more often than not the is bugger all correlation between the two markets price wise particularly when it comes to Japanese motorcycle prices versus British motorcycle prices.

If it has a cross-plane crankshaft it'll be a beast. Sadly I don't think it will.
yes it would be nice but I agree, I'm pretty sure it's a normal firing order..

sadly no.....
A-huh...

[Cr1MiNaL]

If its gonna cost $20k I don't know why anyone would bother. Just buy a superbike.

[slowpoke]

No point putting a vibey cross plane crank in something that isn't primarily designed as a track bike.

[carver]

If its gonna cost $20k I don't know why anyone would bother. Just buy a superbike.

go the GSXR1000!

[Cr1MiNaL]

go the GSXR1000!

No I said 'superbike' not poor mans Yamaha.

[carver]

No I said 'superbike' not poor mans Yamaha.

you wont be poor after not having to replace the clutch every twenty'thou

[Cr1MiNaL]

you wont be poor after not having to replace the clutch every twenty'thou

Replacing parts - r u sure u want to go down that line of defense when your defending a GSXR ? lol u might want to rethink that haha. GSXR's r the worst 1000 cc bike of all IMO. Id never own 1.

[Mental Trousers]

Would be nice if this is the prelude to Yamaha finally making the bike they should've all along - the R8

[carver]

ya rekon?
i think the ZX10 would be the worst!
stoud seems happy with the GSXR while he owns yamaha ass

[R6_kid]

Sorry, but you guys are dreaming if you think you're gonna get 120hp and 120Nm torque out of a TDM/TRX. Even an SV1000 might make that sort of power but still well short of the torque, 'round the 100Nm mark.

Guys running Keihin FCR41's, Full race pipes, cams and a 878cc big bore kit are reliably running 102hp and 96nm. There is a guy who has custom made 902cc high compression pistons, balanced crankshaft, cams, flowed head etc... it's still in the build stage but from work done on a flow bench comparing changes to a standard 850cc head he's hoping for 120hp. So maybe 105-110nm? All of his projections and estimates on the 850cc head were fairly accurate so I don't think he's that much of a dreamer.


R6_Kid.......
dont know where you get this idea that a 270' crank 800cc(or even 850cc)twin is somehow going to make more torque than a 800cc inline four with the same sort of tuning(e.g bog stock factory road bike)

If anything the inline four will have more peak torque by a decent amount, the difference will be the way the two deliver said torque, twin will be more tractable, four will like to be revved.

Money no object my pick would be the duke 696.

My point was that the engine in my bike which dates back pre-1995 made more torque than nearly all 600cc inline four supersports bikes until around 2003-2004. If Yamaha were to do a new TRX900+ and use apply all the technology they've used in the R6 then you'd be looking at a pretty awesome power package.

120hp isn't an unreasonable goal/expectation, i said 120nm of torque because as a stock bike the TRX makes slightly more torque (83nm) than horesepower (78hp) and I thought the numbers would likely increase proportionally but obviously didn't take into account that most of the HP gain is from freeing up RPM in the top end with cams and a de-restricted CDI.

[R6_kid]

R6_Kid.......
dont know where you get this idea that a 270' crank 800cc(or even 850cc)twin is somehow going to make more torque than a 800cc inline four with the same sort of tuning(e.g bog stock factory road bike)

If anything the inline four will have more peak torque by a decent amount, the difference will be the way the two deliver said torque, twin will be more tractable, four will like to be revved.

Money no object my pick would be the duke 696.

Read it and weep... 2005 ER6n (http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/kawasaki/kawasaki_er-6%2006.htm) vs 2004+ Yamaha FZ6n (http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_fz6_naked%2004.htm)

You'll see they are about the same. Keep in mind that the FZ6 is a slightly de-tuned R6 motor and the ER6 is a deliberately under-stressed commuter bike. Sure it has an extra 50cc but it's still a fair comparison.

