Yamaha 2009 Lineup

[RedX7]

The only think I like about the new FZ6R is the available pearl white color, I think it would look fantastic.....

Normally, I would totally agree with you on this. As pearl white is one of my favorite colors, but look closely at the tribal-ish flames. They appear to be pink. Not so cool.

 

[nimzotech]

The 2009 FZ6 R looks to me like a in-between Kawasaki Ninja 250 and a Suzuki GSX (250cc if they had one). On another note, I like the new seat and the fact that the handlebars are adjustable. I'm not a big fan of the new colors, but I understand marketing needs to attract female customers. I'd be happy with the black or dark blue version.

 

[agmom98]

My first reaction was "what the heck is this???" But then I read through the spec's and could see just what the FZ6R is all about. In the overview they made it quite obvious that this bike is targeting the new rider. So my vote is "meh..." (LOL) with the others here.

I was relieved to see that there have been no changes to the 2nd generation FZ6.

 

[antijoy]

FZ6R, why'd they call it that? I like the full fairing and new look, but with a new frame, different body work, redesigned engine, smaller tank, etc.., what does it have in common with the FZ6? At least in Europe they used a different name.

I'm also glad they still make a real FZ6. I just bought my 08 at the end of July, at least these aren't available until January.

I'm curious to see the new speedo and tach on the 09 FZ6. I like the look of the 07 & 08 gauges, I'm surprised they changed them again.

And could someone/anyone please tell me more about this new seat on the FZ6? I've seen the 08's from Europe have this seat as well, seems like the US should of had it in 08 too. Is it more comfy than the older seat, it sure looks ALOT nicer.

 

[agmom98]

And could someone/anyone please tell me more about this new seat on the FZ6? I've seen the 08's from Europe have this seat as well, seems like the US should of had it in 08 too. Is it more comfy than the older seat, it sure looks ALOT nicer.

That looks like the Yamaha Comfort Gel Seat. I hope not, though. I bought one and it's worse than the stock seat...very hard, doesn't conform because of the gel pad, even after 10,000 miles of use.

You may be thinking of the description commentary for the FZ6R. The instrument cluster on the FZ6 remains unchanged from '07 and '08. From the Yamaha FZ6 "Features" section:
::LCD two-color instrument display with integrated bar-type tachometer on the left, and numerical speedometer in the center—also two tripmeters, clock, fuel, intake air temperature and water temperature gauges, and usual indicator lights.::

 

[tom5796]

And still no naked in the US... Yamaha: it's not that difficult. Really.

 

[Sosu2211]

And still no naked in the US... Yamaha: it's not that difficult. Really.

That really is crazy... Here in France they sell *way* more naked FZ6's than the standard ones! Yamaha must be losing a ton of cash in lost sales

Currently at my local dealer here, they have a 2008 Fazer that has been on promotion for about 4 months with no takers. The price is dropped every few weeks, and still no takers. Atm, it has almost Euro1000 off the full retail price. In the same time period they have sold 10+ naked FZ6's off the floor!

 

[D-Mac]

Hmmm....not too impressed, but I guess it makes some sense in marketing to a growing segment of first-time/returning riders. Looks like a front-heavy clone of a Suzuki. I do like the air scoops though (decorative I assume).

While I'd love to raise my seat, the one on the FZ6R looks like a plank. I don't to trade comfort for being able to raise/lower it a bit. I could be wrong of course, although I really like my stock seat. Adjustable bars might be good if the range is wide enough.

Frame, brakes, forks not improved (worse actually). Losing tank capacity doesn't make sense either. Clearly these are compromises for pricing?? Such changes are probably ok given lower power this thing puts out. Question - does it have more torque down low? This would be an advantage to some I guess. Why go to a steel frame? Cost?

I love the half-fairing on the FZ6. Unless that new fairing protects really well I'm not sure it's worth the hassle. New buyers often want one though. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Where would you put FRAME SLIDERS on this thing? Looks like you'd have to cut though that big piece of smooth plastic. NOT GOOD. Any bike with this much plastic being sold to noobs had better accomodate sliders easily! Of course Yamaha would be happy to sell you new plastic I guess.

That exhaust looks downright weird. I like the Buell/Versys style, but this thing looks like they forgot to put on the muffler. Obviously something that needs to be seen in-person before passing judgement.

All-in-all I bet it'll sell. With this many changes I don't get why they didn't just make an I-2 and compete directly with the Ninja 250R. That would sell better.

I'm also relieved. I have a habit of buying bikes that are immediately discontinued after my purchase!

The mark-up on the FZ6 is pretty steep too. Compare an '07 FZ6 to the '09FZ6R and it's clear where the bargain is (assuming you can find an 07 FZ6 at a dealer - I did).

I guess we'd better be nice and make room for a whole new group of FZ6 owners!!

 

[pooty]

---meh---me too. i was fully prepared to trade the 06 fz6 and the 02 warrior on a new 09. not now. i will still "go take a look" but am way happy with the 06

 

[ryanFZ6]

the pearl white would have been so sweet if they left off what look like pink stripes.

that must be the worst stock fender i've ever seen on a bike. first mod would definitely be a fender eliminator...

