Yamaha FZ8 2011 — Specifications

When Yamaha decided to fill the gap between the entry-level XJ6 and the fierce FZ1, the manufacturer didn't try to reinvent the wheel. The 2011 Yamaha FZ8 unapologetically borrows the recipe from its big sister, scaled down to 800. A deliberate, pragmatic choice, reminiscent of Kawasaki's strategy with its Z750 and Z1000. The result? A roadster that inherits a solid technical foundation without having anything to prove. On paper, the Yamaha FZ8's spec sheet is reassuring: diamond-type aluminum frame, 43 mm inverted fork, four-piston calipers, beefy swingarm. The chassis is virtually a carbon copy of the FZ1, and that's actually good news.

The 779 cc inline four-cylinder is the real centerpiece. Derived from the R1 and then the FZ1 engine block, this motor retains the same piston stroke (53.6 mm) but reduces the bore to 68 mm. This technical choice is significant: it favors low-end torque and availability across the rev range over outright horsepower. The result: 82 Nm at 8,000 rpm and 106 hp at 10,000 rpm. That's noticeably more generous in torque than the old FZ6, and the Yamaha FZ8 proves slightly better endowed than the Kawasaki Z750 in that department. To feed the engine, Yamaha opted for intake funnels of varying lengths depending on the cylinder, a trick that exploits pressure waves to optimize cylinder filling. The six-speed gearbox transmits everything to the rear wheel via a conventional chain drive, with no nasty surprises.

In terms of dimensions, the Yamaha FZ8 tips the scales at 220.9 kg wet with a 17-liter tank. That's a contained weight for a roadster of this displacement, even if it's far from a track-focused machine. The 815 mm seat height won't be a problem for average-sized riders, and the claimed fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100 km allows for decent range on light touring duties. Top speed caps out at 230 km/h, an honest figure that positions the bike well: fast enough for major A-roads, not radical enough to play sportbike. Braking relies on dual discs up front and a single at the rear, a proven setup. The 120/70 and 180/55 tires on 17-inch rims offer a wide choice of rubber on the Yamaha FZ8 parts market.

Who is this bike for? The 2011 Yamaha FZ8 clearly targets the versatile rider looking for a punchy roadster without the sometimes overwhelming power of a liter-class machine. It suits daily urban commuting as well as the weekend rider stringing together back roads. A word of caution, though: the Yamaha FZ8 is not A2 license compatible, as its power output far exceeds the 47.5 hp threshold. On the accessories front, the Yamaha catalog offers a top case mount, passenger grab handles, a flyscreen, engine guards, and frame sliders—enough to customize the bike to suit your needs. The faired version, the Yamaha FZ8 Fazer, broadens the spectrum further toward light grand touring. Listed at 7,999 euros new at launch, the FZ8 now trades on the used Yamaha FZ8 market between 3,500 and 5,500 euros depending on the year and condition, whether it's a 2010, 2012, or 2013 Yamaha FZ8.

The main criticism leveled at this machine is its lack of visual personality. The aggressive headlight under its cowl gives it character, but the rest of the silhouette blends in too much with the FZ1. The Yamaha FZ8 S and the SPR version didn't fundamentally change the picture. The recommended Yamaha FZ8 tire pressure is worth checking regularly, and the rotor and battery are wear items to watch on aging examples. Still, the overall verdict leans firmly to the positive side: a generous engine, a sound chassis, a reasonable price. No fireworks, but a solid riding tool.