[carver]

Guys running Keihin FCR41's, Full race pipes, cams and a 878cc big bore kit are reliably running 102hp and 96nm. There is a guy who has custom made 902cc high compression pistons, balanced crankshaft, cams, flowed head etc... it's still in the build stage but from work done on a flow bench comparing changes to a standard 850cc head he's hoping for 120hp. So maybe 105-110nm? All of his projections and estimates on the 850cc head were fairly accurate so I don't think he's that much of a dreamer.



My point was that the engine in my bike which dates back pre-1995 made more torque than nearly all 600cc inline four supersports bikes until around 2003-2004. If Yamaha were to do a new TRX900+ and use apply all the technology they've used in the R6 then you'd be looking at a pretty awesome power package.

120hp isn't an unreasonable goal/expectation, i said 120nm of torque because as a stock bike the TRX makes slightly more torque (83nm) than horesepower (78hp) and I thought the numbers would likely increase proportionally but obviously didn't take into account that most of the HP gain is from freeing up RPM in the top end with cams and a de-restricted CDI.

all that work for 120hp?
My old GSXR made more at the rear wheel, even with 55 on the cock!

[imdying]

It is interesting how ownership of a bike can blind us to realities. Model loyalty is often incredibly strong for some people.

[SPman]

Would be nice if this is the prelude to Yamaha finally making the bike they should've all along - the R8 Aaaaaaaaah.....if only!

[Smiff-ta]

FZ8 Due this month

Naked $15,995 + ORC
Diversion $17,495 +ORC

[avgas]

While I am slightly biased, I'm actually wondering why they didn't got with a higher performance TDM900 motor - maybe aim for 110-115hp - it'd have oodles of torque. Re-invent the TRX850 as a modern middleweight sport tourer.
Yep. Seeing at the TDM is like the retarded looking cousin no one talks about.
I loved my FZ1.......but fucked if I would buy a FZ8 over something like the street-triple.
Yamaha just need to man up and make the MT-OS like they promised me. Stop dicking with these stupid bikes.

[george formby]

Yep. Seeing at the TDM is like the retarded looking cousin no one talks about.
I love my FZ1.......but fucked if I would buy a FZ8 over something like the street-triple.
Yamaha just need to man up and make the MT-OS like they promised me. Stop dicking with these stupid bikes.

:gob: How dare you! I resemble that statement.

[pritch]

looks like another over rated uninspiring over priced yamaha

BIKE (August issue?) just did a test of several 800s including the Yamaha which is very expensive in the UK market. My summary of their comments would be to say BIKE were underwhelmed.

After the end of the test they compared the FZ8 to the Hornet 600 and said that the Hornet is a better bike than any of the 800s they tested including the Yamaha.

Can't quote fine detail; I'm at work, the mag isn't.

[NZsarge]

Yamaha are in a fair bit of strife at the moment, I read some where the they made a loss of something like 5 million pounds last year but apparently a good chunk of that was due to one off restructuring costs. The only way Yamaha see of getting out of the whole is to up the price of their bikes, this is reflected in their UK prices at the moment, a R1 is the best part of 2 thousand pound dearer than the rest of the Japanese competition and line ball with the BMW S1000RR. Either it's yet to hit here or Yamaha NZ have found a way of sheltering Kiwi customers from the worst of it bearing in mind that Yamaha's are always on the dearer side anyway.
All this info came from a dirty old UK magazine so take it with a huge grain of salt.
I've also read that the Volkswagen Auto Group are on the look out for a motorcycle manufacturer....
Although reports are they've already taken a chunk out of Suzuki Auto.

[Hitcher]

Yamaha New Zealand's marketing baffles me. According to their official web site, they offer a handful of bikes. However a quick squiz around their dealer network reveals two versions of the FJR1300, the XJR1300, TDM900, FZ1N and FZ1S, MT01, Tenere 660, Tenere 1200, and a couple of others, none of which are listed on the web site.

