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2012 Yamaha FZ8 Review Sportbike, Specs, And Pricing - Combining sports performance and aggressive styling with all-day riding comfort, the 2012 Yamaha FZ8 is a special type of motorcycle. The word appears practical to mind, but do not confuse it with the boring practical. Most riders only afford one machine and 2012 FZ8 is worth a genuine look. This gives a strong execution from the 779cc inline-four engine and excellent handling thanks to 22 012 twin pillars FZ1 inspired aluminum outline. What's more in terms of solace, its in the bag.

Motorcycle world becomes more very special from day to day.

Specialized niche models popping up all over. Shockingly, a large portion of us can just manage one bike. FZ8 is brilliant "all-round" which brings the fun, excitement and adrenaline for each trip. It is ready to slice their way through "twisties", cruise the back roads with the comfort and style or make a daily trip much more agreeable. State of mind, power, taking care of and style, the FZ8 is the most motor sport everyday.

The 2012 Yamaha FZ8 is a do-it-all with amazing motor sport throughout the performance for both urban commando and the weekend canyon carver. And in the 800cc bike splits the difference between 600 and 1000cc liter so you get light handling along with great torque ... all in one package upright style

Fuel consumption ± 16.5kpl / 47mpg (Imp)

779cc, 4-valve, inline 4

real-world comfort and ergonomics

• 779cc motor joins top end parts, including ceramic-composite plated cylinders and forged aluminum pistons, crankshaft carefully optimized to provide perfect power curve and character torquey performance in this category.

• The FZ8 fills the crevice for game riders who feel that too little 600cc and 1000cc is too big.

• muscular, naked bike styling gives aggressive, mass-forward attitude. This bike screams attitude.

• Comfortable, upright riding position with a compact design that contributes to handling first level of the motor. These only superior, both in activity in the morning and on weekends riding spirit in a winding country road.

• Cast aluminum frame and aluminum swingarm Controlled-Fill light and provide an ideal balance of stiffness for outstanding cornering performance.

779cc, DOHC, 16 valves (4 valves / cyl), liquid-cooled, 40 degree inclined, a four-cylinder in-line. The engine has been tuned to provide many low to mid range torque with linear throttle response is not strong. Redline is set at 11,500 rpm and features a "soft" rev limiter to protect the engine.

Pistons, cylinder, cylinder heads, cams, valves and crankshaft are unique to the FZ8. Most other engine components divided by the FZ1.

Compact design "Pent roof" burning has 4-valves per cylinder and a 12: 1 compression ratio for torque feeling very good. Four valves per cylinder increase the low to midrange torque.

Pistons, cylinder, cylinder heads, cams, valves and crankshaft are unique to the FZ8. Most other engine components divided by the FZ1.

The intake valves are 26mm in diameter while the exhaust valves are 22mm. Valve angle is set at 26 degrees to keep the compact combustion chamber

Crankshaft inertia mass has been optimized to achieve a strong torque on a wide rpm range and fast throttle response.

"Fracture split" carburized connecting rods for extra power and use less bean design. The lower end "cap" rods made from the same piece of material as the top; This design is known as "fracture splitting". This design helps build a true big end roundness and greater precision in con rod dimensions for excellent durability despite high horsepower loads.

Ceramic composite cylinder "boring" is "ship less" design with the ceramic coating is sprayed directly on the aluminum block. This layer increases thin layer of oil between the cylinder and the piston reduces friction and increases power. Other important benefits include; excellent heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced weight because no heavy lines.

Short skirts, lightweight forged pistons. Lightweight design aids in rapid engine response and reduces motor weight. Amid the manufacturing methodology, aluminum is heated to the point where it can be formed under pressure in the die but not to the point of melting. By not melt aluminum, the material remains strong and can therefore be lighter with excellent durability.

Lightweight, hollow intake and exhaust camshafts provide incredible horsepower and fast engine response. Profile cam and cam timing are designed to improve the low midrange power and torque.

Inline 4-cylinder crankshaft design is based on the FZ1.

Programmed pressure driven cam chain tensioner decreases both maintenance and mechanical engine noise.

Mikuni "sub throttle valve" fuel injection system is based on the FZ1 outline, offering 35mm throttle bodies fitted with TPS (Throttle Position Sensor). Style fuel injection using a sub throttle valve in addition to the main valve for controlling the flow of intake air. Sub intake valves optimize volumetric efficiency at all rpm and is supported by a stepping motor controlled by the ECU. The fundamental advantages are great "riding ability" and throttle response.

