The 2010 Yamaha FZ8S is the newest addition in Yamaha's Fazer range.

Yamaha’s FZ8 is the latest edition to the manufacturer’s Fazer range, releasing a sports-touring S model that we have on hand to test in this review, as well as a slightly sportier N model nakedbike.

Described as a high-performance all-rounder from Yamaha, the FZ8 is built on a brand new 779cc engine that’s fitted in an all-aluminium frame. It’s designed to sit between the entry-level XJ6 and the legendary FZ1 models.

The semi-faired FZ8S is all about getting out and enjoying the road according to Yamaha, a bike that will thrill you with its nimble sportyness, yet impress with its ability to last over the long haul.

As we’re about to find out, mid-size bikes can produce one of the most enjoyable experiences on two wheels.

DESIGN AND STYLING
First things first, I have to admit that if I was in the market to purchase an FZ8, you’d have to do a fair bit of arm twisting to get me to look past the sportier N model with its minimalist styling and sharp front headlight.

But on the other hand, sometimes practicality has to be taken into account, and when it comes to the S model in its semi-faired guise, it certainly is hard to look past the wind protection offered by the sizeable front cowl and windshield.

Then again, I guess that’s what’s so good about Yamaha releasing the pair of options as usual, meaning its up to each individual customer to decide what suits them best.

Price wise you’re looking at an affordable $13,990 for the S and just $12,990 for the N, with Yamaha stating that the naked version is four kilograms lighter in total than the half-faired version.

Eirther way, both models look sharp, albeit simple, but these days the simple look seems to be paying off when it comes to leaving the showroom floor.

HANDLING
Most sportsbikes these days handle almost anything you can throw at them on public roads, and when it comes to the FZ8S, its handling package proves itself nicely on a leisurely ride out the back of Western Sydney.

Ergonomically it’s a comfortable bike, sitting you high atop the perch and offering a great amount of wind protection at my height of 170cm. Much taller and you’ll probably be wishing for some extra bubble, but at my height its more than adequate.

The overall feel of its handling is precise, if not sharp, and as long as you ride it to a cruisy pace then you’ll benefit from a forgiving package that holds its line with ease and swiftly tackles the bumps.

If you’re planning on pushing hard or if you encounter some super rough roads then you’re best off ensuring you ride within your – and the bike’s limits – plus the lack of adjustment in the suspension means you’ll pretty much be set with what you’ve got unless you see a suspension specialist.

It’s easy to see that the FZ8 is built to its price when it comes to the suspension components, with the Kayaba 43mm upside-down forks not having any adjustability whatsoever. That’s okay unless you’re a heavier rider, or if you’re looking to finetune the feel of the front-end.

The Soqi rear shock absorber has pre-load adjustability, which could come in handy, but apart from that it’s all standard. In all honesty at my 70 kilograms I didn’t find a need to adjust the rear, and if you are simply looking to clock up the kays then chances are you won’t miss the adjustability either.

In the braking department you’ll find twin Nissin four-piston monobloc calipers, gripping 310mm floating front discs. Being monobloc designs, the calipers suffer minimal distortion under hard braking and offer a consistent feel that pull you up in an instant.

The rear brakes are extra powerful with the single 267mm disc, and you’ll appreciate its stopping power every time you go to pull up at a set of traffic lights. Speaking of traffic lights, the FZ8 would double as a solid option to ride to work and back in transport mode.

The instrument panel looks good, is easy to use and works well, however there's no suspension adjustment as you can see on the forks.

POWER
As a re-sized motor from the 2006 model YZF-R1, the FZ8 ranks as a very usable powerplant that slots in nicely between the Fazer XJ/FZ6 and the big-bore FZ1 model.

The 779cc in-line four-cylinder engine has a bore and stroke of 68×53.6mm, boasting fuel injection and it uses both a throttle valve and an electronically controlled subthrottle valve to provide additional control over intake airflow volume.

Readings on engine rpm and throttle opening are processed in real time by the ECU, which operates a new stepping motor to control the sub-throttle valves and optimise volumetric efficiency in each part of the rev range.

Featuring a crank from an FZ1 as well as the six-speed gearbox, both the S and the N engines are identical.

It easily clears EU3 exhaust emission standards, using a short, side mounted muffler and a four-into-two-into-one exhaust system with a honeycomb type catalytic converter fitted at the point where the header pipes meet.

An oxygen sensor feeds real-time exhaust information back to the ECU, allowing the bike to constantly adjust its air/fuel mixture for optimum efficiency and clean emissions.

On the road in the real world it ultimately produces a smooth range of power, with good mid-range from around 5000-6000rpm. There’s not massive amounts of power up top, but what is available is supremely usable and you’ll be able to work the engine to the tee.

The gearbox is spaced well and is smooth in its operation, however you’ll very rarely need to use sixth and will most likely need to shift it back one for the sudden boost in overtaking circumstances.

But the S model is all about the cruising, and when putting the kays together on a lengthy stint, the smoothness of the engine will certainly come in handy as you can easily remain on top of it for hours on end.

CONCLUSION
At $13,990 for the S and just $12,990 for the N, you’ll be hard-pressed to fault the FZ8 for what they are. If you’re looking for more in a bike, than yes, there is more out there – at a price. But if you know what you’re getting yourself into and can take comfort in knowing Yamaha is providing a fair amount of bang for the buck, then chances are you’ll go home a very happy man with the FZ8S in your garage. I can only imagine the naked model would be just as good.

The FZ8S engine is based an a previous model R1 and has a smooth powerband.

FAST FACTS
Moto Rating:
7.5/10 – It won’t blow you away, but the FZ8 fills a very important hole in the Fazer range.

Suited To:
Beginner to intermediate riders.

Bang For Buck:
We’ve mentioned the price a few times already, and at $13,990 for the S, you’ll be more than pleased.

Plus Points:
+ Wind protection
+ Price
+ Smooth engine

Minus Points:
– Lack of suspension adjustability
– Exhaust styling