Thoughts on the FZ8?

[Paniller]

I'm considering swapping out my XB12ss for something else. I love the bike, but I constantly get stuck boiling in traffic, and mostly highway commute. I want something smoother and stronger on the highway, and less busy on the RPMs at 75ish. Something sport-touring would be ideal, but they're too heavy. I'm also restricted to something bigger, being 6'7". I sat on a few faired bikes, and realized I hate windscreens and "cockpits."

The Buell is honestly enough power for me. Maybe I'd like 10% more, but nothing crazy. It feels underpowered because I usually slowly roll into the throttle, then run out of rpms before I start enjoying it. It's enough if I hit the throttle early, but don't often do that.

So...maybe the FZ8 is a good blend for me? Anyone know how it'd compare to the Buell?

 

[icepop77]

I'm in a very similar boat with my commute, which is 95% of my riding mileage. I wouldn't mind a liquid cooled street bike if it comapared favorably to my XB12s.

I've never ridden an FZ8, but I do think they're cool looking bikes. They'll rev high, which seems like something you might like. Although, they won't have the huge torque pull that you're use to with your Buell.

The best advice I could give would be to go down the dealer and see if you can test ride one.

 

[Burton]

I don't know much about how they ride, but I sat on one at a dealership--and they feel super comfortable.

Also, they look pretty sharp in my opinion.

 

[Paniller]

I'd consider the FZ1, but it comes with an aged fairing look. I'm eying liter bikes, to get the torque I love so much...but I'm afraid of the rest of the power that comes with it.

The CB1000R is my favorite to the FZ8. Perfect blend, more power, but not a scary jump in power. Yet, for some reason it's $2500/yr to insure. All the other liter bikes are $900 and dwarf it in power. Makes no sense.

 

[GAXB9R]

RC-51[up][up][cool]

 

[Paniller]

lol. If I hit that $640M, there'd be room for an RC51 in the garage(s), but for now I need an upright standard.

 

[J20tD]

I really dig the fz8 they are super awesome looking. I also sat on one at the dealer, although im only 6'2 i thought it was very comfortable.

 

[konarider94]

The CB1000R is my favorite to the FZ8.

I want to ride one they look really fun. And that is odd about the insurance.

 

[anrkizm95]

no front suspension adjustment on the one i looked at.

 

[Lesley]

I really dig the fz8

^ +1 [up]

 

[50dro]

I don't know anything about them but I saw one the other day and it was really sharp looking! Based on looks, I'd own it![up]

 

[rah7777777]

I had an FZ6 for a couple years. Great bike. The best highway bike!!!

If I had a highway commute I'd have an FZ6 or FZ8

 

[buellbradski]

Have you put a rss on your bike ? I like my gas millage i get like 50mpg on my 12. Depending on how hot im going into turns of course. The fz8 is braging 38. But will run much cooler , witch in hotter climates is not the buells strong point. Lucky for me i live in ny and doesnt realy get to hot other than maybe 2weeks a year. So in cooler weather its nice. Yamaha make very reliable machines and the fz8 looks awsome. Im sure you would be more than happy on one

 

[Radioactive]

I have a Honda 919 in addition to my CityX. If you aren't set on a new bike, you can pick up a 919 for pretty cheap. It is a naked upright bike, like the Lightnings. The motor is essentially a de-tuned CB1000RR. It goes when you want it to, but is not too revvy for an everyday driver.

I have had mine for 2 years now, and love it. It is a bit unrefined in terms of suspension, but the great thing about them is they are incredibly mod-able! Honda essentially put these together out of their parts bins, so all kinds of parts from other Honda bikes work on them.

You can find all kinds of great deals on them on craigslist... like this one. If I lived near California, I would already have this one in my garage.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/2936304921.html

 

[Paniller]

I like my gas millage i get like 50mpg on my 12

I've never gotten over 40mpg, typically 35-38. So, I'm not attached with that. Hopefully I wouldn't be getting 30mpg on the FZ8.

I have a right side scoop, but never mounted it. I should get on that. Not sure it'd help in traffic much though.

I have a Honda 919 in addition to my CityX. If you aren't set on a new bike, you can pick up a 919 for pretty cheap.

They're a nice bike, but not my style. I like the more modern streetfighter look.

 

[Radioactive]

They're a nice bike, but not my style. I like the more modern streetfighter look.

yeah, me too... if I had the cash I would have a new CB1000R, but I just cant justify the price of one... maybe in a few years some used ones will start showing up.

 

[Paniller]

The FZ8 looks like it's down 10tq and up 5hp from the Buell. From what I gather, it's a little quicker, but not notably.

Am I right on that?

I wonder if you can start swapping bolt on parts from a FZ1 or R1 if you want to beef it up, too.

 

[icepop77]

I wonder if you can start swapping bolt on parts from a FZ1 or R1 if you want to beef it up, too.

I but suspension parts are an easy enough swap.