Yamaha's new Fazer 8 and FZ8 are the latest additions to an already highly successful model range.
It's quite common for riders to start out on a 600cc bike and move straight up to a 1000cc machine. But with the glaring success of Kawasaki's Z750 in most European countries, Yamaha has launched these two new 800cc bikes, the FZ8 and Fazer 8 to fill the ‘gap' in their range.
After riding both on the world launch in Marseille, the question I find myself asking is not whether these middleweights have a competitive level of performance, because in many ways, they do. Their success will depend much more on the demand for this category of bikes and the cost of ownership and value for money compared with the 600cc and 1000cc alternatives.
The semi-faired Fazer 8 and naked FZ8 both share the same new, athletic 779cc inline four-cylinder engine that is a stressed member in an all-aluminium frame. It pumps out a very respectable 105bhp at 10,000rpm, with 82Nm of torque kicking in 2,000rpm and it feels more like a diluted version of the FZ1's engine than a beefed up variant of the XJ6 that now occupies the first rung on the Yamaha ladder for newbies.
There's no violence or aggression to the power delivery, just a reliable smoothness that meets every single kind of demand.
Designed to slot neatly between the entry level XJ6 and the FZ1, the rideability of Fazer 8 and FZ8 satisfies the brief almost perfectly. There's noticeably more punch throughout the rev range than on the beginners' XJ6 bikes, with a subtle boost at around 6,000rpm.
But it's the light usability of the engine that's really impressive. Steaming around the French countryside is one thing, and the torquey engine, complete with redesigned internals and exhaust system, is highly capable of whizzing past cars and catapulting from corners, especially if you hover around the responsive 8,000rpm mark. It's a mighty fine engine, no matter which way you look at it, or what you try to do with it.
The handling is impressive too. The Fazer 8 feels reassuringly composed in corners. It offers a planted security that suggests it's ready to deal with almost anything you throw at it, providing that's not a too-extreme lean angle.
The FZ8's reduced weight and energetic engine are a great combination. The bike feels like an enthusiastic puppy intent on chasing tirelessly after corners. The wind protection is obviously non-existent, but if that's your priority, there's always the Fazer 8 which has adequate weather protection plus the added bonus of ABS and pillion grips. With a comfortable, natural riding position, generous steering lock and manageable 815mm seat height, both bikes, and the FZ8 in particular, feel compact, light and very easy to ride which is ideal for the middleweight riders Yamaha is hoping to entice. From the three different categories available (XJ6, FZ8 or FZ1) I actually prefer these new middleweights. It's just a shame the cost of ownership isn't as attractive as the rideability. If it was, Yamaha could be on to a winner.
Specs and rating
Model Fazer 8 and FZ8
Engine 779cc in-line four Transmission Six-speed, chain drive
Max power 105bhp @ 10,000rpm
Max torque 82Nm @ 8,000rpm
Weight Fazer8: 215kg FZ8: 211kg
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Price Dh46,800 and Dh41,500 respectively (UK)
Plus Smooth engine, excellent gearbox, great rideability
Minus Price, not available here
