2011 Yamaha FZ8

[Travman]

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?



Press release:

[Shifty]

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

[muskrat]

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.

[Kopfjager]

Will it eat into Ducati Monster 696 & 796 sales?

Yes

[He Man]

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

[ngk12]

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.

[DoubleEagle]

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.....    

[Goat_Herder]

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

[ungeheuer]

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

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

[danaid]

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

[sbrguy]

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.

[Triple J]

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.

[RC Fan]

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

[duccarlos]

Me no likey

[poseur]

Will it eat into Ducati Monster 696 & 796 sales?

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