Cross-plane crank FZ1 Fazer on the way

French mag Motorevue gets the heads-up on new R1-engined musclebike

FINALLY, it sounds like Yamaha has got its act together and sorted out the future of the FZ1 Fazer - by plonking the cross-plane crank motor from the 2009 R1 in it.

According to rumours whipping their way around Europe this morning, Yamaha is all set to update the model, which has been in circulation since 2005, with the new motor and upgraded suspension, six-pot brakes and a new R1-inspired face.Yamaha insiders have let slip that the bike won't be around for at least a year yet though, expect to see it around in the 2010 bike shows first to go on sale in 2011.

The picture is a photoshopped-job of what the FZ1 could look like - and we reckon it looks good.