Yamaha's Fazer becomes even more brutal
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Image Gallery ( 22 images )Another major contributory factor in any motorcycle’s handling characteristics is the riding position, and on both models a great deal of effort has gone into creating a position that enhances handling performance, while at the same time delivers superb comfort.
The new fuel tank is shorter than the FZS 1000 design, and this, together with the longer rider’s seat, allows the rider to sit 49 mm further forward on the bike. Furthermore, the handlebars are 25 mm lower and 10 mm closer to the rider, while the footrests are 6mm higher and 27 mm further back than the 2005 layout.
This much more sporty forward riding position makes a positive contribution to both models’ agile and responsive handling qualities, and by positioning the rider closer to the front wheel, it also enhances the feeling of control.
In addition, the combination of the new slim cast aluminium frame and the forward riding position allows for excellent knee grip, to give enhanced ergonomics and a more involving and rewarding riding experience.
The new upside-down front forks are the same diameter as those fitted to the YZF-R1 and feature 43 mm flex-resistant tubes for excellent suspension characteristics and smooth action over their entire 130 mm stroke.
One of the key features of these new forks is the fact that the damping functions are separated between each leg. The left fork leg contains the compression damping valves, while the right leg carries the rebound damping mechanism. By separating the front fork’s compression and rebound damping functions in this way, each set of valves in each fork tube needs only to accommodate the oil flow in one direction, making for simplified settings.
This system has already been used successfully on Yamaha’s YZR-M1, and is another example of how sophisticated racing technology is transferred to Yamaha’s road machines.
The new braking system reflects the FZ1 and FZ1 Fazer’s high performance potential, and so an extremely high specification design has been fitted. Dual front discs are 320 mm diameter – the same as the R1 – and these large-diameter discs are gripped by radially mounted 4-piston calipers. The MOS X 64 calipers are extremely resistant to deformation during braking, and subsequently this advanced system delivers excellent braking performance and accurate control.
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