Also the website has no RRP information. What's that all about? All of their competitors provide this service to prospective buyers.

[carver]

BIKE (August issue?) just did a test of several 800s including the Yamaha which is very expensive in the UK market. My summary of their comments would be to say BIKE were underwhelmed.

After the end of the test they compared the FZ8 to the Hornet 600 and said that the Hornet is a better bike than any of the 800s they tested including the Yamaha.

Can't quote fine detail; I'm at work, the mag isn't.

wow, i was underwhelmed by the hornet 600...
not a bad bike, but nothing to shout about.
that yamaha must be shite!


Yamaha New Zealand's marketing baffles me. According to their official web site, they offer a handful of bikes. However a quick squiz around their dealer network reveals two versions of the FJR1300, the XJR1300, TDM900, FZ1N and FZ1S, MT01, Tenere 660, Tenere 1200, and a couple of others, none of which are listed on the web site.

Also the website has no RRP information. What's that all about? All of their competitors provide this service to prospective buyers.

I have never got yamaha nz either

they always wank on about "quality", but i saw XT660R's with warped/faded plastics after a few months in the weather!
they aint as good as honda for finish, and they are just too expensive compared to suzuki....

[Smiff-ta]

Hitcher
Yamaha New Zealand's marketing baffles me. According to their official web site, they offer a handful of bikes. However a quick squiz around their dealer network reveals two versions of the FJR1300, the XJR1300, TDM900, FZ1N and FZ1S, MT01, Tenere 660, Tenere 1200, and a couple of others, none of which are listed on the web site.

Also the website has no RRP information. What's that all about? All of their competitors provide this service to prospective buyers.


Had a quick look at Yamaha Nz site myself.

FZ1N and S are not current models in Nz
XJR has also been dropped

Everything else is there.

Just the Tenere 1200 missing and RRP price list. Wonder why the price list is not there.

Interesting stuff.

GSXR600 $18,495 RRP GSXR1000 $22,495 RRP GSX650 $13,495 RRP
YZF-R6 $18,395 RRP YZF-R1 $23,990 RRP XJ6-N $13,295 RRP XJ6-S $13,695 RRP FZ8-N $15,995 RRP
ZX6R $18,995 RRP ZX10R $23,995 RRP ER-6N $12,995 RRP Z1000 $19,995 RRP
CBR600RR $18,999 RRP CBR1000RR $23,999 RRP CB600F $11,995 RRP CB1000R $19,995 RRP

Prices all seem pretty compairable too me, not sure if FZ8 is a good comparison to Z1000 and CB1000, guess we will see when it gets to NZ
I have used NON ABS Honda pricing to keep it conpairable.
I don't see price being an issue, personal preference maybe.

[avgas]

:gob: How dare you! I resemble that statement.
I certainly hope not. Otherwise some facial reconstruction is in order

[avgas]

I've also read that the Volkswagen Auto Group are on the look out for a motorcycle manufacturer....
Although reports are they've already taken a chunk out of Suzuki Auto.
Toyota.....oppps sorry "FUJI Heavy Industries" would not allow it I suspect.
Hence the mysterious cash injections into Yamaha R&D even though sales are still down......

mabey I have said too much.....

[pritch]

The price difference in Britain as listed in BIKE is quite marked.
In pounds:
BMW F800R - 6720
Ducati Monster 796 - 7120
Yamaha FZ8 - 7924
Feel free to do your own conversions...

And the Hornet, rated by BIKE as better than any of them, is 6255. I guess somebody will buy the Yamaha but probably mostly in a year or so after they've been discounted?

["D" FZ1]

yup. Nekkid every time.

I hear we will get it in nz but it aint gonna be cheap ($18-19k ish). Compare to $15-16 for a shiver or z750 or $19 for the z thou

$15,995 + ORC for the Naked and $17,495 + ORC for the "S"

We should have them in store soon

["D" FZ1]

A couple of pic's.......

