yamaha fazer8

Yamaha’s Fazer range of bikes used to be all about hard-working, do it all, value for money bikes. One look at the today’s price for the new Fazer8 says otherwise when comparing it to the competition – and the fact there is the slightly bigger capacity but vastly superior FZ1 in Yamaha’s line up. But what you have to remember is the Fazer8 and naked FZ8 were developed for mainland Europe, where three-quarter litre naked bikes are extremely popular. Don’t get us wrong, the Fazer8 is a competent tool – it’s just that there are many more useful tools available.

Engine

rating
Owners' rating

The Fazer8 shares crankcases with the FZ8, and both are derived from the 1000cc FZ1 but both smaller capacity bikes feature a lightened crankshaft for quicker engine response, and the cylinder bores are reduced in size for the capacity decrease. However, the same stroke length leaves the FZ8 with a wide band of easily accessible drive, underlined by faultless fuelling. A claimed 106bhp and 60ftlb of torque doesn’t sound much by today’s standards, but if you want more power then walk towards the 150bhp FZ1. On the other hand if you want a continuous smile, a civilised commuting tool and to keep your licence fairly healthy, walk back towards the Fazer8.

Ride and Handling

rating
Owners' rating

Given that the Fazer8 has the same ‘race’ inspired chassis of ally frame and swingarm for sporty riding as the FZ8, it’s a puzzle why Yamaha saw fit to prop both bikes with non-adjustable front suspension and preload-only at the rear. Yamaha’s answer is the greater majority of its extensive customers do not adjust suspension – this is no defence in our book. As it is the front is compliant bordering on soft, which is really noticeable with the Fazer8’s top half fairing when opening and closing the throttle but especially on the brakes. And there’s not a lot of feedback from the front Bridgestone tyre. The rear isn’t so bad.
Suspension aside, the Fazer8 is endowed with an easy to ride nature that belies the FZ1-based chassis. It’s a happy rider who cuts through town traffic like a needle through tissue and the Fazer8 is a god tool for such use. It’s forte is fast flowing roads. The same can be applied to the naked FZ8.

Equipment

rating
Owners' rating

The aluminium frame and swingarm are good to shout about down the pub – most of its competitors run with steel tube frames and box-section swingarms. The rest of the bike is fairly standard stuff, literally. It’s easy to say the Fazer8 and FZ8 are ‘parts bin’ specials because… erm, they are: FZ1 engine cases, FZ1 rear light, XJ front wheel, XJ6 headlight, FZ clocks (new background display though), ye olde R1 front brakes and so on. New technology comes with the length of the of inlet stacks 2 and 3 cylinders are long, 1 and 4 are shorter, again for improved midrange drive. Shock, horror the in-line four doesn’t feature an Exup exhaust valve. Instead the downpipes are narrow and the longest on any Yamaha to date in an attempt to get the same midrange push.
The Fazer8 gets the obligatory half-fairing that does a damn fine job of making light work of prolonged high speed riding, which is particularly useful for commuting. The Fazer8 comes with ABS as standard.

Quality and Reliability

rating
Owners' rating

Compact, tidy assembly and the FZ series comes with a reliability record only surpassed by the change in seasons. Saying that, it is a new bike (despite the parts bin assembly) and there is always the chance of something not lasting. It’ll be a slim chance, but it’s the sort of chance you accept with any new bike, car, computer, dishwasher etc…

Value

rating
Owners' rating

Hmmm. Ok, cutting to the chase here. At £8999 the Fazer8 is overpriced. The evidence is the vast array of bikes that will match and exceed what the Fazer8 delivers and all for less money – Suzuki Bandit 1250 at £6099, Aprilia Shiver £6150, to name but a few.

Insurance

Insurance group: 16

Model History

1998-2004: FZS600 Fazer
2000-2001: FZS600-S Fazer (special edition paintwork)
2003-2007: FZ6 Fazer
2004-2007: FZ6
2007-2010: FZ6 S2
2007-2010: FZ6 Fazer S2
2010: Yamaha Fazer8 launched.

Other Versions

FZ8: naked non-ABS version of Fazer8 (£7999)

Specifications

Top speed	mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	106bhp
Torque	60ftlb
Weight	211kg
Seat height	815mm
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group	16

Engine size	779cc
Engine specification	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16v four-stroke in-line four. Six gears
Frame	Cast ally beam frame and swingarm
Front suspension adjustment	Non-adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment	Adjustable for preload only
Front brakes	310mm discs with 4-piston caliper
Rear brake	267mm disc with single-piston caliper
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17