Why buy an FZ?

[rexmitchell]

I'm sure this is a repost but I searched and couldn't find an article I was looking for. My questions is why an FZ6? I loved my R1 and thats why I am considering a FZ instead of some of the other upright sportbikes, what are some pro's and cons of the bike? What sets it apart from the 650r, or a SV? Again sorry if this is a repost but I love the look of the FZ's just want to know what if any dirt they have on them. Thanks Rex

 

[darkrider]

For me it was a great bike at a great price!

 

[rexmitchell]

For me it was a great bike at a great price!

I agree on the price, I have seen some newer models 03 and up with under 15k for around 2900-3800.

 

[MyFirstBike]

For me, it was what i could find on craigslist for a deal... afterwards..i couldn't be happier.. I am though a bit sad on how it's not like a superbike. I'll probably buy an r6 next summer.... but yeah..my deal was this...'06 candy red fz6 with 4500 miles on it. frame sliders, two motorcycle covers, one disc brake lock, one chain lock, a battery charger with terminals already connected to the battery so i dont have to lift the tank, and a helmet with bag. he listed for $4500 but i bought it for $3800... the bike was in showroom condition, kept it really clean and took care of the bike really well... what else should you expect from an MSF instructor.. yep.. he taught the msf courses and he was even giving me a few lessons when i went to check out the bike.....left there with empty pockets but got home with a new toy to enjoy.

 

[Mexi-can't]

They're hard to beat for the money. I picked up my current 06 with 2800 miles for less than 3k.

 

[manas12]

I'm sure this is a repost but I searched and couldn't find an article I was looking for. My questions is why an FZ6? I loved my R1 and thats why I am considering a FZ instead of some of the other upright sportbikes, what are some pro's and cons of the bike? What sets it apart from the 650r, or a SV? Again sorry if this is a repost but I love the look of the FZ's just want to know what if any dirt they have on them. Thanks Rex

If you had an R1 and now want a more upright bike, why not go for the FZ1? Those bikes have a similar ride position to the FZ6 and you won't feel the power difference by switching to a 600.

Coming back to question of why the FZ6? Because it does what it was built to do and then some. It is a good street bike, well suited for city driving with the upright position, shorter turning radius, and more than enough low end to zip around town. And once you let it loose over 8k+ rpms it becomes a totally different beast. So again, if you are coming from an R1, I would suggest you look at the FZ1 first but if you have decided on a 600, I would say go for the FZ6.

-Manas.

 

[audible]

Good price and all around bike. :thumbup: Pretty to look at, comfy, I keep up with buddy on his Kawasaki Z750s no problem, affordable. Oh, do not have to pay the crazy super-bike insurance rates, but to the untrained eye...people still think it is a "crotch-rocket".................
:Sport:

 

[rexmitchell]

If you had an R1 and now want a more upright bike, why not go for the FZ1? Those bikes have a similar ride position to the FZ6 and you won't feel the power difference by switching to a 600.

Coming back to question of why the FZ6? Because it does what it was built to do and then some. It is a good street bike, well suited for city driving with the upright position, shorter turning radius, and more than enough low end to zip around town. And once you let it loose over 8k+ rpms it becomes a totally different beast. So again, if you are coming from an R1, I would suggest you look at the FZ1 first but if you have decided on a 600, I would say go for the FZ6.



-Manas.

On your first question, I already own a 1000 currently, and my RC51 gets bad gas mileage. Also my significant other wants her own bike, while I am hesitant to put her on an I4 as her first street bike, she has ridden dirt for a while and is pretty self controlled. Have her going through the MSF course, also she will only want to ride when I do, and I'm tired of commuting on my RC, tires are getting expensive....so in the end I will be riding it to and from work, with her riding it when we both go out. If it was strictly for me I would be going after a FZ1, but the 6 should have better mpg and I think she will be able to handle it better.


What does the fz6 redline at? Not that it matters but what is the top end like? Top speed?

 

[Mexi-can't]

Redline is 14k, top speed will show up as 158/159 indicated which GPS showed to be just shy of 140.