Sequential injectors high dynamic range display type 4 holes and spray pattern double direction for excellent strength and linear throttle response throughout the rev range.

Lightweight Electronic Control Unit's fuel injection (ECU) using 32-bit processors are powerful for rapid control of the infusion process. The conservative plan likewise lessens weight.

7.8 liter airbox intake length feature different channels to the inside (150mm) and outside (125mm) cylinders. The benefit is a broad torque curve. A high flow, type of paper used air filter.

R1 inspired "stacked" 3-axis gearbox / clutch design stacks input shaft / output to centralize mass and make overall engine size shorter front to back. Consequently, stacked design gives engineers the freedom to place the engine in the frame for optimum front to rear weight balance and thus maximize handling performance.

The shift width ratio 6-speed transmission features optimized gear ratios refined for maximum performance in the "real world". The ratio of 5 and 6 are "high" to reduce the engine RPM at highway speeds for better rider comfort.

Compact, heavy duty, multi-plate clutch ensures consistent, positive engagement. This clutch has been designed to provide lightweight pull the lever for better rider comfort ... especially during stop and go city use.

4 into 2 into 1 exhaust system features 35mm diameter, stainless steel head pipe and silencer design / short muffler. The length of the header pipe has been optimized for maximum power and torque. The system is equipped with a 3-way honeycomb catalyst with oxygen sensor to reduce harmful CO and HC exhaust emissions. Oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the gas is spent and adjust the air-fuel mixture through the ECU and FI system for maximum performance with minimum emissions.

High efficiency "curved" design radiator features dual ring-type fans compact for maximum cooling efficiency. Rad and fan design allows more airflow than conventional flat design rad to maintain optimum engine temperatures for consistent power output.

Expansive fluid cooled oil cooler looks after steady lubricant temperatures for extended engine life.

Comfortable cartridge style spin-on oil filter.

Helpful oil level sight glass implies simple oil level inspection.

Transistor controlled ignition ensures maintenance-free digital outstanding performance at all rpm.

Air Induction System (AIS ... not ram air) reduces HC and CO emissions harmful to the environment cleaner.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

Gravity cast, lightweight aluminum twin spar frame provides an optimized rigidity balance for outstanding sports performance combined with awesome security. The motor is a focused on individual from the frame, which allows the design of the main frame is lighter without sacrificing steadiness and light, dexterous taking care of characteristics. The casing is the same spec and shape as the FZ1.

Riding position is one of the most important features of the FZ8. Based on the layout of the FZ1, it offers a balance between sporty riding position and excellent rider comfort thanks to the upright design.

The main chassis geometry figures include: 1460mm (57.5 ") wheelbase 51% front and 49% rear weight balance, 25 degrees of rake and 109 mm of trail 47 degree lean angle highlights the sporty side FZ8 ..

Removable steel rear sub-frame allows easy access to the rear suspension components and reduce costs in terms of a "loop-out".

C.F. (Controlled Filling) die cast aluminum truss-type rear swingarm offers great rear wheel control and traction for sharp cornering and outstanding stability at speed. 3-axis machine stackable design allows ample space for engineers to use the old design (690mm) swingarm, which minimizes the effect of motorcycle handling chain tension.

43mm inverted Kayaba cartridge style fork offers 130mm (5.1 ") of wheel travel. Fork offset is 25 degrees. The benefit of reverse design cover, reduce the" unsprung "weight and reduce flexible fork because the larger diameter tube clamp gripping in three. Weight Unsprung is weight or mass suspension and components such as wheels and other components that move with the suspension. The decrease unsprung weight allows improved control suspension function.

Lightweight aluminum top and bottom clamp three.

Link-type rear suspension preload adjustable shock Monocross® feature that allows the rider to adjust the spring preload to match load conditions and / or road. Adjustments include 9 - way spring preload. Rear wheel travel of 130mm or 5.1 "

Dual 310mm front discs squeezed by ultra-rigid monoblock R6 inspired, four-piston calipers that provide exceptional stopping power and feel. Master cylinder using a 16mm piston for outstanding stopping power with less lever effort.

267mm back circle is crushed by a lightweight single piston slide-type Nissin caliper with sintered metal brake pads.

Lightweight cast aluminum 5-spoke wheels reduce unsprung weight for great handling characteristics. The front wheels are MT3.50-17 and fitted with radial tires 120/70 ZR17-. The rear wheels are fitted with radial tires MT5.50-17 ZR17- 180/55.

