Yamaha FZ8 and FZ8 Fazer (2010-2015) - Review & Buying Guide

Released in 2010, the naked Yamaha FZ8 and its half-faired sibling the FZ8 Fazer were oddities that never really found their feet and as such only remained in Yamaha’s model range for a few short years. Generally over-looked, there is lot to admire about these large-capacity middleweights and they also tend to be great value in the used market. So why did they flop when new? The combination of a fairly high price tag and somewhat lacklustre performance saw the FZ8 models drop down the middleweight pecking order and when the MT range emerged, the inline-four’s days were numbered. Something of a stop-gap model between the MT-07’s arrival (and later the Tracer 700) and the old FZ6 and FZ6 Fazer (which were actually sold alongside the FZ8 models but by then were getting long in the tooth), the FZ8s offer a lot to a used bike buyer and as well as a good reliability record, they are comfortable, well-built and fun to ride. They won’t wow you but by the same token they won’t disappoint and they make great ‘first big bikes’ for any new riders as well as solid commuter hacks and the Fazer is even a tempting middle-distance tourer.

Pros & Cons

2010 Yamaha FZ8 & Fazer - Prices

When new the naked FZ8 cost £7799 with the Fazer model retailing at £8799, although a lack of popularity saw deals out there to be had. Nowadays you can pick up a fairly well-used FZ8 for as little as £2500 with the Fazer model costing a few hundred quid more. If you want something in a little better condition, budget to spend £3000-£3500 and you won’t be disappointed with your purchase. In fact, with this kind of budget you should be able to get an updated 2013-onwards model and that means you have full adjustability in its forks, which helps matters as you can dial out a bit of the spongy ride quality. Some dealers are asking for up to £5000 for bikes but realistically, there is no need to go over £4500 or you will start to get into early Tracer 700 or MT-07 price territory and they are better bikes.

2010 Yamaha FZ8 & Fazer - Engine & Performance

The FZ8’s engine is not a bigger capacity FZ6 motor, it is a smaller capacity FZ1 motor with some tweaks. Running the same gearbox as the FZ1, it has a 779cc capacity thanks to a 9mm smaller bore (the stroke is the same) and it also has a lighter clutch and, more importantly, a four and not five-valve head design. Why does this matter? Because it means the engine is almost bulletproof due to the fact it is designed to deal with over 140bhp, not the somewhat lethargic 106bhp the FZ8 puts out. And not only that, there isn’t an EXUP valve in the FZ8’s stainless steel exhaust system to get stuck!

Reliability aside, the FZ8’s motor isn’t the best out there. Feeling flat and strangled, it lacks the FZ1’s zing of performance and is so uniform in its power delivery it is bordering on forgettable. On the naked bike, which you generally expect to be a bit more playful, this relaxed nature is more of an issue than on the Fazer, which you tend to want to be more docile in its attitude. There again, it is manageable, has a lovely light clutch action and the throttle connection is also impressively fluid so is it right to complain about it being too relaxed? It depends on what you are after...

In terms of reliability, the only thing to really watch out for is service history. The FZ8 requires regular 6000-mile services (oil and filter) with the air filter changed every 12,000 miles (it is advisable to do it every 6000 miles as it gets clogged up) and the valve-clearances checked at 24,000 miles. The issue with skipped services is that the throttle bodies need balancing every service and if this isn’t done (it requires a special diagnostic tool), the bike can run rough. And, as you would expect, the 24,000-mile valve-clearance service is expensive as you need to drain and remove the radiator to gain access. Also, the suspension linkages are stripped and regreased during this service, which needs to be done as they are pretty prone to seizing up.

2010 Yamaha FZ8 & Fazer - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

The FZ8’s chassis is actually identical to the FZ1’s and so is its swingarm however the FZ8’s 43mm inverted forks are non-adjustable (until 2013 when they were made fully-adjustable) and the shock only has spring preload that can be altered. Pleasingly, the FZ8 also retains the FZ1’s four-piston brakes. However despite sharing the same chassis, the FZ8 has a different riding position to the FZ1 as Yamaha redesigned the tank to allow the rider’s knees to be closer together and also dropped the pegs’ height by 10mm and pushed them 15mm further back while also bringing the bars 5mm closer to the rider. That’s the good news, the bad news is that the FZ8 is pretty softly-set on its suspension and that equates to a disappointing ride quality if you are after a sporty naked bike...

