Today, inline-four-powered middleweight motorcycles are a rare breed. But this was not the case a decade ago, with all the major manufacturers offering us four-cylinder sport bikes and naked bikes. Japanese motorcycle manufacturers were at the forefront of offering powerful bangers. Before Yamaha gained popularity with its CP2 and CP3 two- and three-cylinder engines, Yamaha pioneered the four-cylinder formula with its now forgotten naked bikes. We take an in-depth look at why the MT-09 Streetfighter predecessor was a killer motorcycle that competed with the big guns of the time like the Triumph Street Triple and Kawasaki Z750.
The dwindling world of affordable inline-four motorcycles
Downsizing is a common practice everywhere, even in cars. We are seeing new Ferraris with V6 engines, and the more popular Lamborghini engine today is not a V12 but a V8. This is a result of stringent criteria and funding restrictions. The motorcycle world is also paying the price as it is phasing out inline-four motorcycles, especially the high-revving motorcycles. There was a time when four-cylinder mills were a common sight, even in the quarter-litre class.
The late 1980s and 1990s were filled with four-cylinder pocket rockets like the Honda CBR250RR (MC22), Kawasaki ZXR400, Yamaha FZR400, and Suzuki GSX-R400. Moving up the ladder, the iconic likes of the Yamaha YZF-R6 and Honda CBR600F4i are four-cylinder middleweights that raise questions about the existence of even litre-class motorcycles. Among naked bikes, popular names include Honda CB400 Super Four, Suzuki Bandit 400 (GSF400), Kawasaki ZRX1200R and Yamaha FZ1.
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Parallel-twin and triple motorcycles are taking over
Compared to four-cylinder engines, parallel-twin and three-cylinder engines offer comparable performance and appeal at a smaller footprint and lower manufacturing costs. Mechanical complexity is less, and low-end torque is better because there are fewer pistons to move. Downsizing racing motorcycle engines has proven effective and helps manufacturers meet stringent emission norms. The most popular examples of excellent parallel-twin and three-cylinder motorcycles include the 2026 Yamaha MT lineup and Triumph’s three-cylinder naked.
There are some new affordable inline-four naked bikes available today
In 2026, the number of four-cylinder motorcycles is decreasing, and naked motorcycles are even fewer. But there are still plenty of options to choose from, giving riders ample options. Notable four-cylinder middleweight naked bikes include the Kawasaki Z900 and Z900RS, as well as the long-standing Suzuki GSX-S750 and GSX-S1000.
Honda offers the most vibrant lineup of four-cylinder nakeds, with six bikes in its portfolio. The middleweight bunch is unique with the CB650R e-clutch and the CB750 Hornet e-clutch. Both of these are the only middleweight naked motorcycles with electronic clutch systems. Yamaha also has a huge lineup of naked bikes courtesy of its MT lineup. Only the MT-10 pair packs a four-cylinder engine.
The cheapest inline-four naked to buy today is the forgotten Yamaha FZ8
Used prices start at $4,000
Currently, the cheapest new four-cylinder naked bike is the 2026 Honda CB650R e-Clutch, priced at $8,699. It’s a good value, but it can never match a solid used bike deal. Of course, technology has some limitations, and age can weaken reliability. However, this is not the case with the Yamaha FZ8 naked bike. Thanks to durable engineering and proven reliability, this forgotten 15-year-old naked bike still stands as a sturdy companion. The best part is that solid options, courtesy of CycleTrader, start at $4,000.
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The bridge between the FZ era and the MT revolution
The FZ era is highlighted by two distinctive motorcycles. The acclaimed FZ1 was powered by a Yamaha R1-derived engine, and the smaller FZ6 had a hidden hooligan side thanks to the retuned R6 engine. The FZ1 was renowned for being a solid sport-tourer, and the FZ6 was an everyday streetfighter. Therefore, there was a demand and shortage for a more powerful but accessible middleweight naked bike.
This is where the FZ8 fits in perfectly, packing a downsized four-cylinder engine based on the FZ1’s mill. Even the chassis is shared with the sport-tourer. The FZ era is known for a mature stance, while a sinister, hooligan attitude characterizes the current MT series. The FZ8, thanks to its shared components, blends both worlds and hence acts as a bridge between these two stages of Yamaha naked bikes.
Powered by a Yamaha FZ1-derived four-cylinder engine
Yamaha FZ8 has a 779 cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine. This engine was specifically designed to bring balance to the wild side of 600 cc middleweight engines and the overkill group of 1,000 cc mills. so, YAMAHA Removed all preconceived notions about engine size and designed the FZ8 mill to provide the perfect balance of accessible performance. The result was a motorcycle with the accessible performance of the 600, but with the instant torque and power of a litre-class machine.
In fact, its efforts to boost low- and mid-range performance are quite impressive, thanks to the ECU’s real-time processing of engine RPM and throttle-opening readings. It uses a new stepper motor to control the sub-throttle valves and optimize volumetric efficiency across the entire rev range. The FZ8 produces 106.2 horsepower at 10,000 RPM and 60.48 pound-feet at 8,000 RPM. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The shared underpinnings gave it the appeal of a big bike
It uses a twin-spar frame shared with the FZ1, mated to an aluminum die-cast swingarm like the larger FZ1. It is attached to an aluminum die-cast swingarm, which helps increase the effectiveness of the rear spring. Suspension duties are handled by 43 mm inverted forks at the front and a swingarm-linked monoshock. While earlier models were non-adjustable, post-2013 models were upgraded with fully adjustable front forks and preload-adjustable rear shocks.
Braking duties are courtesy of dual 310 mm discs mated to twin four-piston monobloc calipers. It rolls on naked Yamaha five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels wrapped with 120-section front and 180-section rear tyres. The lightweight nature of the rims helps reduce unsprung mass. This improves cornering stability and overall handling
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Compact dimensions, comfortable ergonomics, and surprisingly practical sides
The FZ8 is compact with a 57.5-inch wheelbase and a curb weight of 476 pounds. Despite its aggressive, muscular visual appeal, the FZ8 has a comfortable side to it, with comfortable ergonomics and the ability to last all day. It’s also travel-ready with the right add-on features. Yamaha also offers many accessories for it. Notable ones include a flyscreen, a rear carrier, a 46-liter top case, a passenger backrest, and even heated grips.
The FZ8 reminds us of Yamaha’s middleweight naked greatness that could have been
The FZ8 was a very desirable naked bike that fell victim to Yamaha’s shift towards the MT-09 triple and MT-07 twin streetfighters. The FZ8 offers balanced performance, looks, comfort, handling and refinement. Today, due to depreciation, this used Yamaha is a steal deal that many people are unaware of. We would suggest opting for the 2013+ model to get a more adaptive suspension setup. Beyond that, the Yamaha FZ8 is a great way to experience Yamaha’s four-cylinder heritage and what it would have been like if it had stayed a middleweight and evolved into a potential rival to the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP.
Sources: Yamaha EU, OurMotorcycle World, Bennetts UK, Biker-Mag and Total Motorcycle.
