Mt 10

[AyJay]

Yup. I'll be getting one. Not this year (never buy version 1 of anything!) but I will get one. The press reports are pretty ecstatic and at 10k, it's a great buy.


In fact, wasn't the FZS 1000 £8200 back in 2001? So, in 15 years, Yamaha have only added £1800 quid to their top of the range naked bike. That's quite something.


I've been waiting for this bike for years because I like bent engines (V twins and especially V4s) for the perfect primary balance and engine note but they're usually more expensive than straight fours and a twat to work on, but with a cross plane crank, you get the best of both worlds. Cheap and characterful. I'd have bought a cross plane R1 but I can't tolerate the ultra sporty riding position these days. Too fat!

I'm a bit baffled at the claimed top speed though. 153mph. I know it's not a big deal, but doesn't the FZS do 155... ? I saw 170 on the clock chasing 12 Ferraris past Modena in Italy once... man, that was a fabulous day. I saw them coming up behind me at speed and watched as 355s, 550 Maranellos and a couple of 458s came past, so I pulled out and nailed it, looked in the mirrors and there was another half dozen Ferraris behind... I was sat in a very expensive queue and once past 150 fully loaded with luggage, the old girl started a gentle weave, but I kept it pinned...

Ahh.... summer holidays. I can recommend the hotel opposite the Ferrari factory gates, if anyone's interested. They do a mean steak in balsamic vinegar sauce and Modena's a very pretty town...