Aggressive single lights provide plenty of lighting with the 60/55-watt halogen bulb. There is even a super small, color matching "bikini" glass mounted on top of the lamp to add even more style.

Conventional handlebar design has an upright position to ride daily maximum comfort.

17-liter fuel tank offers a sleek design with a big knee grip. Section 3.4 liter reserve tank.

Separate driver and passenger seats offer outstanding single or two-up solace. Seat width is narrower than the FZ1, making it less demanding to hit the ground. Seat height is 815mm (32.1 ")

One-piece race-inspired instrument features an analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, fuel reserve tripmeter (number of kilometers as fuel to continue the backup), clock, coolant temperature and self-diagnosis mode.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS / FEATURES

Adjustable, 5-position front brake lever

Little stockpiling compartment under the traveler seat

Excessive lean angle engine cut-out switch ... if the unit on its side the machine will shut down

Extended idle cut-off ... if the engine idles for more than 20 minutes will turn off automatically

Steering locked

Durable "O" -cincin-sealed drive chain

Lightweight, low-maintenance sealed battery

FZ8 offers a significant level of power what's more execution. It is not planned for fledglings or experienced riders.

MD comparo: Yamaha FZ8 versus Triumph Street Triple R

In the beginning, at the end of the 19th century AD, God created the motorcycle, starting with Daimler Reitwagen wood framed, and he saw that they were good. Naked, they do not feel embarrassed.

Then, in the mid-20th century, the Devil whispered 'styling' and 'wind protection, and the scales fall from their eyes. They feel ashamed and want to dress. So God created fairings and windscreens. And He saw that they were good.

Examples of the first mass-produced? Maybe Velocette 1948 "LE," with fairing, windshield and bag-quiet, smooth and preliminary design of water-cooled / shaft-drive. Others followed, some so large, heavy and burdened with fairings that they have all the disadvantages of 'cars' that falls when you stop. Motorcyclists: start your argument about the machine first, then try to maintain Lotsa luck 'two-wheeled car.'.

But in between machines dressed appeared spirit yearning to be free, to let go of fairings that burdened them: expensive, heavy, fragile plastic, hiding Magnificent Machines. Glass windows they put a shield between the rider and the element of God.

So Naked bike back, based sportbikes' core engine / geometry. And it was good, especially for hooligans ride a short distance below the 80 mph wind protection booed and wheelies enjoy, despite risking "Free Form" quote. And motojournos call them, right, 'streetfighters. "No, as we shall see, 'road warriors, and look for them to test.

And we find the two machines, and accept the task to compare them. One comes from perfidious Albion, another of the Mysterious Nippon.

John Joss. Age: 77. Year of the Horse: 62. Most Recent whip: 1955

My wife, Katherine: "It seems the Arab horse-slim, lithe, muscular mask-with comic book legends." Choose it from Yamaha in Cypress, confronting 425 mile trip, it looks to me like a bike without a windshield. . . uh, naked.

But what a ride. Riding position for my 5-foot-9 frame ideal jis. Almost new, perfectly prepared, each control function perfectly. Within two blocks of my inner hooligan issued in this 467-pound (wet) and the light of my age drops decade. It (and I) want to wheelie under three teeth and a slash through traffic like crazy beaver. Their teeth into a hot-knife-butter close-spaced and low. With its 11,500 rpm redline and smooth, manageable EFI throttle, the 779-cc (68 x 53.6mm) inline-four desire to tear now in the streets of the city, small engines and light enough for revs, large and plump enough to give mid range. Hooligantics looks. . . natural.

Then, unfortunately, it's time to cruise, this machine is suitable task: up the I-5, at 85 shown in wildly optimistic speedometer. I escaped from unmanned aircraft in Frazier Park, more gnarly twisties where the front fork nonadjustable (shock adjustable for preload) provide a bone-jarring ride. Then: 166/33, through Taft, to the glorious 58 (perfect surface) to Santa Margarita, avoid Bambi.

At rest, it feels a little top heavy. Moving, handling light, almost nervous, until it became clear that the FZ8 will do what you ask, immediately. Utter delight in the twisties, indicating his R1 / R6 DNA. Firm, easily modulated Sumitomo brake. But on top 85-90, the straight, the wind pressure (increases with the square of velocity) is almost unbearable. Although their silky-smooth four-cylinder, vibration and wind residual effects make marginal mirror with speed.

