2011 Yamaha FZ8

[muskrat]

what's ABS? 

[Speeddog]

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

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

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

Kinda like a 748. 
<just kidding>

[poseur]

what's ABS? 

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.

[RC Fan]

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

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

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.

[muskrat]

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.

[poseur]

mandatory ABS?  that simply sucks. 

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

[Duc796canada]

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.

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!!

[jvax]

they need t build midsize V twins

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 

[Frosty_spl]

The FZ8 looks like it was designed by an engineer.

No offense to you engineering types =P

[scduc]

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

[RichD]

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

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.

[muskrat]

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