2014 Yamaha FZ-09

Yamaha’s new FZ-09 naked bike has been unveiled -- an 847cc in-line, 12-valve triple complete with a ride-by-wide throttle, crossplane crankshaft and a choice of three riding modes. It will replace the FZ8 in Yamaha's line-up.

The engine has a bore and stroke of 78.0mm x 59.1mm, and the compression ratio is 11.5:1. To “provide both exciting and quick-revving torque characteristics and a unique intake sound”, the three intake funnels all vary in length. The first cylinder funnel is 102.8mm, the second 82.8mm and the third is 122.8mm.

Power and torque figures have not been supplied, but Yamaha is quoting a wet weight of 187kg, which is just 5kg more than the Triumph Street Triple R. Based on the fact that the FZ-09 has 172cc more than the Triumph, we should be seeing some fairly handy power and torque-to-weight figures.

The Benelli TNT 899 naked bike, also a triple, produces 121hp and 88NM.

The three riding modes (D-MODE) on the FZ-09 -- which will be called the MT-09 in some other markets -- are ‘Standard’, ‘A’ and ‘B’, which can be toggled through by a button on the handlebar. Standard mode accommodates a wide range of riding conditions; A is sharper throttle response; and N is more docile.

There are radial four-piston front brakes; the suspension -- 41mm upside-down fork and linked-type shock -- has preload and rebound adjustment; and the bike has 10-spoke lightweight cast aluminum wheels, fitted with a 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 rubber. The shock is positioned below the seat and features an almost horizontal alignment, which contributes to mass centralisation and a slimmer body design.

The instrument panel is full LCD, and the brake pedal, shift pedal and footrests are made of forged aluminum. The LED taillight has separate left and right lamps that illuminate when the taillight is on and across the entire lens when the brake light is on.

The seat height is 815mm, and fuel capacity is 14 litres.

Yamaha Motor Australia hopes to see the bike make its way Down Under by the end of 2013.