Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha is simply excited about getting naked with their latest motorcycle riding out for the new model year.

Internationally, naked motorcycles are becoming more popular and Yamaha are putting their latest effort in that category squarely at the feet of newer riders or those that may want slightly smaller engine between their legs.

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer feels the 2011 Yamaha FZ8 fills the gap for sport riders who feel a 600cc is too small and a 1000cc is too big. The muscular, naked bike styling gives it an aggressive, mass-forward stance while the comfortable, upright riding position with a compact design contributes to the bike’s first-rate handling.

Yamaha promises its latest offering will excel both in the morning commute and on that spirited weekend ride on a twisty back country road.

So what does the FZ8 offer?

The 779cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, inline 4-cylinder, and 4-valve engine promises smooth power delivery as well as plenty of torque in the low to mid rpm range. But reportedly this engine also lets loose with eye-opening horsepower when the revs climb toward redline. The fuel-injection with 35mm diameter throttle body provides optimum intake efficiency and smooth throttle response with precise fuel/air mixtures for awesome power delivery across the rpm range. The compact, pent-roof combustion chamber has a high 12.0:1 compression ratio with 26mm intake valves and 22mm exhaust valves contributes both to the superb torque and high-rpm power of this engine. The intake funnels for cylinders 2 and 3 are 25mm longer than the two outside cylinders and helps maximize the engine’s punchy torque delivery.

A 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system looks great and includes a catalytic converter and O2 sensor. Short muffler is mounted low for great looks and excellent mass centralization.

The FZ8 can trace its motorcycle roots to proven R1/FZ1 technologies, including forged aluminum pistons, fracture-split carburized connecting rods, and ceramic-composite-plated cylinders. The 68.0mm bore and 53.6mm stroke specifications were carefully chosen to maximize the strong torque characteristics, as was the new crankshaft with optimized inertial mass. The wide-ratio 6-speed transmission has ideal ratios for the engine’s performance character.

The aggressive chassis geometry with supersport-inspired 51 percent front wheel weight bias provides light, nimble handling. A controlled-fill aluminum frame uses the engine as a stressed member and allows for optimal rigidity balance, light weight, and superb handling. The six engine-mounting points help provide superb longitudinal rigidity. A controlled-fill aluminum die-cast swing arm saves weight and is tuned for excellent handling. The 43mm inverted fork and a link-type Monocross shock with adjustable preload provide for light and neutral handling characteristics.

Superb braking power is accomplished via 310mm front discs, squeezed by monoblock four-piston calipers, and a single 267mm rear disc. The generous 4.5 gallon fuel tank, is short front to back, and slender where it meets the rider. The foot pegs and handlebars are also placed for a compact, rider-forward riding position that contributes to the bike’s excellent handling. 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels contribute to the light and neutral handling character. This bike sports a 120/70 ZR17 radial tire up front, and a 180/55-ZR17 rear radial to complete the look and serve up the traction.

To keep riders on the road longer a generous 4.5 gallon fuel tank is short front to back and slender where it meets the rider. The foot pegs and handlebars are also placed for a compact, rider-forward riding position that contributes to the bike's excellent handling.

Both considered all new for this latest model, the “Mass-forward” naked bike styling is accentuated by the headlight design and FZ1-style instrument cluster which features a great looking tachometer with a white face.

For riders anxious to get their gloved hands on Yamaha’s latest ride into nakedness, the 2011 FZ8 will be available in dealerships nationwide beginning in December with a recommended price tag of $8490.

The Down and Dirty;

Engine

Type 779cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 valves

Bore x Stroke 68.0 x 53.6mm

Compression Ratio 12.0:1

Fuel Delivery Fuel Injection

Ignition Digital TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition with 32-bit ECU

Transmission 6-speed w/multiplate clutch

Final Drive O-ring chain

Chassis

Suspension / Front 5.1-in travel

Suspension/Rear 5.1-in travel

Brakes / Front Dual 310mm hydraulic discs

Brakes / Rear 267mm disc

Tires / Front 120/70-ZR17

Tires / Rear 180/55-ZR17

Dimensions

Length 84.3 in

Width 30.3 in

Height 41.9 in

Seat Height 32.1 in

Wheelbase 57.5 in

Ground Clearance 5.5 in

Rake (Caster Angle) 25.0°

Trail 4.3 in

Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal

Fuel Economy 39.8 mpg

Wet Weight 487 lb

Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)