 

[antijoy]

You may be thinking of the description commentary for the FZ6R. The instrument cluster on the FZ6 remains unchanged from '07 and '08. From the Yamaha FZ6 \\"Features\\" section:
::LCD two-color instrument display with integrated bar-type tachometer on the left, and numerical speedometer in the center—also two tripmeters, clock, fuel, intake air temperature and water temperature gauges, and usual indicator lights.::

Your right, this description is the same for the 08 and the 09. I guess I was confused since mine has an analog needle style tachometer (what is bar-type?) on the right (not left). The "LCD two-color instrument display" confused me too, I must not have counted black as a color.

 

[poorwboy]

Isnt the 09 r1 suppose to have 200 whp. That is rediculous.

 

[Cloned]

Nothing new for the FZ6? At least give us new colors! What the hell? I guess they spent all they're time making a GSX-R knockoff with old technology.

I do like the new R1 though.

 

[Hellgate]

-steel frame
-spindly looking steel swingarm.
-crap looking foot controls with integrated passenger peg mounts a-la Kawasaki 650 Ninja
-SMALLER front forks
-crap calipers
-ugly ass muffler

Icky.....

 

[fzinger]

I agree. I think GSXR when I look at the front end. Tho having the exhaust sticking out from the bottom is kinda cool, from the pictures I think the FZ6R's exhaust looks so out of place. Also the frame looks like its tubular steel instead of aluminum. It is also about 10 lbs heavier wet than the FZ6 (459 vs 470), I guess fairings are heavy . I really like how Yamaha has a bunch of paint options for the FZ6R. I wish they'd do the same for the FZ6. I hope the FZ6R was not meant to replace the FZ6. Between the two I think the FZ6 is a better motorcycle over all, especially with a centerstand. The more I look at the specs and the pictures it seems Yamaha is targeting the GSX650F.

+1

Def targeted at the GSX650F. Still prefer my '07, though some will surely dig the full fairing. But for the few extra bucks, anyone who does their homework should still be leaving the dealer with a standard FZ6. WHOLE lot more bike for the little extra dough!

 

[oldtimer]

whew - I just picked up an '08. I was tempted to wait for the '09 but hoped for the best that there woudln't be any drastic changes to the FZ6.

the FZ6R isn't bad, but why the fairing for the beginner? Beginners drop bikes - the fairings are going to cost a lot to replace if they get dinged up.

LOVE the FZ6R seat - wish they could make that available for the regular FZ6....

 

[OneTrack]

Funny, the MSRP price of the '09 FZ6 did not change in Canada... still $9299, same as last year. The FZ6R is a full $1000 cheaper at $8299....

Yes, that is indeed curious....
My initial reaction to seeing the pic of the FZ6R was NICE...:thumbup:
However, when I started reading the features and specs I thought HUH....?
Not my cup of tea, thank you very much. I own the better bike.

 

[mglowe]

FZ6R, why'd they call it that? ...

BorRowed parts from various years I suppose. Name pulled from a hat... ...who knows?

I don't care for it much, but it was not targeted to my generation either.

 

[Scott C]

Smartest move Yamaha could of made. They are going to sell a ton of them. Name one other bike with that good of looks (full fairing) , similar seating position, and similar performance with an I4 engine in that price range. There isnt one in the US that comes to mind.

Sure I wouldnt buy one, but... Looks to me like its marketed to those that "think" they want to stop driving there gas guzzler and get a bike but know the ninja 250 is way to small. I work with three people that bought bikes when gas was $4.45 a gal. All of them have less than one thousand miles on them after 3 or 4 months. Mine had that the first week.

There are so many new riders on the road out here its not even funny. I know I'm going to see a ton of these around cause price sells and my local dealer couldnt keep the FZ6 in stock this year and is currently out of them. I can think of a few guys that are scared of the power their 600's have and openly admit they have never seen anything over 7000-8000 rpm because of it.

Now to try and get rid of my 07 FZ6 and move up to a liter bike.

 

[xj750_Pete]

Have to agree with most, the looks of the bike excited me, as I love the gixxer look but the \"de-tuned\" aspects of the bike make it a big step down from the FZ6.

How about the new R1 though!

-Crossplane crankshaft
-D-mode driving: basically rider-selectable throttle control
-Gear indicator
-electronics steering damper
-new lightweight CF die-cast magnesium frame
-redesgined exhaust and bodywork including projector headlights

and I love this paint scheme.

Pretty snazzy.

New R1 is very sexy :drool:
I cant believe Yamaha is actually going to use the YZR-M1's engine firing order on a produciton bike. Very exciting! I can't wait to hear the new R1's with a nice slip-on. Also very curious to see how it performs on the dyno. From an aesthetic point of view, everything looks awesome, even the aggressive Wall-E eyes. Looking forward to reading the comparos in the magazines...