The FZ8 leaves me with a dilemma. Plonked right between the FZ6 and FZ1 in the Yamaha range, it shares many of its fellow stablemates strengths along with some of its own idiosyncrasies.
The heart of the matter is the engine. Sourced from the pre-big-bang 2008 R1, it shares the same external and internal dimensions as its bigger brother including the same stroke but in narrower bores and a softer state of tune. This under-stressed and bullet-proof unit offers strong seamless power and torque that intersect well short of the 11,500rpm redline.
Top-end power is not this engine’s forte. Surf the flat torque curve and seamless power through its positive-action gearbox and the FZ8 gets along without any nasty surprises to catch a greedy right wrist. It really feels like a free-spinning 600 with a healthy dose of FZ1 torque, which is a nice combo.
The basic chassis and swingarm are also borrowed from the FZ1, but the FZ8 is too softly sprung and under-dampened to be taken seriously. Being unadjustable, with the exception of rear spring-preload, it also means it’s impossible to dial out the tendency to feel vague and remote when the pace heats up. If you find the call of the twisty mountain road overwhelmingly attractive this will soon become apparent in the siren-song of scraping footpegs on tarmac long before your knee or the edge of the tyres are reached. Whack a pillion on the back and this tendency is amplified.
In its defence, most FZ8s will rarely see the city-limits so if you’re planning on just knobbing around town then these characteristics won’t concern you as the basic set-up, although soft, is compliant and reasonably predictable.
The four-piston front monoblock calipers gripping 310mm discs and single-piston rear were once state-of-the-art and, although non-radial, still provide good power and modulation bringing the FZ-8’s 211kg wet weight down to a happy halt. Join the clutch into this ensemble and the controls are nicely light and predictable in take-up. The bike is built to a high standard but the muffler looks like something I could have made in my garage. It is an assault on the senses, both aurally and visually, and should be discarded as soon as possible.
The instruments say all the right things and are housed in a simple but comprehensive binnacle shielded by a small and effective wind diffuser. The ride position is comfortably upright with a natural reach to the ’bars and low-set footpegs that compliment the 815mm seat height. The pillion won’t complain either with a broad, well cushioned perch.
If it wasn’t for that suspension, this good-looking nakedbike would be an almost perfect package. If Yamaha reached to the next shelf up when selecting the suspension components then the FZ8 would be a winner for anyone looking for a do-everything midsized nakedbike. The other basic mechanical hardware is all proven elsewhere in the range but, as it sits, there is just too much competition, from both Japan and Europe, which is more accomplished and often costs less.
