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Video: Yamaha FZ8 v Monster 796 v Shiver v Street Triple v Z750

By MCN -

First rides & tests

02 June 2010 10:21

The middleweight class has expanded in all senses this year, with the appearance of three new larger-capacity bikes: The Yamaha FZ8, Ducati Monster 796 and the revised Aprilia Shiver 750.

They're all hoping to beat the class-leading Triumph Street Triple and good-value Kawasaki Z750, but are they up to the task? Watch the video to find out.

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User's Badge

philthewindsurfer says

My view

I've had a Street Triple for 2 1/2 years, and done 9,500 miles on it. For having fun on the road its the best bike I've had. Revvy engine, torquey, amazing sound, light, good mpg, its been brilliant. I'm not surprised it still wins tests. Not great for touring as the suspension is a bit hard/harsh. But its designed for that. I've also got an XJR1300 which I've had for 7 years, 43,000 miles. Great for touring on, reliable, comfortable and extremely torquey. The trouble is when I get to the Alpes/Black Forest or wherever in comfort, I wish I had the ST.

Now I'd like something with a fairing for additional comfort. I've had a go on the FZ8 and reckon its fine. Add the fairing it it will fit my needs perfectly. Should be a briliant sports/tourer. So its goodbye ST/XJR, hello Fazer 800. Well, hello in mid July apparently.

08 June 2010 18:21

User's Badge

steady2wheelssays

street triple

Truth be told i dont think that ChingoBling even rides or if he does hasnt done for very long. 'let's see some data'... why? Who cares, just because a bike is quicker from 0-60 doesnt make it the best, that seems like a pretty juvenile immature thing to say, the sort of thing you expect to hear form a 15 year old 'how fat do that go mista'. Besides this type of bike isnt just about all out performance, that's what we have zx10r's and r1's for. I have ridden the street triple, and my oppinion is definitly not bias as im certainly a kawasaki loyalist and couldnt care too much if it's british. but any hoo yes i have ridden the street triple and thought it to be the most fun iv had in two wheels in such a long time, it's like rideing an extremely powerful supermotard, a bag of laughs, and i can 100% see why everyone loves them. I wouldnt own one personaly though as I like to scare myself silly at times and am currently drooling over the new z1000. p.s what the hell were yamaha thinking with that exhaust!

07 June 2010 23:56

LaughMuBai says

Nice one Chris! I guess those criticizing overlooked that the T-STREET-T has wiped the floor in many other reviews for the same reasons MCN describe.

I do know of riders that rely on stats and they're the types who frequently don’t bother with a test ride B4 buying, followed by a quick sell when the reality of a ride sets in. The dealers must love stat people.

Anyway, I can't wait for 'ChingoBling's' FREE unbiased statistical video review on his own website available to us all...

07 June 2010 19:39

User's Badge Expert Staff

ChrisNewbiggingsays

Wrong (again)...

Chingobling - the bike in the picture you're referring to is a Speed Four test bike I had several years ago - that picture was taken at the 2007 Thundersprint. Before the Street Triple was introduced, in fact. That particular bike wouldn't have given me reason to form a Triumph bias - it was a category C write off, and used bikes go, a pretty unloved one. And why would we take naked road bikes to a track? They'd do it, but that's not what they're for. Performance data doesn't always reflect the bike that's best to ride either - the Kawasaki or the Yamaha are probably the most powerful, but they're not the most enjoyable to ride. This isn't a test for spec sheet warriors - we rode the bikes in their natural environment to come to a conclusion. 'Some bloke's preference might be irrelevant in your eyes, but 'some bloke' will be the one parting with cash to buy these bikes - not an acceleration data sheet.

07 June 2010 10:51