2012 YAMAHA FZ8
Motorcycle pictures, review and specifications
The FZ8 has a streetfighter attitude with sporkbike manners.
Combining sports performance and agressive styling with all day riding comfort, the 2012 Yamaha FZ8 is a special breed of motorcycle. The word practical pops to mind, but don't confuse practical with dull. Most riders can only afford one machine and the 2012 FZ8 is worth a serious look. It delivers solid performance from its 779cc inline-four engine and excellent handling thanks to the 2012 FZ1 inspired twin spar aluminum frame. And when it comes to comfort, it's in the bag.
2012 YAMAHA FZ8
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Specifications
MSRP* $8,690 (Matte Gray/Matte Black) Available from October 2011
ENGINE
Type 779cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 valves
Bore x Stroke 68.0 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio 12.0:1
Fuel Delivery Fuel Injection
Ignition Digital TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition with 32-bit ECU
Transmission 6-speed w/multiplate clutch
Final Drive O-ring chain
CHASSIS
Suspension / Front 5.1-in travel
Suspension / Rear 5.1-in travel
Brakes / Front Dual 310mm hydraulic discs
Brakes / Rear 267mm disc
Tires / Front 120/70-ZR17
Tires / Rear 180/55-ZR17
DIMENSIONS
Length 84.3 in
Width 30.3 in
Height 41.9 in
Seat Height 32.1 in
Wheelbase 57.5 in
Ground Clearance 5.5 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 25.0°
Trail 4.3 in
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal
Fuel Economy** 39.8 mpg
Wet Weight*** 467 lb
OTHER
Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
2012 Yamaha FZ8 Review
2012 Yamaha FZ8 Review
The motorcycle world is becoming more highly specialized by the day.
Special niche models are popping up everywhere. Unfortunately, most of us can only afford one bike. The FZ8 is a brilliant "all-rounder" that brings fun, excitement and adrenalin to each and every ride. It is ready to slice its way through the "twisties", cruise the backroads in comfort and style or make that daily commute a bunch more enjoyable. Attitude, power, handling and style, the FZ8 is the ultimate everyday sport bike.
The 2012 Yamaha FZ8 is a do-it-all sport bike with amazing all around performance for both the urban commando and the weekend canyon carver. And at 800cc it splits the difference between a 600 and 1000cc litre bike so you get lightweight handling along with great torque... all in a stylish upright package.
2012 Yamaha FZ8 Highlights and Key Features:
• Fuel Consumption ± 16.5kpl/47mpg(Imp)
• 779cc , 4-valve, inline 4
• real world comfort & ergonomics
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 swingarm is lightweight and provides the ideal rigidity balance for outstanding cornering performance.
2012 Yamaha FZ8 Features and Benefits
ENGINE
779cc, DOHC, 16 valve (4-valves/cyl), liquid-cooled, 40 degree inclined, in-line four-cylinder engine. The engine has been tuned to provide plenty of low to mid range torque with strong yet linear throttle response. Redline is set at 11,500 rpm and features a "soft" rev limiter to protect the engine.
Pistons, cylinder, cylinder head, cams, valves and crankshaft are unique to the FZ8. Most other engine components are shared with the FZ1.
Compact "Pent roof" combustion chamber design features 4-valves per cylinder and a 12:1 compression ratio for excellent torque feeling. Four valves per cylinder enhances the low to midrange torque.
Pistons, cylinder, cylinder head, cams, valves and crankshaft are unique to the FZ8. Most other engine components are shared with the FZ1.
Intake valves are 26mm in diameter while the exhaust valves are 22mm. The valve angle is set at 26 degrees to keep the combustion chamber compact
Crankshaft inertial mass has been optimized to achieve strong torque over a broad rpm range as well as fast throttle response.
"Fracture split" connecting rods are carburized for extra strength and use a nut less design. The lower end "cap" of the rod is made from the same piece of material as the upper portion; this design is known as "fracture splitting". This design aids establishing true big end roundness and greater precision in con rod dimensions for excellent durability despite the high horsepower loads.
