FZ8: Loves me, loves me not...?

[bluecat]

Hi everyone, I hope all is great with you and you're riding safe and having fun out there. I have been reading posts in this forum for a while and would like some advice.

First off, I'll apologize for sounding like a noob. I am. I just got my license after completing my MSF course—which I passed with flying colors—and am ready to buy. After a LOT of research and consideration, I have narrowed my search to two options: FZ6R for the brain, FZ8 for the heart (though it appeals to the brain as well)... I was at the Long Beach Motorcycle Show today and I realized I cannot pick between the two without some input from experienced FZ8 owners.

I love the FZ8: everything I know about it, but especially the looks, and believe me, I've looked. I've been to a couple of dealers and played with both bikes (I have not test ridden either yet), as well as spending considerable time with it today at the convention center. Balancing them standing still, the difference in weight between the two models seems negligible. The riding position is perfect. I've read just about everything published online, seen every video, and followed every discussion on both bikes. I know the FZ6R will be forgiving to learn on. I like it enough. But I don't love it.

I'm 34 years old and have never been an impulsive or crazy man, even in my younger days. I'm a methodical and diligent person who gets likened to a robot at times, usually by those I annoy with my ways. But this is somehow different. I guess I am a little afraid of making a mistake. I have nothing to prove. I am not nor will I ever be interested in breaking speed records, popping wheelies, seeing how hard I can take a corner... As a matter of fact I was forever suspicious therefore uninterested in bikes. Spending last summer in Italy and seeing everyone from grandmothers to executives in all sorts of bikes and mopeds changed my mind... It was incredible! Parking lots in Milan are an ocean of 2-wheel wonders.

I want a bike I can commute on (18 miles each way, in low traffic), take good care of, be comfortable on, look good on (yes), and have fun with. I think either the FZ6R or the FZ8 would fulfill these requirements. But in terms of actually loving the bike, the FZ8 is it.

So, the question for you experienced riders of the FZ8... Can one begin life on two wheels on this bike? Trust me, I wouldn't ask if I could find a definitive answer with what's available to me online, or with what the dealers tell me (they just sound HUNGRY!). The "expert" opinions are confusing as hell. Here is a brief summary:

This post says "beginners should look elsewhere":
http://www.smartcycleshopper.com/mot...ha-fz8-review/

This video review says it's not recommended for new riders:

Motorcycle Experience Review Yamaha FZ8 - YouTube

Motorcycle Experience Review Yamaha FZ8 - YouTube

This video says the bike is user-friendly for riders of all skill levels:

MotoUSA First Ride: 2011 Yamaha FZ8 - YouTube

MotoUSA First Ride: 2011 Yamaha FZ8 - YouTube

This video tells me the bike is good for novice to intermediate riders in the American market:

2011 Yamaha FZ8 Review - 8 is the New 6 - YouTube

2011 Yamaha FZ8 Review - 8 is the New 6 - YouTube

Help?!

My plan is to have the bike (whichever) delivered to a huge empty parking lot in an out of business commercial tract nearby, where I'll have an experienced friend present to give me feedback. I'd learn from scratch on it, repeating the MSF exercises, from learning the friction zone to figure-8's and riding over debris. I would set aside a day to do this, then ride it home, about 5 miles on very low traffic, suburban surface streets. Rinse and repeat until comfort level allows for relatively safe freeway travel. Will the FZ8 lend itself well to this routine?

I have even picked a name for my FZ8. BUT. I will NOT do what is unsafe. I'm willing to go with the more than capable and meritorious FZ6R and learn on it until I can move up. I'd rather not, if I can get away with riding my love right away... I just don't know. I find myself unable to establish this for myself. I hope your input will bring me some clarity. I will be making the purchase in the next few weeks, as soon as I figure out what's best. I thank you in advance for any consideration and input you can bring to me.

Cheers.


p.s. I really don't like the 2012 gray paint treatment, but that's all there is out there now, no used ones in my area. Black and gold was better IMHO.

[Camo]

I guess the question is, do you think you have enough skill/confidence to test ride one or any bike for that matter?
I'm not from the US so I'm not sure what is required of you to get your license but I'm assuming you learnt to change gears and touched on basic throttle control etc.
My advice to you would be to go buy a helmet, gloves, a textile jacket and Kevlar jeans.
Go and ride one.
I don't think the FZ8 has enough bottom end power to be as dangerous as the displacement suggests but as with any bike, you wind that throttle on quickly and you will find yourself in trouble.
So In my opinion it's not exactly the best first bike but it's definitely doable if you're careful.
The FZ8 will do all that you require of it. I commute about 40mins each way on mine in all weather and it's fine, freeways and twisty bits. I also use it to scratch with on the weekends and it does a pretty good job when pushed.

At the end of the day I'd suggest a smaller bike or at least go and test ride a few bikes and see what feels most comfortable for you.
I started on a Honda CB400 and it had more then enough get up and go for me at the time. Probably took me a year before I was scraping pegs and looking for more power....

