FZ6R mini review, 2 weeks in

[wolf46]

Well went out for my 1st more than 50-60 mile ride today (around 150). 1st, power is great even on highway passing haven't really had to downshift, just twist the throttle. Even though still in break-in I rode bit harder today, taking it thru higher rpms shifting thru the gears getting onto the highway and twisted the throttle few times from about 70mph to 90ish and once to 110 but pulled back and again coming from cruisers was surprised how quickly that happened as I'm not much of a 100mph+ rider, just wanted to see it. One thing after doing about 40 miles on highway at around 75-80mph (which on I95 is about what you have to do just keeping with traffic) I really need bit bigger shield as alot of wind hitting the helmet and was a strain on the neck. The seat is still pretty firm and might do the cheap thing and get sheepskin or gel pad for when I take a trip or two this summer from RI to Pittsburgh, PA. Other than those two things the positioning was very comfortable with no leg cramping, no hands going numb or any other discomforts. I think with just bit cushier seat (yeah I have a bony a$$), bigger shield and gps mount and wiring this will be a great all around bike for commuting, day riding on weekends and touring. I'm very happy so far (even though my necks bit sore, well not really sore but tired) and I can see having this bike quite a long time. To go along with the cortech saddlebags I bought a cortech tank bag today but haven't tried it out yet (want to put a good coat of wax on the tank 1st).
Oh, finally calculated MPG at 41.9, again I was going up and down the rev range pretty good.

[caddydaddy]

I sat on an FZ6R this weekend, and was shocked at how heavy it was to pick up off the stand!  For a bike that is geared towards women riders, it seemed very top heavy.  My Sprint ST with the bags on is easier to get off the stand!    I sat on a '09 Ninja 650R and it was a much easier bike to pick up.
  I'm sure the FZ6R is a great bike once underway, but not the right bike for the short-legged female rider I was with looking for a light sport bike!

[2Pokey]

I sat on an FZ6R this weekend, and was shocked at how heavy it was to pick up off the stand!  For a bike that is geared towards women riders, it seemed very top heavy.  My Sprint ST with the bags on is easier to get off the stand!    I sat on a '09 Ninja 650R and it was a much easier bike to pick up.
  I'm sure the FZ6R is a great bike once underway, but not the right bike for the short-legged female rider I was with looking for a light sport bike!

I am suprised that it feels so heavy. Must be the tube steel frame instead of the FZ6 aluminum frame and the additional tupperware.

Advertised weights

Sprint ST 470 lbs dry
FZ6R 460 lbs wet
650R 440 lbs curb

[wolf46]

Funny, I thought it felt pretty light. Then again my last bike was a vtx1300, that was a heavy sucker.

[chornbe]

I read your review and have one question...

Pittsburg is one of those places people are FROM, not where they go. Why on God's Green Earth would you ever subject yourself to that?

[wolf46]

Well outside Pittsburgh, my mom and brother live there. Some day would like to go to a Steelers home game as I've been a fan since 2nd grade which is when I lived there, that was, well 39 years ago

[ctbandit]

Your neck soreness might be from gripping the bars too hard. I used to get sore on longer rides, but when I made a conscious effort to relax more I felt a lot better.

[wolf46]

No, I could physically feel holding my head up at 75+, could feel the wind pushing my head back and my straining to hold level. When riding the smaller roads at lower speeds don't have any problem with any strain. I just think finding a different windscreen that directs the wind higher on the helmet is the key, or trying putting some kind of lip on top of the screen might deflect the wind more. If anyone has an idea on that would be great.

[Jay S.]

Wolf,

I have been a 10+ year cruiser rider so your post really hit me. I've owned a couple VTX's myself and currently own a Vulcan 900 Classic LT. I want to build a midsize sport tourer and have really been considering an FZ-6R. If possible, can you tell me how the power feels after a drop in CC's like that. I know an inline 4 has got to feel quite different than a V-twin. Just curious about the difference, considering the drop in CC's if I settle on a 600/650. Thanks!

Jay.

