After months of selective leaks, Yamaha has finally spilt all the beans on its new middleweight machine - the FZ1-lookalike FZ8.
Due to go on sale in Australia this August, the FZ8 follows Yamaha's usual model nomenclature and will be available in naked (FZ8-N) or half-faired (FZ8-S) variants. Meanwhile, the arrival of the FZ8 spells the death knell for the FZ6 range, which will now cease production.
Yamaha claims 106hp (at 10,000rpm) and 82Nm (at 8000rpm) from the four-cylinder 779cc engine, which has bore and stroke dimensions of 68.0mm x 53.6mm. We were perhaps expecting another 10hp, but that's still enough hustle for some serious fun.
Wet weight is 211kg for the S and 216kg for the N, and fuel capacity is 17lt. Wheelbase is 1460mm, and tyre sizes are 120/70 and 180/55 on 17-inch wheels.
Yamaha certainly hasn't broken the mould on styling, with the FZ8 possessing more than a passing resemblance to its aggressive bigger sibling, the FZ1. The headlight, seat, upswept side-slung muffler and even the header pipes are all similar, however the FZ8 is distinguishable by its gold wheels and forks, and it has added a cowl over its instrument cluster.
Price is yet to be announced on the FZ8, whose competitors will include the BMW F 800 R and Triumph Street Triple. Yamaha has confirmed the ABS versions will not be coming Down Under.
Published : Monday, 15 March 2010