Yamaha Fazer8 2016 — Specifications

Like its FZ8 sister, the Fazer 800 quietly ended its career last year. Saying goodbye as it cleared out the 2015 stock in the 2016 showrooms. A distant descendant of the celebrated FZS 600 Fazer, its latest adjustments occurred in 2013, with the suspension – an area where it noticeably fell short. Certainly, given its road-going vocation, its soft suspension was more readily forgiven. Criticism was more virulent regarding its brother, the FZ8. But when you have the heritage of the FZ1 and R1, you must be more than respectable. We mentioned that the Fazer 8 was equipped with adjustable suspension. The fork is now adjustable for rebound and compression on the right fork tube, and for spring preload on the left fork tube. The shock gains a stiffer spring (83.4 N/m versus 78.4 previously), new settings, and a knob for adjusting rebound. Other minor modifications are to be noted: clear turn signals, and a new exhaust pipe much more elegant than the previous bulky one.

What’s needed to change the breath of the 4-cylinder? No, primarily a more delicate visual appreciation. The engine of the Fazer 8 is a de-bored version of the large 4-cylinder from the FZ1, initially installed in the 2004 R1. Piston stroke is identical but the bore goes from 77 to 68 mm. This gives us a 779 cm3 engine. A power of 106 horsepower is delivered, but more importantly, Yam worked on the torque. A large volume airbox (7.8 liters), double butterfly injection, engine dimensions that aren’t overly square, and to compensate for the loss of the EXUP, the intake ducts are not the same for each cylinder. The tubes leading to chambers 1 and 4 measure 125 mm long and 150 mm for cylinders 2 and 3. This also helps to improve torque. With 8.4 mkg, the Fazer 8 is slightly better equipped than the Z 800, and much more than the FZ6 Fazer S2 it replaced.

The Fazer 8 will respond. And the chassis can keep up without problems. Almost identical to that of the Fazer 1000 and therefore designed for a much higher power output, the aluminum diamond frame, inverted fork, and swingarm worthy of a hypersport will perfectly absorb the ardor of the mechanics and the rider. 2 discs of 310 mm pinched by 4-piston calipers slow the whole thing down. ABS is optional.

Indeed, one won’t choose a Fazer 8 for a full-on thrashing (although…). Its reason for being is versatility, with a touch of sportiness. The large-sized headlamp is there to confirm it. Apart from the exhaust pipe and the tank side covers, it is mainly this appendage that will allow you to distinguish the Fazer 800 from the 1000. A more tapered look, more R1, makes it both less intimidating but more piercing, more mischievous. The sides are complemented by out-of-the-way flanks, similar to those inaugurated on the latest generation of R6. Slightly different seat, slight decrease in the tank capacity, same instrument cluster, same engine, same chassis… We take gloves but not too many risks in the design of this new machine.

With this Fazer 8 with a more powerful engine, the middle-cylinder roadster roadster has what it takes to respond to the Kawasaki Z 800. More powerful and with a larger torque reserve than an FZ6 Fazer S2, lighter than the FZ1, this 800 just lacks a bit of boldness but not of qualities.

M.B - Photos constructeur