[NZsarge]

Had a quick look at Yamaha Nz site myself.

FZ1N and S are not current models in Nz
XJR has also been dropped

Everything else is there.

Just the Tenere 1200 missing and RRP price list. Wonder why the price list is not there.

Interesting stuff.

GSXR600 $18,495 RRP GSXR1000 $22,495 RRP GSX650 $13,495 RRP
YZF-R6 $18,395 RRP YZF-R1 $23,990 RRP XJ6-N $13,295 RRP XJ6-S $13,695 RRP FZ8-N $15,995 RRP
ZX6R $18,995 RRP ZX10R $23,995 RRP ER-6N $12,995 RRP Z1000 $19,995 RRP
CBR600RR $18,999 RRP CBR1000RR $23,999 RRP CB600F $11,995 RRP CB1000R $19,995 RRP

Prices all seem pretty compairable too me, not sure if FZ8 is a good comparison to Z1000 and CB1000, guess we will see when it gets to NZ
I have used NON ABS Honda pricing to keep it conpairable.
I don't see price being an issue, personal preference maybe.
It's interesting you say the FZ1N/S is'nt for sale an longer, last I heard the pricing for these two were competitive as well... now. For a long time they were dearer than every other Japanese marque accept for Honda but of recent the prices of the Kawasaki and Suzuki have risen to the same level but only this year really.

[NZsarge]

A couple of pic's.......

Yeah nice bike and it seems competitive price wise too which is good, hope ya sell em by the truck load...

["D" FZ1]

We can still get the FZ1-N and the FZ1-S. We just get them out of Oz as opposed to Yamaha NZ stocking them in Auckland. I have got a brand new Black FZ1-N in store at present. $18,995.00 + ORC.

["D" FZ1]

And the FZ8S............

[NZsarge]

We can still get the FZ1-N and the FZ1-S. We just get them out of Oz as opposed to Yamaha NZ stocking them in Auckland. I have got a brand new Black FZ1-N in store at present. $18,995.00 + ORC.

Been there done that and would in all reality still be there if I hadn't come to the unfortunate realization that it was too small for me, looked like a pumpkin on a pimple. Really enjoyed the bike though, looked great, went well and with an Arrow end can on it it comes second only to the new R1 with Akrapovic's for standing the hair up on the back of my neck for sound!

["D" FZ1]

Our new 2010 YZF-R1 Demo with Carbon Fibre GYT-R pipes sounds awesome. Especially through the new Puhoi tunnels in 2nd :yes:

[NZsarge]

Our new 2010 YZF-R1 Demo with Carbon Fibre GYT-R pipes sounds awesome. Especially through the new Puhoi tunnels in 2nd :yes:

If they put a detuned version of the R1 motor in an updated FZ1S chassis and made it physically bigger i'd be in :lol: "If's" and "dreams" eh...
I'm quite looking forward to see how Yamaha update the FJR 1300 given the tech made available on the new Super Tenere.

[Hitcher]

$15,995 + ORC for the Naked and $17,495 + ORC for the "S"

We should have them in store soon

The FZ8 will have to be an outstandingly good bike to head off the Shiver. I am willing to do an unbiased comparison.

It should be known that I am not a Yamaha knocker, having done over 80,000km on an FJR1300T, which I regard as the best sports touring motorcycle by the proverbial country mile and then some.

[Hitcher]

We can still get the FZ1-N and the FZ1-S. We just get them out of Oz as opposed to Yamaha NZ stocking them in Auckland. I have got a brand new Black FZ1-N in store at present. $18,995.00 + ORC.

The FZ1 is let down by an average colour choice, disappointingly poor instrumentation and mirrors, and a rear swingarm that looks... cheap.

And I don't understand why Yamaha NZ doesn't have these on their web site when there are dozens of new ones in dealers around the country.

