2015 Yamahafz-07

2015 YAMAHAFZ-07

With bases loaded thanks to fantastic sales of the FZ-09, Star Bolt, and YZ250F models, Yamaha appears poised to knock it out of the park with the 2015 FZ-07.

On deck for a midsummer release, the all-new $6,990 “entry-level” FZ-07 features a dohc, 689cc, eight-valve parallel twin with a 270-degree crank. Peak output is a claimed 74 hp and 50 pound-feet of torque, the engine said to offer strong low-end without sacrificingthe top. We’d be suspect of "power everywhere” claims if we hadn’t ridden the FZ-09 already.

Sitting on the machine at the tech preview, I found the FZ-07 narrow in the midsection, making its 31.7-inch seat height feel lowerthan it is.

The 55.1-inch wheelbase, 24-degree rake, and claimed 397-pound wet weight with the 3.7-gallon tank topped off promise light and sporty road manners.

The FZ-07’s style belies the bargain it represents, and the bike is highly likely to alterthe definition of entry-level in the US market. -Don Canet