Originally, I planned to buy a FZ1 and went with an FZ8 for more local riding instead. I enjoy the FZ8 for around town riding, but was not really able to explain why on paper, I just knew it was fun to ride when I bought it. Also, while riding with groups, I could not help but notice how much easier a FZ8 takes off from a light than other high rpm sport bikes. While doing some recent FZ1 research reconsidering one for doing longer multi-day trips, I found this explanation below about the FZ8 helpful and interesting. There really are differences between these two FZ8/FZ1 bikes, and it's not just related to different cam profiles. Clearly, the FZ1 has a lot more horsepower too. Also, I've seen a few posts by a few former FZ8 owners on other forums who recently sold their FZ8s and changed to new bikes, unfortunately realizing afterwards why the FZ8 was so much fun to ride in town compared to their new higher rpm Triumph triples and larger 1000cc liter bikes. And, of course the FZ-09 fills a whole different niche but the FZ8 does fill a particular gap for some, and it still does for me around town and half day canyon runs - still a lot of fun.
Clip from Cycle World a few years back, quote:
"Sharing identical chassis geometry to the FZ1, the 8 is notably lighter on its feet, mostly due to a 30-percent reduction of crankshaft inertia and a 0.5-inch narrower rear wheel. With its ample amount of steering-lock sweep, low-speed maneuverability in and about town is excellent.
The cockpit is narrow in the midsection, helping to broaden the appeal of its 32.1-inch high seat and allowing an easier reach to the ground at stops. The six-speed gearbox uses a lower first-gear ratio and shorter final gearing than that of the FZ1, making for ultra-easy, smooth departures from a standstill. A feathery-light-clutch pull, slick-shifting transmission and spot-on fuel mapping combine with very low vibes and plentiful bottom-to-mid rpm torque delivery, allowing a super-fluid, casual cruise in route to the canyons.".
Clip from Cycle World a few years back, quote:
"Sharing identical chassis geometry to the FZ1, the 8 is notably lighter on its feet, mostly due to a 30-percent reduction of crankshaft inertia and a 0.5-inch narrower rear wheel. With its ample amount of steering-lock sweep, low-speed maneuverability in and about town is excellent.
The cockpit is narrow in the midsection, helping to broaden the appeal of its 32.1-inch high seat and allowing an easier reach to the ground at stops. The six-speed gearbox uses a lower first-gear ratio and shorter final gearing than that of the FZ1, making for ultra-easy, smooth departures from a standstill. A feathery-light-clutch pull, slick-shifting transmission and spot-on fuel mapping combine with very low vibes and plentiful bottom-to-mid rpm torque delivery, allowing a super-fluid, casual cruise in route to the canyons.".