["D" FZ1]

The FZ1 is let down by an average colour choice, disappointingly poor instrumentation and mirrors, and a rear swingarm that looks... cheap.

And I don't understand why Yamaha NZ doesn't have these on their web site when there are dozens of new ones in dealers around the country.

I have had a Yellow and Black 06 FZ1-N and currently have an 08 in White with a Retro Red stripe down the centre of the tank. Neither of them I would call "Average colour choice"

The only boring colour scheme was the Silver ones.

There is nothing "Disappointingly poor" about the instruments and the updated mirors on the 08/09 work fine.

[carver]

I have had a Yellow and Black 06 FZ1-N and currently have an 08 in White with a Retro Red stripe down the centre of the tank. Neither of them I would call "Average colour choice"

The only boring colour scheme was the Silver ones.

There is nothing "Disappointingly poor" about the instruments and the updated mirors on the 08/09 work fine.

well, you do sell them, so of course.....

[NZsarge]

The FZ1 is let down by an average colour choice, disappointingly poor instrumentation and mirrors, and a rear swingarm that looks... cheap.
.
On the "S" model I had none of the above issues and i'm not sure how you come to the conclusion that the swingarm looks cheap but it's your opinion and that's ok.

I have had a Yellow and Black 06 FZ1-N and currently have an 08 in White with a Retro Red stripe down the centre of the tank. Neither of them I would call "Average colour choice"

The only boring colour scheme was the Silver ones.

There is nothing "Disappointingly poor" about the instruments and the updated mirors on the 08/09 work fine.
I rode the "S" model for a year, other than the previously mentioned fact that i'm too big for it (visually) I had little to complain about really. The only bug bears I had was average seat comfort and the suspension need upgrading.
The suspension issue is something i've faced with every bike i've owned so...
Oh and my bike was "Liquid silver" and I though it looked crisp and clean, the paint was good and the flecked dark blue frame and swingarm set it off rather well I thought.

[BigG]

Any Yamaha is a good one :yes::yes::yes:

[carver]

Any Yamaha is a good one :yes::yes::yes:

::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh: :eek::eek::eek::eek:

YB 125?
XZ 400?
GTS 1000?
BWS 100?

just to name 4!

[Smiff-ta]

carver
Originally Posted by "D" FZ1
I have had a Yellow and Black 06 FZ1-N and currently have an 08 in White with a Retro Red stripe down the centre of the tank. Neither of them I would call "Average colour choice"

The only boring colour scheme was the Silver ones.

There is nothing "Disappointingly poor" about the instruments and the updated mirors on the 08/09 work fine.
well, you do sell them, so of course.....

Sure he sells them, but he also has owned 2 of them, which isn't necessary when you sell them.

[carver]

Sure he sells them, but he also has owned 2 of them, which isn't necessary when you sell them.

no bias intended

[beyond]

They need to make a real nice looking naked with the fully tuned version of the new R1 engine in it, maybe retuned for more low down torque but aim at the same power ratings.

Then they would have a bike to take on the V-max's, the B-kings the BMWK1200 etc and if they got it to handle well, they would sell truckloads.

[NZsarge]

They need to make a real nice looking naked with the fully tuned version of the new R1 engine in it, maybe retuned for more low down torque but aim at the same power ratings.

Then they would have a bike to take on the V-max's, the B-kings the BMWK1200 etc and if they got it to handle well, they would sell truckloads.

