2015 Yamaha FZ-07 - First Look

With the FZ-09, Star Bolt and YZ250F all being such huge sales hits, Yamaha appears ready to knock it out of the park with another exciting new offering: the all-new 2015 FZ-07.

On deck for a midsummer release, the $6,990 “entry-level” FZ-07 features a 689cc liquid-cooled, dohc, eight-valve parallel-twin that runs a “cross-plane” 270-degree crank. Peak power output is a claimed 74 horsepower and 50 pound-feet of torque, and the engine is said to offer outstanding low to midrange grunt with strong pull up top, too. While we’d normally be suspect of “power everywhere” claims such as these, we’ve already ridden the FZ-09, which will go down in the record books as one of the most entertaining new bikes for 2014.

The FZ-07’s compact engine serves as a stressed member in the diamond-type, backbone high-tensile-steel frame to reduce weight. When I threw a leg over the machine at Yamaha’s tech preview, I found the FZ-07 to be narrow in its midsection, which makes its 31.7-inch seat height feel lower than it actually is. What’s more, with a 55.1-inch wheelbase, a 24-degree rake and a claimed wet weight of 397 pounds with the slim 3.7-gallon tank topped, the 2015 Yamaha FZ-07 promises light and sporty road manners.

More proof that the FZ-07 is not your typical entry-level machine is the dash. It’s a full LCD unit featuring a digital bar-type tachometer, a gear position indicator, a digital speedometer, an odometer, dual trip meters, a fuel gauge, a fuel reserve trip meter, and a clock. It also provides instant and average fuel consumption, plus a full array of warning and indicator lights.

On the hardware front, the Yamaha FZ-07 is fitted with a 41mm fork, dual floating front brake discs with four-piston calipers, 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels and a 180/55ZR-17 rear radial. Clearly, there’s a level of refinement and style here that belies the FZ-07’s bargain price, and we can’t wait to ride this new Yamaha. Soon.