It looks to be a bigger twin, 900cc, according to Cycle World below. This may be the new TDR/ADV motor? More upright than the 09 and has actual throttle cables. http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/07/07/new-yamaha-parallel-twin-motorcycle-engine/
The 636 is a supersport bike and should be compared with the R6, not the mild FZ6. The R6 still has less torque, but similar HP. If you want torque, get a twin, my SV1000 has 70lbs/ft, but only 110HP (about equal to a 600 4 cylinder). And the reason that Triumphs and other triples race at 675cc is that less cylinders for a given displacement make less power, so they give them a slightly larger displacement. I believe the current supersport equation is 4 cylinders are 600cc, triples are 675cc, and twins are 750cc. Except in AMA DS, which allows almost anything, like the new 636 (with more weight) and Duc 848s. Also Superbike allows 1200cc twins to run against 1000 4s and probably 1100 triples?
this bike appeals to me, as a weekend dragon/us129 slayer... 414 pounds wet, torque throughout the powerband to come out of the turns.... unique style... 8 grand... looks comforable.. there's a lot to like.
Penny to a pound the MT-09 will sprout a version with a half fairing, larger subframe,seat & centre-stand just like the FZ8N became the FZ8S. The FZ8 is a unique engine (sleeved bore, 4 valve vs 5 valve head) in an oldish 1000cc chassis with a smaller seat & subframe as a stopgap model to compete in the huge Euro middleweight market. Its already left behind in it key markets & the bespoke middleweight platform of the MT-09/FZ09 is obvious for expansion. Check http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2013/July/jul0813-mt-09-beyond-the-hype/
I'm aware of that and already had a twin, the FZ6 is "tuned for torque" as the manufactureres like to call it compared to the R6 engine, but the 636 is much stronger down low. I was actually considering the SV, but I want ABS so..
Cortez, you may have an MT-09 available to you with ABS, but the FZ version was built to a price point for the USA, and no ABS will be available for us. That doesn't stop me from considering it, as I've only owned two bikes with ABS in my 45 years riding.
Yeah, we get everything here, FZ8 faired or naked, abs or not on both versions and same with MT09. Only trouble with FZ8 here is that it's a replacement for FZ6 that costs 30-40% more and people are just not buying it, while the FZ6 was a best-seller (along with the ER6 and Z750 in this price category).
My only fear is taking delivery of the FZ-09 and the next day Yamaha coming out with a half-fairing version that has more fuel capacity, longer travel, & a centerstand. I'm torn what to do.
Easy, do what I'm gonna' do: buy both (If, of course, they turn out as hoped.). You just have to commit to the cause.
Paulibiker, if the fairing, etc is really what you want in your next purchase, maybe hold off on the FZ purchase a while to see what is coming. Notice what Honda did with both the new 700 and 500cc twins platforms. They are making something it seems for everyone with the two, and state that more are to come soon. If Yamaha has taken the time to develop and produce both a new triple and a new twin engine, there will assuredly be several platforms coming for each engine, too... The new world wide model mode the manufacturers are entering, as of late...tp
A fairing isn't a big deal, extra fuel capacity & suspension travel would be nice. Or course that adds weight & cost.......
Just missing the "extra suspension travel" and a tad too much extra plastic. I think it would be OK without the < shaped plastic piece in front of the tank. Less to break, less cost, and less anime.
+1 We talk about wanting lighter, more powerful, more upright bikes that are reasonably priced and reliable, so we need to reward the manufacturers who answer the call.
Front end is HIDEOUS. Note the lack of flow to the headlight/screen/fairing piece. Reminds me too much of the current Tiger. Getting closer though, and I like the wheels a lot.
Same Luca Bar Design concept, but in yellow. The front end doesn't look quite so disjointed. I'm sure Yamaha designers will make it right...
I liked that color too, DirtDreamer. It looks great (and I mean GREAT!) on the bags, but it still doesn't fix the front end. I'm hoping Yamaha will, and I know it's considered blasphemy here on ADV, but I'd be all over a fully faired version.