In 2008, Yamaha released the FZ1, a semi-faired machine, part of the second generation manufactured from 2006 to 2015. When it first appeared in 2006, the FZ1 was a completely different model from the ones manufactured from 2001 to 2005.
The second generation machines were introduced with a new chassis and a diamond-shaped aluminum frame with the engine as a stressed member, a new suspension, a new bodywork, and a different engine borrowed from the 2006 YZF-R1, tuned for better mid-range torque.
The 2008 Yamaha FZ1 was fitted with standard features, such as a two-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a black-finished engine, a front cowl with a double headlight design and a small windscreen, and five-spoke cast aluminum wheels.
A year before the 2008 Yamaha FZ1 was released, Yamaha revised the rear suspension by softening the rear spring and updated the fuel injection system, which reduced the throttle snatch to normal by slowing the secondary butterfly opening.
In terms of power, the 2008 Yamaha FZ1 boasted 150 hp at 11,000 rpm and 89 Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque with a maximum peak at 8,000 rpm from a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled unit.
Also, the power provided by the engine was taken by a six-speed manual transmission, converting it to motion and sending it to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to 247 kph (153 mph).