2011 Yamaha FZ8 coming to the U.S.

[Duken4evr]

I bet the FZ8 gains 15 hp through the range with bolt on mods. It's big brother does

I noticed the header pipes are very long on the FZ8. That and the 4 valve head should give it nice midrange power. Makes me wish Yamaha would wave their wand over the FZ1 with this tech. It could make a very good bike even better.

Curious they are importing the naked version into the US though. Seems to me a bikini fairing version would sell better, or less badly!

[cloud9]

I'm glad to see there's a healthy array of standards still around. Be it the gladius, ninja650/er-n or this new fz8; the options are still available from every manufacturer essentially. I'm getting my 1st motorcycle this fall/winter and all these new offerings are making it hard to go used.

Decisions decisions.

[Jeff Cobb]

Originally Posted by cloud9

I'm glad to see there's a healthy array of standards still around. Be it the gladius, ninja650/er-n or this new fz8; the options are still available from every manufacturer essentially. I'm getting my 1st motorcycle this fall/winter and all these new offerings are making it hard to go used.

Decisions decisions.

If I was inexperienced, I'd "go used," and get a low-to-medium-powered bike I liked, and learn to ride it with practice and training. Or I'd get a good deal on a leftover. I'd also spend some saved money on a good full face helmet and jacket and gloves at least, if not a full suit. Crashing a used or cheaper bike is less traumatic than that "dream bike" you bought first time out. I think everyone here has crashed at least once (there maybe one or two exceptions, but that's the rule).

Personally, I started on a super-slow '75 Yammi RD200 Two Stroke street bike. I still had a great time and you could not keep me off of it. I even rode it on dirt trails! If indeed motorcycling is in your blood, as it were, you will have fun on anything with two wheels and a motor. I believe new riders ought to focus on their skills, and experiences more, and the fine points of the equipment less. All these bikes you mention (and others) are way more competent than bikes most of us learned on, and as you observed, you can hardly go wrong these days. You will have a good time any way you go. I suspect you already know this, but it's worth repeating: focus on walking before you get in the habit of running, and strive to keep the rubber side down. Good luck.

[Duken4evr]

The article title says will the 800 be the new 750?

Perhaps it will be the new 1000 instead, given the way the economy is going. Leftover 1000 sport bikes and BKings are being sold off cheap.

[lwatcdr]

I just don't know if fours are really the bikes we need. I would be much more excited if they brought the TDM900 here . Of course a new TRX would also be sweet.

[Dr_Sprocket]

How about the new Yamaha FZ8 to the Aprilia Shiver 750 to the Ducati Monster. BAM! There's your next comparo.

[sarnali2]

Originally Posted by acecycleins

If I were not your average adult plus few hundred extra fish tacos I'd probably enjoy the Triple, as well. That ZRX is fitting my style more and more with every mile.
If they keep making these bikes more and more compact I'll be stuck riding Harley's before you know it.

kinda' in that position myself, bikes get smaller and I get bigger....Riding Harleys isn't the worst thing that can happen and there's always BMW

[cloud9]

Originally Posted by Jeff Cobb

I'd "go used," and get a low-to-medium-powered bike I liked, and learn to ride it with practice and training. I'd also spend some saved money on a good full face helmet and jacket and gloves at least, if not a full suit. Crashing a used or cheaper bike is less traumatic than that "dream bike" you bought first time out. I think everyone here has crashed at least once (there maybe one or two exceptions, but that's the rule)

Appreciate the advice. Already putting money aside for gear. After taking the msf course (hopefully this fall) I will gauge my capabilities and pick a bike accordingly. I'm about 97% sure I will go used and frame sliders will definitely be top priority when I purchase a bike.

I've always viewed dropping a bike be it mistake or by other unfortunate circumstances as another excuse to customize it even more.

"Oh no my clutch lever is bent......time to get a new 6 way adjustable one "

[notabiker]

i like naked sport bikes [ street fighters]. it cant have a 1/4 faring though. naked is naked. i like the idea of the yamaha FZ 8. my current bike is a 2004 kawasaki Z 1000. i would not trade my bike for another bike. new or used. i have been on a 07 FZ1 i liked everything except the 1/4 faring. it just ruins the looks of a other wise nice looking bike.

[Morbo the Destroyer]

I sat on one of these yesterday at Riva. This is a very cool bike. The styling is modern and edgy without going over the top (as does the Z1000). The engine is industrial art...just beautiful to look at. The headers are gorgeous; they recall the custom CBs of the '70's and '80's. Even the swingarm is beautiful. And I have to believe the performance is outstanding, given how light and efficient the bike appears to be.

If Yamaha doesn't sell a ****load of these, something is seriously wrong.