Up the pace on an FZ8 and it quickly loses its composure as the soft suspension wallows and bounces, resulting in a disappointing ride quality when naked rivals such as the Triumph Street Triple or even the Suzuki GSR750 are so much more composed. The updated model is better as you can dial in some support thanks to its fully-adjustable forks but then you spot the poor quality of the shock more. Replacing the shock and getting the forks rebuilt makes a world of difference but that will cost you around £1000 and on a £3500 bike, that’s a big percentage of its value and if you are after a sporty naked, you are better off picking a different model instead. If you are after a relaxed ride, however, the FZ8 Fazer is pretty much on the money. Yes, it is also soft, but for straight line cruising and commuting, it’s far less of an issue.

When viewing a used bike, be wary of its brake calipers and discs as the four-piston calipers develop corrosion behind the piston, resulting in seized pistons and often warped discs. Feel for any pulsing during a test ride. Other than this, the metal coolant pipe under the generator (left hand side) is prone to corrosion and the radiator can also rot through.

2010 Yamaha FZ8 & Fazer - Comfort & Economy

The FZ8 Fazer actually makes for a reasonable mid-sized sports tourer and is fairly comfortable for light touring duties. It’s better solo as the engine doesn’t have much grunt but there is no reason to avoid taking it on a trip away, especially with heated grips and a taller screen fitted, both of which are official accessories but are also easy to located from aftermarket firms.

Due to its nakedness, the FZ8 is less adept at covering miles but Yamaha did sell a small screen (and there are lots of aftermarket alternatives) which helps if you want to add a bit of practicality. Should you wish to take a passenger, you will probably need to buy some pillion grab rails as they are only standard on the FZ8 Fazer!

In terms of economy, you can expect to record high 40s mpg figures (the Fazer is generally slightly more frugal thanks to its fairing), giving it a tank range of approaching but probably not exceeding 200 miles. That’s good enough for most riders.

2010 Yamaha FZ8 & Fazer - Equipment

As it wasn’t a homologation requirement, only the FZ8 Fazer came with ABS as standard, the FZ8 never had the system fitted in the UK so if you want it, you need to opt for a faired model. Aside from this, the FZ8 was pretty limited in its standard spec with its basic clocks containing a fuel gauge but not a gear indicator. There is an immobiliser as standard, which means you need to make sure you get the red ‘master ‘ key included with the bike, but other than that the equipment level is low.

When it comes to accessories, the FZ8 is split into two camps. The naked bike often gets modified and loud pipes, Renthal bars, stubby levers and sticker kits are common. Ideally you want a fairly standard bike with braided lines, a subtle pipe and maybe a tail tidy about the extent of the worthwhile modifications. The Fazer is usually left unmolested in terms of performance add-ons and instead has practical additions such as heated grips, panniers, a top box and a taller screen. Thank what you plan to use the bike for and search out a bike that fulfils your needs.

2010 Yamaha FZ8 & Fazer - Rivals

The FZ8 is a cheap naked option while the Fazer is a do-it-all so they have different rivals. Buyers often find the FZ6 appealing but underpowered while the FZ1 is a bit too feisty, meaning the FZ8 hits a pleasant middle ground. And it is also cheap!

Honda CBR650F (2014-2017) | Price: £3000-£4500

Read more

Power/Torque

86bhp / 46lb-ft

Weight

211kg

Kawasaki Z800 (2013-2018) | Price: £4000-£5500

Read more

Power/Torque

111bhp / 83lb-ft

Weight

229kg

Suzuki GSR750 (2011-2018) | Price: £3999-£5500

Read more

Power/Torque

105bhp / 59lb-ft

Weight

210kg

2010 Yamaha FZ8 & Fazer - Verdict

The FZ8 models are undeniably not that thrilling in their performance or outstanding in their handling, however they are still unfairly underrated. If you are after a no-thrills, no-nonsense, machine that is both practical and enjoyable to ride while delivering user-friendly power and a high level of reliability and build quality, you could do a lot worse. The Fazer makes for a solid do-it-all while the FZ8 has a little bit more of a spark about it thanks to its naked styling. Buy with your head, not necessarily your heart...

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2010 Yamaha FZ8 & Fazer - Technical Specification

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