After two hours, hard saddle contour fry my bum aging, but a four-hour stay. At 101, buzzing, exhausting wind, exacerbated by the Salinas Valley 25 mph headwind. 4.5 gallon tank provides 40 mpg but work gear, rev happy to demonstrated 115-plus, pushing into the wind, it refused to 35-37 mpg.

Form should follow function, and Yamaha's engineers have nailed it: a naked bike that is almost perfect, at $ 8,490 a steal (get a fly screen optional if you plan to ride more than 100 miles at a time, saddle Check aftermarket?). Yamaha has engineered a satisfactory compromise between / cheap simple on the one hand and on the other hand encouraging performance.

For road warriors, great.

Gabe Ets-Hokin: Age: 42. Year of the Horse: whip 23. Latest: Wednesday

If there is a theme for moto-journalism, (in addition to figuring out how to score free stuff) the ongoing search for the perfect bike. A bike that can do it all: tour, traveling, doing trackdays and still look good enough to motivate the occasional wash. I have not had or test creature like that, but I keep trying.

This is what I expect from the FZ8: slow, heavy and unattractive. In this eon superbikes 200-horsepower and sleek sport-tourers, 470 pound-ish and 80-ish hp is not exceptionally intriguing. In any event on paper..

My first trip in FZ8 kind of confirms this. John warned me discomfort suspension, with our local highways maintained cheerfully indifferent beat lower back and more than 80 windblast as Sir Joss explained. Climb to the top and back winding backroad we also challenging local-FZ8 you do not throw around more than you do heavier, more-powerful FZ1. However, it is convenient (for sub-100-mile round trip), well built and has a motor entertaining.

Motor bikes saving of 'blah' pile. It's pretty smooth (although the perception somewhat filtered by a rubber-mounted bars and footpegs) and the throttle response, although abruptly from standby, much improved over FZ1s I rode a few years ago. He also has a nice midrange and top end, sufficiently quick to simply tear through activity at 80-plus mph in sixth. Installed fifth or (if you're really impatient) fourth, whack the throttle open and ready for fun.

For several reasons (mainly because I can not resist anything that is free) I signed up to do a trackday on the FZ8, Yamaha and ZoomZoom trackdays (zoomzoomracing.com). I must Filch one of my cats Zanaxes * to help me sleep the night before, because I was worried about how well oriented sport-touring tires Bridgestone BT-023 will do the slippery surface ranged Laguna Seca.

That's a good thing I signed up, because it will be interesting review without it. FZ8 more entertaining on the track than on the road (which explains why ZoomZoom instructor who loves FZ8s Yamaha has given them so much). In the smooth pavement, the suspension works well, with a good spring rate and rebound enough to pound my 160. Once I removed the antenna there is ample cornering clearance pegs, and the motor gave me enough juice to stay in front of most (okay, more than one) of the B-group of people.

The brakes are good too, as long as you pretend you go up in 2003, when this monoblocs is tha 'shizzle. They 023s quite grippy and does not seem to detract from my (very mild) abuse. And I had more lines to myself as black R6 R6 after Laguna Seca flagged by the dreaded sound-booth fairy. FZ8 quiet enough not to disturb non-horses of our brothers and sisters, but has some good intake sound to make a day on it exciting aural experience (but not painful).

Perfect bike? Hardly. The chair was growing hard (Corbin calls!), Suspension need re-tuning and adjustments (but I'll bet you can find things on eBay that will fit and Öhlins made a surprise) and you feel heavy. Also, like Road Trip, he had disappointing fuel mileage and range-I saw about 35 mpg and low fuel light comes ignorant about 115 miles, which depression is unusual these days, I guess. What's the point limit yourself to 80 hp if you get the same mileage as the '85 Toyota Corolla? But the best question refers to the OEM.

Give me a few great to play with and I will remove 30 pounds, upgraded brakes and suspenders, and give FZ8 some attitude. It was nice of the naked bike, I guess-sportbikes today so close to perfection that they need a little modification, but their naked cousin always need a few spruce up. It's similar to having a quick arrangement of paper dolls. And '8 has potential enough attitude that it could be the only motor that is very adequate.

So, whether I prefer to Triumph me? No, but that's only because Trumpet so much freakin 'fun. FZ8 solid, capable and drenched value, but call hooligans is like calling a doctor Neal Patrick Harris. He could play a role, but I do not want him to cut my spleen.

* I am not making this up.