I agree, i'd love Yamaha to produce the bike you've just described but in reality they've done this with the last to versions of the FZ1/Fazer. I had an '06 FZ1 Fazer and it's a good bike to be sure, I loved the look of it, the build quality was nice etc.. Given the price of them new they had the odd niggle which was annoying but nothing that could'nt be sorted.
Why they didn't sell more in this market I think it's was more than anything else was price point and the competition was way cheaper namely the Bandit, i've ridden a couple of Bandits and i'll tell ya now they are'nt really in the same league as the FZ1/Fazer but I think the difference is Suzuki had built a bike that was cheap to buy (and run probably) from old technology that appealed to (and still does) a big segment in the New Zealand market looking for a big bike, easy to ride that gets the job done and does it reasonably well.
The Fazer appeals to maybe the guy the wants to step back from 1000cc sports bikes into a more relaxed bike but does'nt want to go to something as relaxed as the Bandit. I liked this compromise for the most part. The Bandit is a bike appealing to a person getting back into riding at cheaper level which probably describes a lot of the New Zealand buyers in the market for this style of bike where as there are less people willing to fork out the extra for the likes of the FZ1/Fazer to get the nicer bike but essentially does the same job.

[pritch]

The Brit bike mags were really looking forward to the FZ1 but when they got it they were a bit underwhelmed. It was alright but it wasn't as nice to ride as some of the less powerful competition.

I like big nakeds but an excess of power just can't be used for any length of time due to the lack of wind protection. Basically you need loads of torque in the rev range you'd be at when you are cruising at say 120 to 140 or so. (But only if that was legal of course...) :whistle:

Having a bike that develops big power but has to be rowed along the road with the gear lever on a trip sort of misses the point? Which comment is general and not specifically aimed at the FZ1 of course.

[Hitcher]

They need to make a real nice looking naked with the fully tuned version of the new R1 engine in it, maybe retuned for more low down torque but aim at the same power ratings.

Then they would have a bike to take on the V-max's, the B-kings the BMWK1200 etc and if they got it to handle well, they would sell truckloads.

What they need is a naked FJR in a leaned-down chassis, with a chain drive. That 1300 is an absolute bell-ringer and worthy of life in configurations other than the FJR.

[Smiff-ta]

What they need is a naked FJR in a leaned-down chassis, with a chain drive. That 1300 is an absolute bell-ringer and worthy of life in configurations other than the FJR.

XJR1300 would be similar to what you are describing.

[NZsarge]

Having a bike that develops big power but has to be rowed along the road with the gear lever on a trip sort of misses the point? Which comment is general and not specifically aimed at the FZ1 of course.

That depends on how you like to ride, get a decent can on an FZ1/Fazer and going up and down through the gears is a pleasure believe me. Your point is valid though hence bigger sales for Bandit's, you can ride them lazy and they'll still move along ok. Again I think the FZ1/Fazer is aimed at the sportier end of the spectrum where rowing the gears is less of an issue.
Anyway it'll be interesting what kind of tune the FZ8 has, wether it's more torque than power merchant.

[NZsarge]

What they need is a naked FJR in a leaned-down chassis, with a chain drive. That 1300 is an absolute bell-ringer and worthy of life in configurations other than the FJR.

Why not put the FJR motor into a FZ1/Fazer chassis and perk up the suspension a bit.

[Hitcher]

XJR1300 would be similar to what you are describing.

Similar but not even close.

[Hitcher]

Why not put the FJR motor into a FZ1/Fazer chassis and perk up the suspension a bit.

Now that sounds like a plan!

[NZsarge]

Why not put the FJR motor into a FZ1/Fazer chassis and perk up the suspension a bit.


Now that sounds like a plan!

Could even chuck on some of those tricky electronic bits from the Super Tenere 1200, ABS etc.. Just to bring things bang up to date.

["D" FZ1]

They need to make a real nice looking naked with the fully tuned version of the new R1 engine in it, maybe retuned for more low down torque but aim at the same power ratings.

Then they would have a bike to take on the V-max's, the B-kings the BMWK1200 etc and if they got it to handle well, they would sell truckloads.

If they put the new Cross Plane Crank Engine in the FZ1-N I would definitely buy one and put my Ohlins in it.

[avgas]

They need to make a real nice looking naked with the fully tuned version of the new R1 engine in it, maybe retuned for more low down torque but aim at the same power ratings.

