Ride review: The doomed, outgoing FZ8.
I filled out the waiver and had to jump on the thing before the ink was dry. Zero time to feel out the controls.
Fortunately, the bike felt small, friendly and instantly manageable coming from the FZ6. Extra weight? I didn't feel it.
The clutch was smooth, 1st gear felt much more practical to stay in for longer. Smooth shifting and deeper growlier engine. I find the lower exhaust note more pleasant over the FZ6 and easier to hear w/ earplugs.
I enjoyed the ride so much I hopped on it for another run. Shame it's being scrapped so soon. One of the Yamaha marshals said it's a really sweet and underrated bike.
Ride review: The unchanged since 2006, FZ1.
I have the FZ1 bar on my FZ6 and felt instantly at home on this bike. Again, clutch felt better, shifting nice and smooth, liking the 1st gear and deeper, growlier engine.
Power-wise, it was an FZ6 on steroids as you'd imagine. Seemed to be more revvy and like higher RPMs like the FZ6. The FZ8 had a more relaxed engine character and power delivery.
Lots of wind noise vs. the naked FZ8 that had been quiet with clean air hitting my chest and helmet. I'm 6'.
Both the FZ8 and FZ1 felt easy to ride except for the huge slack on the throttle on the FZ1 that I'd immediately take up.
Ride review: 2013 FJR.
I found after riding bikes for a couple of years they shrink in your mind as your confidence grows. The FJR had also shrunk. Until I swung my leg over it.
The thing is WIDE. Riding position was the most comfortable than any I've ridden.
The hydraulic clutch was light and it appeared to still have traditional throttle cables. 2 power modes: Sport and Touring.
The last rider said it was a bit snatchy and powerful. Sure enough, it had been left on "Sport". I made sure it was on "Touring".
I didn't feel the weight but I really did feel the bulk at low speeds. After it get going it felt like it needed more effort to turn. I'm sure that would improve with confidence and seat time on it.
Power felt plentiful yet restrained on the Touring setting. Extremely smooth gearbox, clutch and very quiet engine. Nice to have a gear indicator on the dash. Also has a new digital speedo this year.
A cruiser rider in full stereotypical cruiser gear hopped on it on the next session then exclaimed to his buddies: "I love
everything about this bike! Except you're riding on your balls."