The Yamaha FZ8 fills the gap for sport riders who feel a 600cc is too small and a 1000cc is too big. The muscular, naked bike styling gives it an aggressive, mass-forward stance while the comfortable, upright riding position with a compact design contributes to the bike’s first-rate handling. This bike simply excels both in the morning commute and on that spirited weekend ride on a twisty back country road.
The 779cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, inline 4-cylinder, and 4-valve engine delivers smooth power delivery and gobs of torque in the low to mid rpm range. But this engine also lets loose with eye-opening horsepower when the revs climb toward redline. The fuel-injection with 35mm diameter throttle body provides optimum intake efficiency and smooth throttle response with precise fuel/air mixtures for awesome power delivery across the rpm range. The compact, pent-roof combustion chamber has a high 12.0:1 compression ratio with 26mm intake valves and 22mm exhaust valves contributes both to the superb torque and high-rpm power of this engine. The intake funnels for cylinders 2 and 3 are 25mm longer than the two outside cylinders and helps maximize the engine’s punchy torque delivery. The FZ8 inherits proven R1/FZ1 technologies, including forged aluminum pistons, fracture-split carburized connecting rods, and ceramic-composite-plated cylinders. The 68.0mm bore and 53.6mm stroke specifications were carefully chosen to maximize the strong torque characteristics, as was the new crankshaft with optimized inertial mass. The wide-ratio 6-speed transmission has ideal ratios for the engine’s performance character.
The aggressive chassis geometry with supersport-inspired 51 percent front wheel weight bias provides light, nimble handling. A controlled-fill aluminum frame uses the engine as a stressed member and allows for optimal rigidity balance, light weight, and superb handling. The six engine-mounting points help provide superb longitudinal rigidity. A controlled-fill aluminum die-cast swing arm saves weight and is tuned for excellent handling. The 43mm inverted fork and a link-type Monocross shock with adjustable preload provide for light and neutral handling characteristics.
Superb braking power is accomplished via 310mm front discs, squeezed by monoblock four-piston calipers, and a single 267mm rear disc. The generous 4.5 gallon fuel tank, is short front to back, and slender where it meets the rider. The foot pegs and handlebars are also placed for a compact, rider-forward riding position that contributes to the bike’s excellent handling. 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels contribute to the light and neutral handling character. This bike sports a 120/70 ZR17 radial tire up front, and a 180/55-ZR17 rear radial to complete the look and serve up the traction.
