YAMAHA FZ-10
FIRST RIDE
P74
GENTLEMAN
FIGHTER
I
can tell you exactly how long
I've wanted to see this bike in
production. Back in February,
2009, when Yamaha first re-
leased the big bang, cross plane
crank R1, I remember thinking,
'Hmm, this'd make a pretty sweet
naked bike.' It's been seven
years—seven years of cross
plane development—before that
statement bore fruit. Like many
things good, I can't help but
think this should have been done
years ago. But hey, it's finally
here. As they say, better late than
never.
In keeping with Yamaha's
FZ-1/FZ-10 and YZF-R1 lineage
traditions, the new machine isn't
so much a stripped version of the
superbike as a compliment to it.
The FZ takes much of its DNA
from the R1-S (not R1 or R1-M)
superbike—basic engine, chas-
sis, and certain electrical com-
ponents—but is still very much its
own motorcycle with a different,
more professional personality.
Almost corporate.
It's a superbike that grew up,
got married and had a couple of
kids, but still has the party glint in
its eye time can never diminish.
BY RENNIE SCAYSBROOK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN J. NELSON
VIDEO BY ADAM BOOTH/NMC
IT'S HERE! IT'S FINALLY HERE! YAMAHA'S BIG BANG NAKED
BIKE HAS LANDED IN THE U.S. AND WE THRASHED IT
ACROSS A DRAGON TO SEE HOW IT GOES
