Ducati Monster Forum

Introduced to the U.S. for 2011 will be the FZ8 Naked announced last year in Europe.  In many ways, it is a smaller displacement version of the U.S. market FZ1.  At 779cc, it reportedly offers a good mix of low-end torque and high-end pull.  So what do you think of Yamaha's new naked bike?  Will it eat into Ducati Monster 696 & 796 sales?
(http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/11SPBK_FZ8_Rav_B1_001_55a383a8.jpg)
(http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/11SPBK_FZ8_Rav_A_081_ea767ee5.jpg)

Press release:
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011YamahaFZ8.pdf (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011YamahaFZ8.pdf)

Nice enough, but it wouldn't lure me away from a Duc.

I still like my Duc but Yamaha does come in with good pricing so we'll see.  I've ridden and FZ1 and was VERY impressed.

Yes

i like it. Ive always wanted an FZ6R. this just makes the deal better. WIsh it had radial brakes though.

it will cost less, have more power and be available in more showrooms across the country..... it will eat in to the 796's sales.

I think the new Triumph models look better.

In fact that was my 1st impression.....a Triumph model, and not one of the prettier ones.

Dolph..... :)   

The Japanese have cracked the code for superbike and cruiser.  Now they are figuring out the naked bikes, too.  Good job on the FZ8

I like it.  In a "me too" kinda way.  But I think it's more likely to erode Triumph sales than Ducati.

  It's OK I guess,  :-\   I no longer like the Japanese styling. Getting spoiled I suppose. 

you can really see how its getting harder for the manufact to make a nice looking bike, as the exhaust cans on bikes are getting larger and larger and really getting ugly.

i'm frankly amazed that ducati continues to still make bikes with nice looking stock exhausts, we can rip on the 696 style cans stock but i still feel they are heads and shoulders better than the new fz8 or even any of the new triumphs.

Looks pretty cool, but I'd still get a 796 personally. More potential to make a great looking bike IMO.

Ya, it'll probably steal a few 796 sales though, although I expect it to steal more Street Triple sales like others have said.

I like it a lot, but I prefer the Fazer version.  I just wish it wasn't so heavy.

Me no likey

Maybe, but with only one ugly color choice and no ABS option for North America, probably not so much.

what's ABS?  :P

Website says 487 lbs ready to ride with a full tank.
Real world prolly 500.
I'm not real fond of 500 lb bikes.

If anyone's got a link to a real weight, lay it on.  :)

This just in, I looked at the website:
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelspeccompare/652/2087/0/compare.aspx (http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelspeccompare/652/2087/0/compare.aspx)

FZ8 is a lower spec FZ1.
It's the same size and weight bike, same engine stroke, but smaller bore.

Kinda like a 748.  ;D
<just kidding>

ABS is going to be mandatory on all new bikes in Europe soon, and then probably in North America a few years later. I wouldn't consider getting a new bike without it.

Yes, the physical specs are nearly identical to the FZ1, which is a heavy feeling bike.  I think the Z1000 may be a better pick.

mandatory ABS?  that simply sucks.  next up.......dirt bikes declared illegal.

anyway, I'll go look at the bike in the showroom when it gets here and make my decision.  Maybe this is a contender for the wife's new toy.

Why? I think it's great. ABS saves lives. We should have had ABS on motorcycles for 20 years by now.

Haha, nice one. That is one way of getting one and keep the Duc!!:) Someone mentioned the Japanese getting the street fighter scene now, they need t build midsize V twins, I now they have the Gladius, SV etc, but nothing like a Ducati or Aprilia or Triumph. Trust me, they will figure it out eventually and make it better! I wish the Duc would use some the Japanese electronics for the ECU!!

Spot on!!  I was looking for a naked v-twin, test rode the Gladius 650 and SV650, then test rode Moster 696 and completely fell in love with it.  I decided I will get a Monster, and not care that they cost twice the Gladius here in Japan. Money can always be earned. Ducati riding days are limited in one's lifetime  ;D

The FZ8 looks like it was designed by an engineer.

No offense to you engineering types =P

I like it, would I buy it? Not as long as Ducati has something in thier line up that I like.

If you need ABS on a sportbike -you don't need a sportbike.
If you want ABS on a sportbike -This is America, if you can afford it you can buy it.

I can't believe it but I agree with Richd on this one.
I learned while slipping and sliding everywhere and although I'm not the greatest rider I'd say it makes me better for having learned this way.  To each their own but for me no ABS thank you