The new Yamaha FZ8 replaces the old and affordable FZS600 workhorse, but it keeps the same rugged character as its old sibling. However, the new FZ8 features increased performances a cast alloy frame and… a higher price tag.

The bike was designed with European riders in mind and it needs to face a strong opponent, namely the Kawasaki Z750 which for the moment is the segment leader.

Unfortunately the Yamaha FZ8 doesn’t have what it needs to beat its strong compatriot, but this doesn’t mean that is a bad motorcycle. For the starters, is less aggressive than the Kawasaki, but that’s not always a bad thing, as it can be used without problems by nearly anybody who wants to have some fun. The second disadvantage is the £7.920 price tag which is slightly bigger than what you usually find in this segment including the Kawasaki Z750.

At least, Yamaha added a few upgrades for 2013 to make its bike more appealing to buyers. The modifications include new muffler shape, rebound damping adjustability, rebound and compression damping adjustability added to forks and dual-textured seat material.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Yamaha FZ8.

New For 2013

-New muffler shape adds to the visual appeal making for a more attractive design.

-Rebound damping adjustability added to shock allows riders to adjust the machine depending on rider and passenger needs.

-Rebound and compression damping adjustability added to forks allowing adjustability for sport touring or urban assault.

-Dual-textured seat material is used enhancing the visual appeal of the seat style.

Key Features

-The 779cc engine combines top end components, including ceramic-composite-coated cylinders and forged aluminum pistons, with a carefully optimized crankshaft to deliver the perfect power curve and torquey performance character for this category.

-The FZ8 fills the gap for sport riders who feel a 600cc is too small and a 1000cc is too big.

-Muscular, naked bike styling gives an aggressive, mass-forward stance. This bike screams attitude.

-Comfortable, upright riding position with a compact design that contributes to the bike’s first-rate handling. This bike simply excels, both in the morning commute and on that spirited weekend ride on a twisty back country road.

-Cast aluminum frame and Controlled-Fill aluminum die-cast swingarm is lightweight and provides the ideal rigidity balance for outstanding cornering performance.

Engine

-779cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, inline 4-cylinder, 4-valve engine delivers smooth power delivery and gobs of torque in the low to mid rpm range. But this engine also lets loose with eye-opening horsepower when the revs climb toward redline.

-Fuel-injection with 35mm diameter throttle bodies has optimum intake efficiency and smooth throttle response. Provides precise fuel/air mixtures for awesome power delivery across the rpm range.

-Compact, pent-roof combustion chamber with a high 12.0:1 compression ratio with 26mm intake valves and 22mm exhaust valves contributes both to the superb torque and high-rpm power of this engine.

-Intake funnels for cylinders 2 and 3 are 25mm longer than the two outside cylinders. This tuning trick helps maximize the engine’s punchy torque delivery.

-The FZ8 inherits proven R1/FZ1 technologies, including forged aluminum pistons, fracture split carburized connecting rods, and ceramic-composite-plated cylinders.

-The 68.0mm bore and 53.6mm stroke specifications were carefully chosen to maximize the strong torque characteristics, as was the crankshaft with optimized inertial mass.

-Close-ratio 6-speed transmission has ideal ratios for the engine’s performance character.

-4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system looks great and includes a catalytic converter and O2 sensor. Newly designed muffler is mounted low for great looks and excellent mass centralization.

Chassis and Suspension

-Cast aluminum frame uses the engine as a stressed member and allows for optimal rigidity balance, light weight, and superb handling. Six engine-mounting points help provide superb longitudinal rigidity.

-Controlled-Fill aluminum die-cast swingarm saves weight and is tuned for excellent handling.

-43mm inverted fork and a link-type Monocross shock with adjustable preload, rebound/compression damping for light and neutral handling characteristics.

-The rear shock has preload and rebound damping adjustment allowing riders to adjust to their preference.

-310mm front discs, squeezed by monoblock four-piston calipers, and a single 267mm rear disc offer strong stopping power.

-Aggressive chassis geometry with supersport-inspired 51 percent front wheel weight bias. Provides light, nimble handling.

-The generous 4.5 gallon fuel tank, is short front to back, and slender where it meets the rider. The foot pegs and handlebars are also placed for a compact, rider-forward riding position that contributes to the bike’s excellent handling.

-5-spoke cast aluminum wheels contribute to the light and neutral handling character. This bike sports a 120/70 ZR17 radial tire up front, and a 180/55-ZR17 rear radial to complete the look and serve up the traction.

Additional Features

-“Mass-forward” naked bike styling is accentuated by the headlight design.

-FZ1-style instrument cluster features a great looking tachometer with a white face.

Specifications

Quotes

Motorcycle-Usa ---- "Cosmetic updates for 2013 include a new, higher quality seat cover composed of suede-like side panels and a textured top surface to not only improve seat grip but also its appearance. The dual textured seat material complements the bike’s matte gray/matte black finish enhancing the visual appeal of the entire bike. A new muffler shape gives the FZ8 a more modern and attractive scheme as well."

Ultimatemotorcycling ---- "Except for color changes, the bike remained relatively unchanged. But for 2013, Yamaha has upgraded its FZ8, offering revised fuel injection settings, a more aggressive muffler, and fully adjustable front suspension (compression, rebound and preload) and rear suspension (compression and preload)."

asphaltandrubber ---- "Yamaha is keeping tight-lipped on exactly what changes will be coming to the 2013 Yamaha FZ8, but the 800cc sport-naked is said to be getting a minor update for the 2013 model year. Introduced to the American market in 2011, the Yamaha FZ8 has had a short two-year model life, and apparently Yamaha thinks the bike needs some refreshing."

Totalmotorcycle ---- "Special niche models are popping up everywhere. Unfortunately, most of us can only afford one bike. The FZ8 is a brilliant "all-rounder" with an upright riding position that brings fun and excitement to each and every ride. It is ready to slice its way through the "twisties", cruise the back roads in comfort and style or make that daily commute a bunch more enjoyable. For 2013 we have added a more stylish muffler and a new adjustable suspension system front and back. The FZ8 is the ultimate everyday sport bike."

Autoevolution ---- "2013 brings a new exhaust muffler for the FZ8, along with full adjustability of the fork; it's now easy to trim the rebound and compression and thus attain the perfect grip and handling feel for both urban or touring riding. This neat naked machine will be in the dealerships starting February 2013, available from $8,890 (€6,816), in either Matte Grey or Matte Black."

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