Motorcycle specifications Yamaha800 FZ8 WGP 50th Anniversary 2012 The glory of cousins

this year, the FZ8 is dressed in the superb WGP 50th Anniversary color. In 2012, the tuning fork brand celebrates 50 years of racing. As a result, a whole host of models are sporting this special design. It replicates that of the MotoGP M1s at Laguna Seca and Assen 2011, itself inspired by the Yam Grand Prix bikes of the 60s and 70s. The roadster also gets a small engine cowling and an Akrapovic exhaust system, but no changes on the suspension side. Much flashier, the Yam streetfighter looks more turbulent here. Just goes to show that colors can turn a lot of senses on their head.

As far as design is concerned, we can't say that Yamaha has taken any risks with this roadster. It smells of the FZ1 from a mile away. Same chassis, same styling, same inverted forks, same rear end. In other words, the same policy as Kawa with its Z, whose 750 is a reduced clone of the 1000. Well, it's not exactly a copy-paste either. Slight differences can be seen in the airbox cover, the side plastics on the fuel tank and the ridges under the passenger seat - the EXUP has been removed, as have the discreet radiator scoops. The real difference and stylistic identity of the FZ8 is its carefully hooded, aggressive headlight. Supported by the inverted gold fork, the FZ8's front end is no child's play.

The 4-cylinder engine, housed in a large aluminum frame, introduces a new displacement for Yam. At 779 cm3, the FZ8 is right on the 106 hp mark. But what interests us is the torque available with this increase in displacement. The FZ8 produces 8.4 mkg, i.e. 2 mkg more than the FZ6 and a smidgen more than its main competitor, the Kawasaki Z 750. In the absence of EXUPs, Yam has placed intake cones of different dimensions above the injectors: 125 mm for cylinders 1 and 4, in the center, 150 mm for cylinders 2 and 3. Thanks to the physical properties of pressure waves, these ducts optimize filling and inflate the curves. As for the character of the boiler, it should be quite similar to that of the FZ1. This "little" 800 is a reduction of the 1000 cm3, itself derived from the R1 hypersport. The piston stroke is exactly the same (53.6 mm), while the bore has been reduced by 9 mm to 68 mm. A technical choice that favours torque and its availability. The almost 8-liter airbox is a similar choice.

The FZ8's technical platform differs from that of its 1000 sibling only in anecdotal respects. A narrower rear tire, a few kilos less, a smaller fuel tank (- 1 liter) and that's it. The policy of cost rationalization favors cloning, and this FZ8 is really an FZ1 in terms of the chassis. And there's nothing to complain about here. There's not much to complain about here: the diamond-shaped aluminum frame with the engine as stiffener, the 43 mm inverted fork, 4-piston calipers that aren't radial but are very efficient, a superb swingarm... hidden on its right side by a dreadful pan. Admittedly, this is a highly subjective opinion, but without a doubt, it's..

Yamaha is taking this opportunity to clean up its roadster range, and to make its hierarchy a little clearer. The FZ6s have disappeared, the entry-level machines are the stronghold of the XJ6s; the FZ8s take care of the mid-range; and for lovers of big horsepower, the FZ1s sound the charge. This roadster is particularly in the spotlight and eagerly awaited. The legacy of 250,000 Fazer sales since the model's introduction in 1998 weighs heavily on its shoulders. But that's no reason to expect a return to the fantastic compromise of the first generations of the 600 FZS....; since 2004, a sportier trend had taken hold. How will the FZ8 handle the new decade?

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

Yamaha has planned a whole range of accessories and clothing to accompany the new FZ8 and Fazer 8:

- High bubble for Fazer8
- Windscreen for FZ8
- Seat cover
- Spoiler
- Luggage rack
- 46-liter top case
- Passenger backrest for top-case
- Bag for 46-liter top-case
- Heated handles
- Passenger grab handles
- Center stand
- Radiator cover
- Crankcase guard
- Protective wheels
- License plate holder (available April 2010)
- Fuel tank cover
- LED turn indicators (available May 2010)
- Touring tank bag for Fazer8
- City" tank bag for FZ8

Clothing range :

- Yamaha "Speedblock" 1-piece or 2-piece leather suits, available in standard and large sizes, in black or blue.

- Yamaha "Speedblock" gloves for men, available in black or blue

- Yamaha "Venturi S2" jacket for men or women, available in blue, red or black.

- Yamaha "Venturi S2" gloves for men or women, available in blue, red or black.

- Iwata" jacket and pants for men, available in black

- Iwata" jacket and pants for women, available in black