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Comparison test: mid-range naked bikes 2011

In the test: BMW F 800 R, Kawasaki Z 750 R and Yamaha FZ8

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The BMW F 800 R, the brand new Kawasaki Z 750 R and the Yamaha FZ8 are waiting for anything at the foot of the Watzmann. At the summit the trophy beckons lasciviously, but the path is full of trials.

M.ith its 2,713 meters, the Watzmann is at best a middle class of the well-known Alpine peaks. But there is no escape from his reputation. After all, according to the legend, whoever defeats him is in favor of the Gailtalerin.

Our three title heroes are also considered to be middle class, with the BMW R 1200 R, the Kawa Z 1000 and the Yamaha FZ1 being the top dogs. If you can do without the big bike image, you have to be content with 22 HP / 26 Nm (BMW), 32 HP / 32 Nm (Kawasaki) and 44 HP / 24 Nm (Yamaha) less. But even with the remaining power there is no feeling of underpowering. But enough theory, there is a murmur in the air. It is the mountain that calls. Big and powerful, full of fate. "I have to get up, up on a mountain. The mountain must be untagriagn."

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The Kawasaki Z 750 R has by far the widest knee joint in the test field.

High up, more on the kawa than in a motorcycle. The seat cushion is really tight. But what are you not doing for good feedback? Hands and feet fall as if by themselves into the places intended for them and allow the summiteer to sit in an active yet comfortable sitting position. From a purely ergonomic point of view, the Yamaha is almost identical, but with her you sit more in the bike. In addition, the upholstery is much more fluffy. However, the knee joint is by far the widest in this trio. In direct comparison, you feel a little bit like on an old Moto Guzzi on the BMW with an elongated upper body and narrow knee angles.

If you want to conquer the mountain and thus also the Gailtalerin, you need courage and an overview as well as the appropriate connection to the run. This is where the green hour strikes. With the tightest suspension set-up in the test, the Kawa is well equipped for the summit storm. It can be thrown easily and precisely from one corner to the next, there is plenty of freedom of inclination. For special requests, preload and rebound can be adjusted on the fork such as the shock absorber. What tarnishes the joy a bit is the clear righting moment when braking in curves. In addition, the brake is quite blunt and requires the greatest manual force in the field. There is nothing wrong with the braking performance, and the ABS does its job best. It regulates quickly and without a pulsating lever.

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No lean angle is an issue with the BMW F 800 R..

The Kawa is hot on the heels of the BMW – with a little bit wobbly handling. From medium lean angles, it tends to tip into the curve and must be kept on course with slight pressure on the inside of the handlebars. Lean angle is not an issue here either. The adjustment options of the chassis are limited to the spring base and rebound stage at the rear. That is why you have to live with the fact that the fork hardens on bumps in rapid succession and then no longer responds to further bumps due to a lack of spring travel. The standard steering damper prevents annoying kickback. The ABS, which costs 710 euros, does not regulate as elegantly and inconspicuously as that of the Kawa, but the brake on this side of the control range is clearly more biting and more transparent.

The Yamaha gives an ambivalent picture in this chapter: The brake performs its task pleasantly snappy, transparent and with little manual force. The control range is announced by a slight pulsation in the hand lever. Subjectively, the conventionally mounted four-piston fixed caliper system has the strongest effect, but it also causes the greatest erection moment. The extremely immersing upside-down fork also plays its part in this. Like the shock absorber for a brisk pace, the fork is simply underdamped. Nothing can be changed about this except for the spring preload at the rear, and so the Yamaha tries not to lose touch, pumping wildly and with a tendency to the wide line at the corner exit. The fact that the footrests barely rise from the ground makes the thing visually and acoustically very spectacular. Maybe the Gailtaler will be impressed with it.

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The Yamaha FZ8 is the most unwieldy in the test field.

At the entrance to the bend, the FZ8 steers neutrally, but also very slowly. The bottom line is that it is the most unwieldy. It’s a shame, but the suspension setup just went wrong. More cushioning would really be more here and the solution. Hollaradulijoh.

But a motorcycle is not just about the chassis. The four-cylinder derived from the FZ1 begins to erase the undercarriage notch. The FZ8 can collect points with a sensitive throttle response and refined running. When it comes to the performance characteristics, however, opinions differ. It is quite listless up to 5000 tours, from 5500 rpm it produces real power and at 7000 rpm and 9000 rpm there is a second aid. So the foursome wants to be turned, which is a real pleasure given the smooth and precise gearbox. Fans of turbo characteristics will get their money’s worth here. In the long run, however, the really high performance is exhausting, especially since it is accompanied by noticeable load change reactions.

The Kawa can do better than that. With fewer load change reactions and nicely linear power output, it appears more powerful despite the smaller displacement. You can cope with the fact that your switch box is less smooth. In terms of accuracy, it is hardly inferior to the Yamaha, but looks bony downwards. The four-cylinder runs rough, also hangs happily on the gas and does not save on performance or with bumblebees in the butt from 7000 tours. The Gailtalerin should like the vibrations.