Good luck and if you do end up with a FZ8, be careful and you'll have a bike that will keep you entertained for years to come

[diz]

It looks like I wrote this post... )
I already exchanged 2 posts with Camo regarding this topic here:
http://www.fz8-forum.com/forum/fz8-g....html#post3836

I think that you can safely go with FZ8, and if you are planning some trips with your GF/wife definitely go for FZ8. Don't underestimate it, give yourself plenty of time on a parking lot, or even take some weekend riding course, read book like Sport Riding Techniques (it's not about sport riding only) and everything should be ok.

[kbrink]

Camo, has givin alot of good advice. I think the fz8 is a great bike for riders of all skill levels, the trick to safely riding any bike is controlling your throttle hand and riding within your skill level. If you do get the fz8 or any new bike delivered to a parking lot to learn on, watch your traction during turns (especially during "figure 8's"), new tires seem to be a bit wax-e/slick from the factory, until they get some miles on them! I wouldn't want to see your nice new bike all scratched up. Good luck with the shopping!!


_____________________________________
It is possible to Ride safe & still have FUN!!!!

[impostor1981]

Hi,

I had the same dilemma as you and decided to go with my brain and bought FZ6R (here in UK its XJ6) I was very happy with the bike until..... I started riding with other bikers on more powerful 600 bikes or riding two up.
FZ6R did not have enough power to do overtakes confidently with pilion on the bike and could not keep up with faster bikes. So I started thinking to upgrade my bike and went for FZ8 Fazer just after 7 months riding FZ6R
I should get this bike in first place. Very controllable bike, would not surprise you with anything. If you buy brand new bike than for first 600 miles you would treat it gently as it is break in period. This time will allow you to get to know the bike and its capabilities.

Go for FZ8 you will be happy for long time

[calscrazy]

i started on dirt, pretty young too. i think the fz8 is a really great all around bike. thats what makes it sooo much better than the r6(track bike) or 900ss in garage. i have only had it since august and i have 5k. mostly rides to and from work. 32 miles one way. the 20 closest to work is in traffic but then i get to jump on 157 in mansfield and run it down to 916. good fun! i have taken it on weekend trips. tore up the three sisters in texas hc. even got a certificate of appreciation on it! three biggest keys IMO are 1) at this point the bike is far more advanced than you are. 2) stay alert of your surroundings and wear your gear!! 3) LBHH!!! (LOCATE your turn in, adjust your BODY, get your HEAD/EYES through the corner, push with the inside HAND).

be safe, have fun and welcome to the addictive world of motorcycling.

[hypo]

what did you take your training course on? a 250? 500 ? loaner from a friend? My wife took her course on a 250 and the teacher told her she would not need to go over a 500 ever... except her husband rides an FZ8, and the 500 doesn't have the OOOMPH she needs when she wants or NEEDS to get out of the way. My first bike was a 650 Honda Nighthawk. loved it, but couldn't hang with the 600-750-1000 sportbikes all my friends had... but I wasn't confident enough and didn't want to be pressured into doing some of the stupid stuff they did. I lost one of them on a highside accident going too fast a year later. RESPECT YOUR ABILITY. and it sounds like you do. follow through on your plan of taking it slow and easy and I think the FZ8 is for you.

- the fuel injection will keep your happy with regular starts, regulated fuel flow, and good throttle response.
- the lack of fairings and plastic will keep your costs down, but invest in some frame sliders for those AWW CRAP moments.
- if you ever plan on riding 2 up, even for short dates to the coffee shop or beach, the extra power will help.

Take it slow and easy or your comfortable pace and you should be fine man! Welcome to the forums!

[highoctane]

Here's my .02, as others have said do what you feel confortable with. I allmost bought the fz1. I am fairly big and wanted something big enough to haul my big ass around. I had not riden in a long time and am hardly a experianced rider. but i have some experiance and am confidant in my abilities. I decided the 800 was big enough and it is. it's fun, I dont race but do like to go fast in safe stretches. Its a great bike dont shy away from it.

[Crazywb23]

Just from my own experiences. The 800 that we run is a dependable all around bike that you will enjoy. Not so much power it uncontrollable, but good solid power throughout the range. The FZ6 all be it is a good bike you will out grow it very quickly. I have owned several bikes from 600 to 1000cc, and rode bikes up to 1700cc. The two best bikes I have owned are the FZ8 and the GXSR 750. The gixxer 750 was a street fighter conversion so it didn't handle as well as the FZ8. Many others have been producing street fighters and some for years, Ducati monster, Z1000, and now honda with the CB1000r which my father in law has one. Nice bike runs well, parts are expensive. But for the money the best bet is the Yamaha FZ8, I am not disappointed. I have done most all the street legal mods and some not so legal for california. And I love it

[FaZerick8]

I would not recommend that a brand new rider start on a 100 horsepower, 135 mph FZ8. I suggest you start with the FZ6 or Ninja 650 and build you skills, then move up to a FZ8.