Motorcycle specifications Yamaha800 FZ8 SP-R 2011 Le pack cup

the SP designation has always been a key feature of Yamaha's sports models. Young people may not remember the YZF 750 SP, a limited-edition competition model with a mono seat and special carburetors... the mother of the R7. But everyone drooled over the 2006 R1 SP, with its bewitching black and gold color scheme and all-Ohlins suspension. Then came the SP-R, decked out in the YART crest and fitted with Akrapovic mufflers, all suspended by (still) the Swedish equipment manufacturer. In short, when you've got an SP in your hands, you've got one hell of a jewel.

a more racing version of the eponymous roadster, the FZ8 SP-R takes up this worthy mantle. But is it really as exclusive as the additional acronym suggests? Let's see what distinguishes this SP-R from a standard FZ8, apart from the set of stickers. Two elements stand out: the Lazer pot with the machine's name on it, and the Öhlins amorto. With these, the 4-cylinder will be able to show off its expressive character. The exhaust should deliver decibels and horsepower.
We remain more suspicious of the choice of suspension. Grafting a beautiful amorto onto the rear axle without modifying the original fork... the chassis is likely to be hesitant, as the rigor of the suspensions is not at all the same between the two models.between front and rear (the FZ8's fork is not reputed to be at the top of its class). It would be more legitimate to equip this SP-R entirely with high-quality components. Of course, the price wouldn't be as attractive.

after all, that's one of the main arguments in favor of this roadster as a competitor to the Kawasaki Z 750 R and Triumph Street Triple R: the price. Yamaha has made a great effort on price, offering almost all the modifications. In addition to the exhaust and shock absorber, the bike is equipped with an engine cover, side scoops and radiator grille, protective pads and a plate holder.
If you're not too bothered by the rigor of the rear axle, there's also an R version, similar in every respect but without the Öhlins shock absorber, which costs 300 euros less. In any case, this FZ8 doesn't appear to us as a novelty, but rather as a sports kit. Besides, we'd have liked to have seen it decorated in a more fashionable style...

M.B - Manufacturer's photos