Autoblog

Yamaha pulls the covers off 2010 FZ8 naked sportbike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:18:00 EST

The upper-middleweight naked bike segment, which currently has entrants from the likes of BMW, Aprilia and Ducati, is about to get an good ol' injection of Japanese know-how as Yamaha readies its upcoming new FZ8 for production. Yamaha apparently sees room for a machine that splits the difference between the smaller FZ6 (and FZ6R) and the full FZ1 naked literbike.

As far as we're aware, Yamaha has confirmed neither the FZ8 nor its fully-faired FZ8R sibling for North America (we'll keep you posted), but it seems possible the models could make it Stateside if there's sufficient interest... which is why we're bringing you this initial official image of the FZ8. So, what do you think?

Judging from the photo, the FZ8 appears to be based on the current FZ1, and internet rumors suggest the 800cc mill will be a downsized version of the former R1 engine with an identical stroke and smaller bore. We'll know soon enough - the official unveiling is scheduled for March 12 - but in the meantime, enjoy the teaser.

[Source: Yamaha, Asphalt & Rubber]

Yamaha pulls the covers off 2010 FZ8 naked sportbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Yamaha FZ6R arrives as a rational sportbike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Motorcycle, New Car Reviews

Yamaha FZ6R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before even throwing a leg over the new 2009 Yamaha FZ6R, we couldn't help but think that this bike fits neatly into the burgeoning entry-level sportbike category and is just the kind of motorcycle that most Americans would be better off purchasing than a bike from the more popular supersport category. Generally speaking, though today's crop of 600cc race-replica motorcycles are tons of fun to ride in a proper setting, there are few if any circumstances where it's necessary to have a machine capable of topping 160 mph or accelerating to 60 in around three seconds on public roads. With this in mind, we had very high hopes for Yamaha's latest middleweight sportbike. Did it meet our lofty expectations? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Review: Yamaha FZ6R

Continue reading Review: Yamaha FZ6R arrives as a rational sportbike

Review: Yamaha FZ6R arrives as a rational sportbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yamaha reveals 2009 R6 and FZ6R

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

Click above for more shots of the 2009 Yamaha FZ6R

While Yamaha's biggest sportbike release for the year is undoubtedly the 2009 R1, the tuning fork crew didn't leave out the smaller-bore machines either. For the last few years, Yamaha's race-ready 600cc efforts have sent the powerband further and further into the stratosphere, optimizing it for the racetrack. Don't expect that to change much for '09. In fact, don't expect much at all in the way of changes to the range-topping R6, as Yamaha cites only a revised ECU that has remapped YCC-T settings. Plus, Honda's not the only Japanese manufacturer with some crazy colors for '09, as the new Yamaha is available in a Halloween-esque orange and black scheme.

Considering that the R6 is such a narrow-minded machine, though, Yamaha has two other fully-faired middleweights to consider for a more streetable package, including the all-new FZ6R. Featuring an engine yanked from the past-generation R6, but revised for more lower-end performance, the FZ6R is not actually based on the naked FZ6 that's been around for the last few years and from which it inherits its nomenclature. One unique bit that is sure to win over some buyers is the low seat height and adjustable riding position, which allows the rider to move the controls both side-to-side and up-and-down. While the '09 R6 retails for around $10,000, the lower-level FZ6R goes for just under $7K, making it much more manageable for entry-level riders. As before, the R6S is still available and bridges the gap between the FZ6R and the high-end R6 coming in at a buck under $8,500.

Gallery: 2009 Yamaha R6

Gallery: 2009 Yamaha FZ6R

[Source: Yamaha]

Continue reading Yamaha reveals 2009 R6 and FZ6R

Yamaha reveals 2009 R6 and FZ6R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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