Comparison test: middle class naked bikes part 2

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On the way to test victory: Kawasaki Z 750 R ahead of BMW F 800 R and Yamaha FZ8.

Jahn

The BMW F 800 R runs into the limiter at almost 9,000 revolutions, 2000 revolutions earlier than the two Japanese rivals.

The BMW is carved from a completely different cloth: In this trio, the twin represents the large-piston fraction. Anyone who now believes that large cylinder volumes result in a rich torque curve will be slightly disappointed, because the drop between 4400 rpm and 5400 rpm does not go unnoticed. Since the Bajuwarin is also blessed with the most imprecise switch box and the strongest load change reactions, all that remains is to escape into a round driving style in order to get out of the corner with a lot of momentum and thus save one or the other switching process. Due to the concept, the BMW produces significantly more and stronger vibrations. At just under 9000 revolutions, the limiter switches off the light, the two Japanese women only stop over 2000 revolutions later.

Up on the mountain it says: "My soup will I hom! Soup Hollaradulijoh." In this case, 95 octane soup is meant. Of which the BMW 5.5 and the two Japanese women treat themselves to 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers.

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The painted parts of the Yamaha FZ8 make a valuable impression, but are sensitive to scratches.

Even if the Watzmann, around whose summit, according to legend, always chases fog, is said to have no understanding – this does not apply to the test crew. The bikes are parked up on the mountain, the gaze wanders. On the one hand in the distance, on the other hand in the equipment list. The first takes a long time, the second only lasts a short time. Here, too, the worst hit is the Yamaha. It is the only one that does not have steel braided brake lines on board. Shift and brake levers are made from cheap stamped steel. The footrests have a rubber pad for this. The oil sight glass, which is useful in itself, is hidden behind the alternator regulator. The cockpit only reveals the most important information, but at least offers two trip counters. The frame and swingarm look high quality, with tasty welds, at least in the visible area. All painted parts, including the steel tank, make a valuable impression, but are sensitive to scratches. The luggage or pillion attachment requires some imagination due to the lack of hooks or handles.

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Kawasaki Z 750 R..

There is also a catch with the Kawa – the one for luggage. The steel bridge frame delights with perfect welds, but unfortunately the clear coat of the lacquered tank only takes second place in the fight against zippers. Your cockpit does not confuse the pilot with unnecessary information either. What is striking about the Z 750 R is that the form is the function of many components.

A reproach you definitely can’t make the BMW. From head to toe, it has the charisma, but also functionality, of an industrial robot. The fact that BMW tops the equipment list is due to the fact that hardly a cross was left out on the list of extras on the test machine. The bottom line is that at 9,760 euros it costs 765 euros more than the Kawasaki and even its 1,265 more than the Yamaha FZ8.

The matter is now clear to the test crew, we ask the beloved: "So dear Gailtalerin, who should be your Watzmann now?" "Oh, there are three hearts beating in my cleavage: For a very sporty ride, the kawa is best for me, so much strength and magnificence. If things can go a little more dignified, although not necessarily slower, I’d prefer the BMW. And the Yamaha is for two for romantic hours. Because from a sporting point of view, the little black woman cannot convince without a chassis push-up." Hollaradulijoh.

28 Pictures

Pictures: Comparison test: mid-range naked bikes 2011

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PS judgment / measured values

Markus Jahn

Romance on the Watzmann: Burnout in the sunset.

PS judgment

1st place: Kawasaki Z 750 R with 153 of 250 points
The update was worth it. The Kawa engine has always been crisp, now it hangs in such a chassis. The seating position is also pleasing. This is how shooting is fun! The swing arm and the tightened design are also appealing when the vehicle is stationary.

2nd place: BMW F 800 R with 151 out of 250 points
The BMW is of a completely different character. It scores less with emotion than with function, although the twin is also a real giver of joy. What annoys: the tinny sound and the high price.

3rd place: Yamaha FZ8 with 137 out of 250 points
The better is the good enemy. The Yamaha is not bad, but the much too soft suspension setup prevents a better place.

archive

Engine speed in 1 / min x 1000, power on the crankshaft, measurement on Dynojet roller test bench.

To the measured values

With 94 horses, BMW has seven more horses than stated. This almost compensates for the reduced performance of the Kawa (-5 PS) and Yamaha (-3PS) single-handedly. The performance increase of the Yamaha from 5500 rpm is much more noticeable in practice than with the BMW. The Kawa looks very linear, but also starts to tear violently at 6500 rpm. The torque curve of the BMW is not noticeable in a direct comparison, since the curve is above that of the other two anyway. In practice, the BMW twin has about 2000 revs less than the two four-cylinder engines at the same speed.

Acceleration** 0-100 km / h 0-150 km / h 0-200 km / h
BMW F 800 R. 3.7 s 7.3 s 15.8 s
Kawasaki Z 750 R. 3.7 s 6.2 s 14.3 s
Yamaha FZ8 3.8 s 7.2 s 15.3 s
Draft **

Top speed *

50-100 km / h 100-150 km / h BMW F 800 R. 5.1 s 5.9 s 210 km / h Kawasaki Z 750 R. 5.6 s 6.2 s 230 km / h Yamaha FZ8 5.9 s 6.8 s 218 km / h

* Manufacturer information ** PS measurement

28 Pictures

Pictures: Comparison test: mid-range naked bikes 2011

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Technical specifications

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At the finish line: Kawasaki Z 750 R ahead of BMW F 800 R and Yamaha FZ8.