Ceramic composite cylinder "bores" are a "liner less" design with the ceramic coating sprayed directly on the aluminum block. This coating enhances the thin film of oil between the cylinder and piston which reduces friction and increases power. Other important benefits include; excellent heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced weight since there are no heavy liners.
Short skirt, lightweight forged pistons. Lightweight design aids in fast engine response and reduced engine weight. During the forging process, the aluminum is heated to the point where it can be shaped under pressure in a die but not to the point that it melts. By not melting the aluminum, the material stays stronger and hence can be lighter with excellent durability.
Lightweight, hollow intake and exhaust camshafts provide incredible horsepower and fast engine response. Cam profiles and the cam timing are designed to enhance low to midrange power and torque.
Inline 4 cylinder crankshaft is based on the FZ1 design.
Automatic hydraulic cam chain tensioner reduces both maintenance and mechanical engine noise.
Mikuni "sub throttle valve" fuel injection system is based on the FZ1 design, featuring 35mm throttle bodies fitted with T.P.S. (Throttle Position Sensor). This style of fuel injection uses sub throttle valves in addition to the main valves to further control the intake airflow. The sub valves optimize the intake volumetric efficiency at all rpms and are powered by a stepping motor that is controlled by the ECU. The key benefit is excellent "ride ability" and throttle response.
The injectors are sequential high dynamic range type featuring 4 holes and a dual directional spray pattern for excellent power and a linear throttle response across the entire rev range.
The fuel injection's lightweight Electronic Control Unit (ECU) utilizes a powerful 32-bit processor for fast control of the injection process. The compact design also reduces weight.
7.8 litre airbox features different intake funnel lengths for the inner (150mm) and outer (125mm) cylinders. The benefit is a wide torque curve. A high flow, paper type air filter is utilized.
R1 inspired "stacked" 3-axis gearbox / clutch design stacks input/output shafts to centralize mass and keeps overall engine size shorter front to back. As a result, the stacked design gives the engineers the freedom to place the engine in the frame for optimum front to rear weight balance and thereby maximizing handling performance.
Smooth shifting wide ratio 6-speed transmission features optimized gear ratios for maximum performance in the "real world". 5th and 6th ratios are "tall" for reduced engine rpms at highway speeds for excellent rider comfort.
Compact, heavy duty, multi-plate clutch ensures consistent, positive engagement. The clutch has been designed to provide a light lever pull for excellent rider comfort … especially during stop and go city use.
4 into 2 into 1 exhaust system features 35mm diameter, stainless steel header pipes and a short design silencer / muffler. The header pipe length has been optimized for maximum power and torque. This system is fitted with a 3-way honeycomb catalyzer with an oxygen sensor to reduce harmful CO and HC exhaust emissions. The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the spent gases and adjusts the fuel -air mixture via the ECU and FI system for maximum performance with minimum emissions.
High-efficiency "curved" design radiator features compact dual ring-type fans for maximum cooling efficiency. This rad and fan design allows more airflow than conventional flat design rads to maintain optimum engine temperatures for consistent power output.
Large liquid-cooled oil cooler maintains stable lubricant temperatures for extended engine life.
Convenient cartridge style spin-on oil filter.
Convenient oil level sight glass means easy oil level inspection.
Maintenance-free transistor-controlled digital ignition ensures great performance at all rpms.
Air Induction System (AIS … not ram air) reduces harmful HC and CO emissions for a cleaner environment.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
Gravity cast, lightweight aluminum twin spar frame provides an optimized rigidity balance for incredible sports performance combined with great stability. The engine is a stressed member of the chassis, allowing a lighter main frame design without sacrificing stability and light, agile handling qualities. The frame is the same spec and shape as the FZ1.
The riding position is one of the most important features of the FZ8. Based on the FZ1 layout, it offers a balance between a sporty riding position and excellent rider comfort thanks to its upright design.