Triumph Street Triple R

Do motorcycles have age and sexual orientation, instruction and experience, character and attitude? If they come from the pen of smart engineers furthermore beauticians, advertisers and accountants, they do. Clientspsychographics count for much as the major manufacturers crank new models or improve existing ones. You are 'what you ride.

So let's call the FZ8 a school friend, it makes sense with a wild streak. Enjoyable to be around, dependable when you require it. He will never disappoint you.

The Street Triple? She was young and beautiful, your best friend or your worst enemy. He was already there, tough and street smart. He knows the score, he knows what you like and how you want it. He does not suffer fools. He can behave in a graceful manner when he had to, but he has a roving eye and he knows that everyone wants a piece of it. He's a teaser. She taunts and teasing, and he got the trip. She was a city girl with a whole lot of spunk and attitude.

Stretching the metaphor? Not The Street Triple is a bad boy, sexy, close to all-out race bike for the urban environment as you will find a light, agile and deadly fast. Glance tach, with a 13,500-rpm red line, is the first clue (dial goes to 16,000-what could they think?). Then you draw the weapon and. . . Go, dull care, caution to the wind. Who cares if the tickets cost $ 500 and upward, as the date which is very expensive. It is Life.

Triple Triumph is an engineering miracle-smooth, powerful, torquey, fun power delivery, glorious growl-and Street Triple made the most of them. Bicycles are stripped Daytona 675, bike drag racing on the road. Brilliant Brits, this time, know exactly what they are doing. But it still. . . naked.

Gabe: Please Do not Make me do it again ...

John says FZ8 like an old friend that makes sense to you, but everyone has that other high school friends of your parents tell you to avoid (unless you are that friend). He always knows where to get a beer and pot and has more fake IDs than Robert Hanssen. But you like to hang out with him because he makes you do things you would not do on your own. Fun things. Bad things.

That's the appeal of the Triumph Street Triple brilliant. It was built on the chassis the Daytona 675, with a few subtle tweaks to make it rideable as streetbike-half inches longer in wheelbase, a little more trail. It also has a different subframe, which allows the chair inch lower (31.7 inches) and old-timers fitment things like luggage rack. Motor also of Daytona, the 675cc three detuned by about 15 percent with different cams and others. Wet weight is about 415 pounds.

Where Daytona feels like a sportbike that engineered and predictable, the Street Triple is a well-trained dog. Throttle is (perhaps too) sensitive, especially at low rpm. Responsive steering evil-that is expected from such a light bike with the chassis number of radical and wide, upright handlebars. Wheelies Throttle happen easily (thanks to shorter first gear to Striple), and the motor makes its peak torque of 2,000 rpm earlier than Daytona. This means you do not have to test ride Road Triple, under any circumstances, unless you are prepared to purchase one. You won't have the capacity to stand up to.

Exit to the winding road and look out your favorite. Handling and very flexible powerband combine to give rise super powers. Seriously. In my usual Sunday ride, I had to keep waving people in front of me so that I would be forced to slow down. Bicycles change quickly, easily, yet hold the line very well. At high rpm fueling a very smooth and responsive and precise suspension set for a bumpy, winding road. And notes exhaust / intake ... mmm, mmm. When it's time to slow down, the brakes bite hard, but easy to control. One or two fingers are fine. It's no wonder the Triumph dealer who had trouble keeping it in stock-watch for Japanese competitors in the next few years. For example, the Yamaha R6 streetfighter built on this model will be very fun (and cheap for Yamaha to develop).

The bad news is that it is not practical as you would think. This is similar to the Daytona steering lock clip-on-equipped, which means a wide radius rotates. Throttle nervous can make low-speed maneuvering nerve-wracking. The chairs are simple, no wind protection, and fuel economy (and range) can be very bad 30s medium or worse-unless you ride the speed limit, and there is no way detrimental effect this will let you do that. Get KLR and safety yellow paint if that's your thing. In 15 years you will save enough money to buy another KLR.

My personal bike is a Street Triple R, and an additional $ 700 (on top of a standard bike was $ 8,899 MSRP) for enhanced suspension and brakes more than worth it. Shock pretty chintzy standard motors you will want to spend the $ 800 upgrade in a few weeks, and you still have to have redone the fork and do something about the numb-feeling (but not too bad, considering) two-piston front brakes. With good rubber and suspension set-up, big R on the track and you can tear the winding road as well. It is a unique product with a lot of character.

Perfect bike? No closer than the FZ8. But good enough that I could ride without feeling embarrassed by my nakedness.