YAMAHA FAZER 8 (2010 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £210 |
| Power: | 106 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (465 lbs / 211 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesYamaha’s Fazer range of bikes used to be all about hard-working, do it all, value for money bikes. One look at the today’s price for the new Fazer8 says otherwise when comparing it to the competition – and the fact there is the slightly bigger capacity but vastly superior FZ1 in Yamaha’s line up. But what you have to remember is the Fazer8 and naked FZ8 were developed for mainland Europe, where three-quarter litre naked bikes are extremely popular. Don’t get us wrong, the Fazer8 is a competent tool – it’s just that there are many more useful tools available.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineGiven that the Fazer8 has the same ‘race’ inspired chassis of ally frame and swingarm for sporty riding as the FZ8, it’s a puzzle why Yamaha saw fit to prop both bikes with non-adjustable front suspension and preload-only at the rear. Yamaha’s answer is the greater majority of its extensive customers do not adjust suspension – this is no defence in our book. As it is the front is compliant bordering on soft, which is really noticeable with the Fazer8’s top half fairing when opening and closing the throttle but especially on the brakes. And there’s not a lot of feedback from the front Bridgestone tyre. The rear isn’t so bad.
Suspension aside, the Fazer8 is endowed with an easy to ride nature that belies the FZ1-based chassis. It’s a happy rider who cuts through town traffic like a needle through tissue and the Fazer8 is a god tool for such use. It’s forte is fast flowing roads. The same can be applied to the naked FZ8.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Fazer8 shares crankcases with the FZ8, and both are derived from the 1000cc FZ1 but both smaller capacity bikes feature a lightened crankshaft for quicker engine response, and the cylinder bores are reduced in size for the capacity decrease. However, the same stroke length leaves the FZ8 with a wide band of easily accessible drive, underlined by faultless fuelling. A claimed 106bhp and 60ftlb of torque doesn’t sound much by today’s standards, but if you want more power then walk towards the 150bhp FZ1. On the other hand if you want a continuous smile, a civilised commuting tool and to keep your licence fairly healthy, walk back towards the Fazer8.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueCompact, tidy assembly and the FZ series comes with a reliability record only surpassed by the change in seasons. Saying that, it is a new bike (despite the parts bin assembly) and there is always the chance of something not lasting. It’ll be a slim chance, but it’s the sort of chance you accept with any new bike, car, computer, dishwasher etc…
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentHmmm. Ok, cutting to the chase here. At £8999 the Fazer8 is overpriced. The evidence is the vast array of bikes that will match and exceed what the Fazer8 delivers and all for less money – Suzuki Bandit 1250 at £6099, Aprilia Shiver £6150, to name but a few. Find a Yamaha FZ8 for sale.
Equipment
The aluminium frame and swingarm are good to shout about down the pub – most of its competitors run with steel tube frames and box-section swingarms. The rest of the bike is fairly standard stuff, literally. It’s easy to say the Fazer8 and FZ8 are ‘parts bin’ specials because… erm, they are: FZ1 engine cases, FZ1 rear light, XJ front wheel, XJ6 headlight, FZ clocks (new background display though), ye olde R1 front brakes and so on. New technology comes with the length of the of inlet stacks 2 and 3 cylinders are long, 1 and 4 are shorter, again for improved midrange drive. Shock, horror the in-line four doesn’t feature an Exup exhaust valve. Instead the downpipes are narrow and the longest on any Yamaha to date in an attempt to get the same midrange push.
The Fazer8 gets the obligatory half-fairing that does a damn fine job of making light work of prolonged high speed riding, which is particularly useful for commuting. The Fazer8 comes with ABS as standard. Compare and buy parts for the Yamaha FZ8 in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 779cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16v four-stroke in-line four. Six gears |
| Frame type | Cast ally beam frame and swingarm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 815mm |
| Bike weight | 211kg |
| Front suspension | Non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Adjustable for preload only |
| Front brake | 310mm discs with 4-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | 267mm disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | 41 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £210 |
| New price | £7,999 |
| Used price | £3,000 - £5,500 |
| Insurance group |
16 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 106 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 60 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 137 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 155 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1998-2004: FZS600 Fazer
2000-2001: FZS600-S Fazer (special edition paintwork)
2003-2007: FZ6 Fazer
2004-2007: FZ6
2007-2010: FZ6 S2
2007-2010: FZ6 Fazer S2
2010: Yamaha Fazer8 launched.
Other versions
FZ8: naked non-ABS version of Fazer8 (£7999)
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA FAZER 8 (2010 - on)
8 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA FAZER 8 (2010 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA FAZER 8 (2010 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £210 |
Version: Fazer fz8
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £150
Just a great bike a lot of talk about the suspension getting away from you when your giving it a bit. I ride my GSXR at weekends and I expect more from that bike that's why I bought it !. The fz8 is a great bike and much over looked .It does what it says on the can a good all rounder.
OK I love riding this bike I'm 52 and had a few RD'S and on from there. Smooth and lazy with some fun if you whined her up.
What can I say detuned and under stressed R1
8 years old so replaced some nuts bolts with ti or stainless. But rest of bike in tip top condition.
Oil and filters service's done by my self.
ABS for a engine of this cc it's all you need. So previously I mentioned I was happy with the suspension set up for this type of bike and its intended use. However would swop out rear shock and new oil and springs up front if a was taking a pillion or loads a lot of the time.