Then they would have a bike to take on the V-max's, the B-kings the BMWK1200 etc and if they got it to handle well, they would sell truckloads.
Nah different market. And in saying that I was impressed with what they left in the FZ1. It was basically an R1 but better down low. It basically shifted the power curve down 10-20hp in the top, and lifted the bottom and mid up by about the same. Its not the same as the Z10 which looks fantastic but seems to have massive drops in power.

The VMAX was their entry in the big bike market - and it does it VERY well with 200hp. Their other options in that area are the MT-01 and they were suppose to release the MT-0S but never did. So that space is already very crowded.

As it stands the VMAX does not sell well, nor does the BKING. So obviously there isn't the market there that you were hoping for. Where as the FZ1 in its current form has had pretty good reception.

[Smiff-ta]

Nah different market. And in saying that I was impressed with what they left in the FZ1. It was basically an R1 but better down low. It basically shifted the power curve down 10-20hp in the top, and lifted the bottom and mid up by about the same. Its not the same as the Z10 which looks fantastic but seems to have massive drops in power.

The VMAX was their entry in the big bike market - and it does it VERY well with 200hp. Their other options in that area are the MT-01 and they were suppose to release the MT-0S but never did. So that space is already very crowded.

As it stands the VMAX does not sell well, nor does the BKING. So obviously there isn't the market there that you were hoping for. Where as the FZ1 in its current form has had pretty good reception.

Yamaha only build about 150 Vmax's per year for Aussie and Nz and they sell out.

["D" FZ1]

The new FZ8N has arrived. The "S" model should arrive soon.

We have one in Black and a Demo in White.

Phone Dave on 09 4445899 to book a test ride.

133 Wairau Road, Glenfield. Off Currys Lane.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.nz/products/motorcycle/road/sport/11-clone-of-fz6n

[old-coote]

yup. nekkid every time.

i hear we will get it in nz but it aint gonna be cheap ($18-19k ish). compare to $15-16 for a shiver or z750 or $19 for the z thou

12-13k in OZ, we are being ripped :(

[NZsarge]

12-13k in OZ, we are being ripped :(

The $18-19k you quoted in your post will all but get you into a FZ1/FZ1 Fazer, don't quote me but the FZ8/Fazer 8 I think are more in the $15-16k range which is fair but nor bargain cheap I thought..

[Maha]

The $18-19k you quoted in your post will all but get you into a FZ1/FZ1 Fazer, don't quote me but the FZ8/Fazer 8 I think are more in the $15-16k range which is fair but nor bargain cheap I thought..

KR Mag are listing them at $15,999 for the N model and $17,495 for the S model.

[NZsarge]

KR Mag are listing them at $15,999 for the N model and $17,495 for the S model.

Really, I stand corrected, that's getting back into "expensive" bracket. Do you know does the Fazer 8 have ABS? I don't know what it is with Yamaha and Kawasaki but they don't seem to offer that option on a lot of their bikes where they do overseas...

[Smiff-ta]

12-13k in OZ, we are being ripped :(

$13,000 Aussie dollars is about $16,983 Kiwi Dollars at the moment.

So I think perhaps the Aussies are getting ripped when here the FZ8 Naked is $15,999

[NZsarge]

I dunno, to me at those prices the FZ1's look like the best value.. Though if you're not interested in a 1000cc bike the FZ8's would be fine kit particularly since they share the basic chassis with the FZ1's. Getting some good reviews, motor in particular sounds like a pearler..

[old-coote]

KR Mag are listing them at $15,999 for the N model and $17,495 for the S model.

Ahh well, thats a little better than what WAS proposed a while back, certainly a bit more realistic then. oppps and my bad, the prices in OZ are $12, 990 and $13,990 :slap:

["D" FZ1]

Just had a customer take our Demo out while his new 2010 YZF-R1 was getting it's first service. He took it out the back roads of Albany and thoroughly enjoyed it.

He said that it attracted a lot of attention while he was parked up for a coffee.