
Yamaha of Europe has let slip the first skerrick of information on its new FZ8 nakedbike – this teaser photo.
The FZ6 will grow in size from a 600cc to an 800cc nakedbike, potentially making it more competitive with models such as the Triumph Street Triple, BMW F 800 R and Aprilia Shiver 750.
The image shows the front cowling, which comprises a vertically stacked twin lamp set-up complete with Yamaha logo on the top light.
When the FZ8 replaces the FZ6 – expected to happen in late 2010 – it will leave models such as the XJ6N and XJ6S to take care of the middlweight all-rounder segment for Yamaha, which is fairly crowded in its current configuration.
The 800cc powerplant is likely to be based on Yamaha's supersport engine architecture found in bikes like the YZF-R1 and YZF-R6, though its rev ceiling won't be as elevated so as to improve mid-range torque rather than a top-end burst.
Specification wise, and we're still in the dark until Yamaha releases more information. It's fair to say that the bike will get better equipment than the current FZ6, although Brembo brakes and Öhlins suspension might be a bit of a stretch.
Stay tuned to the Bikesales Network for more info regarding the all-new Yamaha FZ8.