Key chassis geometry figures include: 1460mm (57.5") wheelbase 51% front and 49 % rear weight balance, 25 degrees of rake and 109 mm of trail. The 47 degree lean angle highlights the FZ8 sporty side.
Detachable steel rear sub frame allows easy access to rear suspension components and reduces costs in the event of a "loop-out".
C.F. (Controlled Filling) die cast aluminum truss-type rear swingarm offers great rear wheel control and traction for razor-sharp cornering and superb stability at speed. The 3-axis stacked engine design allows enough room for the engineers to use this long design (690mm) swingarm, which minimizes the effect of the chain tension on the bike's handling.
43mm Kayaba inverted cartridge style fork offers 130mm (5.1") of wheel travel. Fork offset is 25 degrees. The benefits of the inverted design include, reduced "unsprung" weight and reduced fork flex since the larger diameter tubes are gripped in the triple clamps. Unsprung weight is weight or mass of the suspension and the components such as the wheels and other components that move with the suspension. A reduction in unsprung weight allows improved control of the suspension function.
Lightweight aluminum upper and lower triple clamps.
Link-type Monocross rear suspension features a preload adjustable shock that allows the rider to tailor spring preload to match load and/or road conditions. Adjustments include 9 - way spring preload. Rear wheel travel is 130mm or 5.1"
Dual 310mm front discs are squeezed by ultra rigid R6 inspired monoblock, 4-piston calipers which provide outstanding stopping power and feel. The master cylinder utilizes a 16mm piston for outstanding stopping power with less lever effort.
267mm rear disc is squeezed by a lightweight single piston slide-type Nissin caliper with sintered metal brake pads.
Lightweight cast-aluminum 5-spoke wheels reduce unsprung weight for great handling characteristics. The front wheel is an MT3.50-17 and is fitted with a 120/70-ZR17 radial tire. The rear wheel is a MT5.50-17 fitted with a 180/55-ZR17 radial tire.
Aggressive single headlight provides plenty of illumination with its 60/55 watt halogen bulb. There is even a super small, colour matched "bikini" windshield mounted above the headlight to add even more style.
Conventional handlebar design features an upright positioning for maximum everyday riding comfort.
17-liter fuel tank offers a slim design with great knee grip. The reserve portion of the tank is 3.4 litres.
Separate rider and passenger seats offers exceptional solo or two-up comfort. Seat width is narrower than the FZ1, making it easier to touch the ground. Seat height is 815mm (32.1")
One-piece race inspired instrument features analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, fuel reserve tripmeter (counts kilometres since the fuel went on reserve), clock, coolant temperature and a self diagnosis mode.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS / FEATURES
• Adjustable, 5-position front brake lever
• Small storage compartment under the passenger seat
• Excessive lean angle engine cut-out switch … if unit is on its side the engine will shut down
• Extended idle cut-off … if engine idles for more than 20 minutes it will automatically shut down
• Lockable steering
• Durable "O"-ring-sealed drive chain
• Lightweight, sealed low-maintenance battery
• The FZ8 offers a significant level of power and performance. It is not intended for novice or inexperienced riders.
Motorcycle Insurance Information www.statefarm.com State Farm® has offered motorcycle insurance for 40 years Protection for the Open Road The open road is always an adventure. You never know what might be around the bend. So make sure you're prepared for whatever the road has in store for you, with a State Farm motorcycle insurance policy. Motorcycles Covered by State Farm We will consider any factory-built motorcycle, motorscooter, and other two or three-wheel vehicles including minibikes and trail bikes licensed for use on public roads. Available Coverage Options = Bodily injury to someone else or property damage that you accidentally caused while riding your motorcycle. = = Bodily injury to yourself because of an accident with an uninsured motorist. = = Damage to your motorcycle caused by an accident. = = Theft, fire, vandalism, and other losses even while your motorcycle is in storage for the winter. = = Customization work, such as paint or upgraded components = = Attached side cars. = Note: This is only a general description of available coverages and is not a statement of contract. All coverages are subject to policy provisions and applicable endorsements. For further information on motorcycle insurance see a State Farm Agent. |
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