Buying experience: 4k 2 years ago 12k on the clock prices were a little crazy at the time with covid but full service history can't complain.
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £200
does all you'll ever need
Best at "A" & Motorway use.Its a very decent all rounder.Seating fine for tank load .No pillion experience to pass on ,you would have to adjust pre load as I do with touring luggage, box and tail pack, tank bag.
Truly amazing, across frame Four still best configuration ,very good bottom end and gets going nicely all the way to a fast top end, slows great too off a throttle.
exceptional build quality
main dealer servicing noticeable better.Fuel use on the average side of things,150 to 170 per tank full per 17lts
Riding position, and that engine.Ive changed rear shock and front springs and oil ,using Hagon's which have been great.Heated grips a must, centre stand and Meta D alarm.Have put loads more on all very useful bits, exhaust by Scorpion,givi box,Givi tank bag and ring, bar risers,LED lighting and tail kit from Yamaha.Sat Nav holder Garmin, Road Pilots 4 and 5 used ,Bridgestones were to hard on wall on originals, but that was before suspension change.
Buying experience: Dealer from new in 2012, about £8500 with dealer accessories fitted.
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £150
Does everything on the roads you’d want
Rear suspension changed and springs and oil up graded in front
Excellent
Superb had since new , no problems ever
Dealers services only , never felt ripped off
Engine, bottom end very good for a four. Riding position excellent,bar risers now fitted though . Center stand from new a must . I’ve fitted loads of accessories over the years all very useful. Bridgestone tyres changed for Michelin 5s, last well
Buying experience: Alpha motorcycles of Leigh on sea , superb
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £200
Excellent all round sports tourer for beginner to intermediate riders. Plenty of high end excitement with enough mid range to be more than practical. Comfortable for long rides even for taller riders (I'm 6"4') but enough sporting pedigree for weekends between the hedges.
Smooth ride for long distances however this who like to push it on the back roads will find the front a bit bland. Suspension upgrades are the most common performance modifications with preload only on the rear. Parts are really available from the bigger fz1 family with R1 components being swapped in with minor effort. Brakes are more than enough for this size bike with easy upgrades for the more track orientated.
High end screamer derived from the R1 detuned for more practical mid range torque.
Like the fz6 fazer i had before it. Zero corrosion from year round use. In 9000 miles I've had absolutely no issues whatsoever. Couldn't be happier.
Self serviced with two oil changes a year means cost is kept to a minimum. Parts are inexpensive and there are plenty of third party alternatives.
Standard suspension pre 2012 was preload adjustable on the rear only with fixed front inverted shocks. Minimal equipment available from factory however plenty of accessories exist.
Buying experience: Bought used from a large dealer in mint condition regardless of age. It had been well looked after however other privste examples i had viewed were not much different.
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £60
A great bike that I really like - with a couple of annoying faults. The suspension is very budget. The screen just doesn’t work for me. I get terrible buffeting at motorway speeds. Tried the Givi and Yam touring screen but they seemed worse! Might try a custom shirt screen next but then sadly I have to let her go. Shame, I do like it in many ways otherwise
It’s comfy but soft and unadjustable apart from preload at the rear. If you start to work it at higher speeds it soon becomes a bit floppy.
A lovely engine, have to remember it’s a four, so needs revs but it’s very willing. Great fun to thrash and yet silky round town.
Faultless
I just change the oil myself. It’s a breeze.
All you need. Abs as standard.
Buying experience: Second hand, small dealer, paid £4,300 for a minter with 4K miles. Totally happy.
Version: Fazer 8
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £500
Great 2nd bike. Mine come with a few extras (touring screen and Givi hard panniers). Use bike for commuting (12k per year) with a mix of motorway and city. Lovely and smooth on the motorway and will cruise comfortably and motor way speeds. Comfort is OK but do find the foot pegs a little high. Seat is OK for my hour commute. get around 150 miles before the fuel reserve light comes on
Ride quality is fine for the sort of riding I do. Do find the suspension a little spongy. Brakes are OK but could do with a little more feel
Great engine with loads of torque. No real power band just constant power throughout the rev range. Gearing seems long (compared to XJ6) but great on the motorway with only 5k showing at 70mph
Done about 15000 miles now and only changed tyres. Still on original chain and sprocket and not had to change the pads yet. This is my fourth Yamaha (125's/ Scooter, and XJ6) and never had any issues.
170 for a 6k service and just had the 12k which cost around £300. Tyres are around £200 per set and I normally get around 10 to 12k before replacing
Pretty basic but everything you need. I have the touring screen and givi pannier's (already fitted) which I am very pleased with. The screen does a perfect job a motorway speeds
Buying experience: Used same dealer for last 4 bikes so very happy with the service
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £200
Excellent bike
Great comfortable bike with good useful brakes
Fantastic powerful engine that is awesome above 5000 revs
Buying experience: Dealer, paid £4499
I have owned 25 bikes over 26 years and have to say that I personally think Yamaha have made the perfect bike for a rider like me. I've had GSXR 750s, R6, R1, Fazer 600, Fireblades etc... and have now reached a point where I prefer comfort but still want the power. I had an XJ6 but it just didn't do it for me and I thought the FZ1 was too much. As soon as I tried the Fazer8 I was hooked. We could all complain about a high price tag but it will hold it's value unlike some of the cheaper alernatives. Well done Yamaha. Great manageable power, great comfort and fantastic styling. :)