Kawasaki Z 750 R.

Drive:
Four-cylinder in-line engine, four valves / cylinder, 78 kW (106 HP) at 10,500 / min *, 78 Nm at 8,300 / min *, 748 cm³, bore / stroke: 68.4 / 50.9 mm, compression ratio: 11, 3: 1, ignition / injection system, 32 mm throttle valves, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat, chain

Jahn

Test winner: Kawasaki Z 750 R.

Landing gear:
Bridge frame made of steel, steering head angle: 65.5 degrees, caster: 103 mm, wheelbase: 1440 mm, upside-down fork, Ø fork inner tube: 41 mm, adjustable in spring base and rebound. Central spring strut with deflection, adjustable in spring base and rebound. Suspension travel front / rear: 120/134 mm

Wheels and brakes:
Cast light alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17 "/5.50 x 17", front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 180/55 ZR 17, test tires: Dunlop D 210, front in "F", 310 mm double disc brakes with four pistons -Fixed calipers at the front, 250 mm single disc with single-piston floating caliper at the rear, ABS

Measurements and weight:
Length / width / height: 2060/840/1230 mm, seat / handlebar height: 820/1005 mm, handlebar width: 700 mm, 228 kg fully fueled, v./h .: 50/50%

Rear wheel power in last gear:
69.1 kW (94 PS) at 191 km / h

Consumption:
Fuel type: Super unleaded. Average test consumption: 7.3 liters / 100 km, tank capacity 18.5 liters, range: 250 km

Base price:
8995 Euro (plus ancillary costs)

BMW F 800 R.

Drive:
Two-cylinder in-line engine, four valves / cylinder, 64 kW (87 PS) at 8,000 / min *, 86 Nm at 6,000 / min *, 798 cm³, bore / stroke: 82.0 / 75.6 mm, compression ratio: 12, 0: 1, ignition / injection system, 46 mm throttle valves, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat, chain

Jahn

In second place: BMW F 800 R.

Landing gear:
Light alloy bridge frame, steering head angle: 65 degrees, caster: 91 mm, wheelbase: 1520 mm, telescopic fork, inner fork tube diameter: 43 mm. Directly hinged central spring strut, adjustable in spring base and rebound. Suspension travel front / rear: 125/125 mm

Wheels and brakes:
Cast light alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17 "/5.50 x 17", front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 180/55 ZR 17, test tires: Bridgestone BT 014 in "FF" and "RE", 320 mm double disc brakes with four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 265 mm single disc with single-piston floating caliper at the rear, ABS

Measurements and weight:
Length / width / height: 2010/880/1240 mm, seat / handlebar height: 795/1115 mm, handlebar width: 720 mm, 205 kg fully fueled, v./h .: 49.0 / 51.0%

Rear wheel power in last gear:
63.5 kW (86 PS) at 206 km / h

Consumption:
Fuel type: Super unleaded. Average test consumption: 5.5 liters / 100 km, tank capacity 16.0 liters, range: 290 km

Base price:
8,300 euros (plus ancillary costs, ABS 710 euros, on-board computer 145 euros, RDC 205 euros, heated grips 195 euros, LED indicators white 95 euros, socket 20 euros)

Yamaha FZ8

Drive:
Four-cylinder in-line engine, four valves / cylinder, 78 kW (106 HP) at 10000 / min *, 82 Nm at 8500 / min *, 779 cm³, bore / stroke: 68.0 / 53.6 mm, compression ratio: 12.0: 1, ignition / injection system, 35 mm throttle valves, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat, chain

Jahn

Has the red lantern: Yamaha FZ8.

Landing gear:
Light alloy bridge frame, steering head angle: 65.0 degrees, caster: 109 mm, wheelbase: 1460 mm, upside-down fork, Ø fork inner tube: 43 mm. Central spring strut with deflection, adjustable in the spring base. Suspension travel front / rear: 130/130 mm

Wheels and brakes:
Cast light alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17 "/5.50 x 17", front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 180/55 ZR 17, test tires: Bridgestone BT 21 in "BB", 310 mm double disc brakes with four -piston fixed -Saddles in front, 267 mm single disc with single-piston floating caliper in rear, ABS

Measurements and weight:
Length / width / height: 2012/840/1270 mm, seat / handlebar height: 805/1005 mm, handlebar width: 695 mm, 216 kg fully fueled, v./h .: 50/50%

Rear wheel power in last gear:
69.1 kW (94 PS) at 208 km / h

Consumption:
Fuel type: Super unleaded. Average test consumption: 7.3 liters / 100 km, tank capacity 17.0 liters, range: 230 km

Base price:

8,495 euros (plus ancillary costs)

* Manufacturer information ** PS measurement

28 Pictures

Pictures: Comparison test: mid-range naked bikes 2011

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