[wolf46]

Wolf,

I have been a 10+ year cruiser rider so your post really hit me. I've owned a couple VTX's myself and currently own a Vulcan 900 Classic LT. I want to build a midsize sport tourer and have really been considering an FZ-6R. If possible, can you tell me how the power feels after a drop in CC's like that. I know an inline 4 has got to feel quite different than a V-twin. Just curious about the difference, considering the drop in CC's if I settle on a 600/650. Thanks!

Jay.

Cruisers have more torque from start but the inline 4 (this one, not the supersports because they're more top speed) has plenty of low end not having to rev it out. The engine is VERY smooth and cruises highway speeds great AND handles slow manuevering much better than a cruiser. Might someday want another cruiser for a 2nd bike but glad I made the switch.

[Jay S.]

Cruisers have more torque from start but the inline 4 (this one, not the supersports because they're more top speed) has plenty of low end not having to rev it out. The engine is VERY smooth and cruises highway speeds great AND handles slow manuevering much better than a cruiser. Might someday want another cruiser for a 2nd bike but glad I made the switch.

Thanks for the reply. That is exactly what I was hoping to hear. Something that is fun on the twisty back roads but can cruise comfortably on the interstate as well. I keep reading a lot of posts about Yamaha's being "buzzy" on the interstate. Your thoughts on that?

[wolf46]

On another forum just for FZ6R some have complained about buzziness at one spot on the rpm range but I haven't experienced that and have had it about year and a half now. Throttle hand will sometimes after long time in one position gets bit numb but had it more so with the VTX so think it's fine. Does take some getting used to having the revs much higher than v-twin but you soon realize that the engine was made to higher rev and you're not doing damage to the engine. Engine seems well built and should last as long as any motorcycle engine with proper maintenance. Kind of miss the shaft drive but the chain if you're not stunting (which I don't, though just for Sand G did pull front off ground few times in parking lot) doesn't need adjusting often.

[Jay S.]

On another forum just for FZ6R some have complained about buzziness at one spot on the rpm range but I haven't experienced that and have had it about year and a half now. Throttle hand will sometimes after long time in one position gets bit numb but had it more so with the VTX so think it's fine. Does take some getting used to having the revs much higher than v-twin but you soon realize that the engine was made to higher rev and you're not doing damage to the engine. Engine seems well built and should last as long as any motorcycle engine with proper maintenance. Kind of miss the shaft drive but the chain if you're not stunting (which I don't, though just for Sand G did pull front off ground few times in parking lot) doesn't need adjusting often.

Thanks again. I'm about 99% settled on this bike. Just have to sell my Vulcan now...

 

[Jay S.]

Thanks for all the reviews Wolf. I just pulled the trigger and got a 2010 in black...rode it about 60 miles before I went home. Loved every single mile. I just parted with my last cruiser! It was nice to hear from someone who went from a V-twin cruiser to an FZ6R. Put my mind at ease a little bit. Thanks again.

 

[Rincewind]

Thanks for all the reviews Wolf. I just pulled the trigger and got a 2010 in black...rode it about 60 miles before I went home. Loved every single mile. I just parted with my last cruiser! It was nice to hear from someone who went from a V-twin cruiser to an FZ6R. Put my mind at ease a little bit. Thanks again.

 

Nice choice Jay!  I love the gold wheels - that's a very good-looking bike.  

[Jay S.]

Nice choice Jay!  I love the gold wheels - that's a very good-looking bike.  

I could not agree more!   I went in looking for blue and then saw the black and gold. Love it.

[J-Mac]

My Wife rides the FZ6R and loves it! She came off a Vulcan 800, and never looked back.

I rode it to work once, just for the initial break-in. It seemed a little weak compared to my ZX-14 at the time, but did offer more low end grunt than I expected.

We put the Roaring Toyz lowering link on the back, and raised the forks the same amout. She seems to like it, even though I've never ridden it since the change.

It's a good bike.

[tjhess74]

puig makes a nice taller windscreen.  im 6' and the wind now hits my upper shoulders, but the pushing effect on my helmet is greatly reduced.  i recently did a 1k mile trip on her and the only gripe i have is about the seat.  certainly a great bike!