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2011 Yamaha FZ8 Comparison Review Photo Gallery

The Yamaha FZ8 is powered by a liquid-cooled Inline Four.

See photos of the Yamaha FZ8 in action on the 2011 Yamaha FZ8 Comparison Review and read the full story in the 2-3-4 Middleweight Street Bike Comparison .

The Yamaha brakes, like the suspension, get the
job done even if they don't engender spec-sheet jealousy.

Like its FZ1 sibling the powerplant is derrived from a pre-crossplane version of the R1

While it can’t compete with the character and personality of the Twin and Triple in this review, the liquid-cooled 779cc Four provides ample road-worthy performance.

The 32.1-inch seat height is unimposing, the seat itself fairly narrow and providing a reasonable reach to the ground.

The rear YHSJ shock is on the soft side and offers only preload adjustment.

The FZ8 instrumentation, simple, plain and efficient

Silky, buttery, smooth… we’ve long since exhausted the thesaurus looking for new ways to describe Japanese-OEM transmissions.

The scales confirm the bulky impressions, as the FZ8 registers 466 pounds.

The suspension doesn’t hamper performance to unacceptable levels, and the rationale for Yamaha’s componentry is sound.

The Yamaha Four does suffer from some expected buzz, particularly at higher revs, but the sensation is restrained at sensible speeds.

Heaviest of the test by 17 pounds, the Yamaha carries it well, however.

'Handling on this motorcycle is excellent, the center of gravity feels low (like the rest of the bikes) and it steers very easily' - Adam.

The FZ8 is typical spec with its snick-snick-snick six-speed gearbox and seamless clutch engagement.

Motorcycling’s proletariat will appreciate the $8490 MSRP.

The Yamaha’s brakes are effective enough to do this.

The Yamaha registered test-leading peak horsepower, with 95.7 ponies at 10,000 rpm.

The lack of adjustment in the FZ8 suspension may get criticized, but the the components deliver pleasing road performance and keep the MSRP low.

Yamaha FZ8 horsepower and torque courtesy of Mickey Cohen Motorsports.

Riding position on the Yamaha is pure standard, upright and the most natural for our dimensions.