 

[rexmitchell]

Redline is 14k, top speed will show up as 158/159 indicated which GPS showed to be just shy of 140.

Thats what I figured, thats pretty far off on the speedo....I figured it would have only been like 10 mph not 20

 

[Nefilim]

Well, first off, it's aesthetically pleasing. The Katana and such just look a bit... eh. They're beginning to look outdated while the FZ6 and FZ1 still maintain a very unique profile. I've never heard anything bad about the way it looks.

Second, it's already pretty much optioned out. I have an S2 so I'm not sure what the earlier models are like beyond that their tach was hard to read and the seat wasn't as soft. It's just hard to find a bike in its price range with centerstand, fuel guage, dual trip meter, clock, 5.1 gal gas tank with reserve counter, and a sweet fuel-injected i4.

 

[manas12]

On your first question, I already own a 1000 currently, and my RC51 gets bad gas mileage. Also my significant other wants her own bike, while I am hesitant to put her on an I4 as her first street bike, she has ridden dirt for a while and is pretty self controlled. Have her going through the MSF course, also she will only want to ride when I do, and I'm tired of commuting on my RC, tires are getting expensive....so in the end I will be riding it to and from work, with her riding it when we both go out. If it was strictly for me I would be going after a FZ1, but the 6 should have better mpg and I think she will be able to handle it better.


What does the fz6 redline at? Not that it matters but what is the top end like? Top speed?

Yep then the 6 makes more sense. I don't know how much mpg the FZ1 gives but it should be lower than the 6. I get anywhere between 43-50 depending on how I ride, but some people have been known to get even more than that. I would be a bit wary to get the 6 as her first bike but if she is confident about it, then go for it. The bike will not let her down and it is a pretty forgiving street bike. The 6 redlines at 14k and I haven't really tested the speed limit as yet. Been only up to 110 mph but it does get right up there, real fast, once you push it.

Good luck with your purchase and hope you like whichever bike you choose to get!

-Manas.

 

[rexmitchell]

Thanks for the input, I think as long as she takes it easy she can handle it.

 

[jtarkany]

My decision was based on my age, looks, price, mileage, and some articles I had read, one that I remember was in Cycle World.

I bought mine in 06, new. I have since put nearly 20,000 on it riding short trips, medium range trips and one 3,000 mile butt buster. More recently I have been doing more canyon riding.

In all cases I have found that the FZ6 is not exceptional at any one thing, but very good at just about everything.

You seem to be an experienced rider, test a few of the bikes mentioned out and see what you think.

Best of luck on your decision :thumbup:

 

[rexmitchell]

Thanks again, I was looking at some specs online, the FZ seems a little heavier than I would have though....something like 430 dry, is that right>?

 

[jtarkany]

Thanks again, I was looking at some specs online, the FZ seems a little heavier than I would have though....something like 430 dry, is that right>?

Yes, that is correct.

 

[champion221elite]

My biggest reason for getting the FZ6 instead of the SV650 or Ninja 650 R was the inline 4 cylinder engine.

I absolutely love the sound of an inline 4 winding up. The FZ6 engine puts out more HP than either the V-twin SV650 or the parallel twin 650 R motor.

Of the three bikes, I honestly believe the FZ6 is the best looking, best performing bike and thats what I based my decision on.

 

[jtarkany]

Thats what I figured, thats pretty far off on the speedo....I figured it would have only been like 10 mph not 20

The speedometer is accurate up to about 60 mph, it gets progressively worse as you increase speed.

If I am doing 85 mph on the speedo it is really 75 mph.

 

[Mexi-can't]

The speedometer is accurate up to about 60 mph, it gets progressively worse as you increase speed.

If I am doing 85 mph on the speedo it is really 75 mph.

Sad but oh so true. I look at it this way: I get at least some optimism in my daily routine.

 

[dean2287]

I think for someone going from MX to street, the FZ6 would be fantastic. It's a lot closer positioning than a rocket, and even at 600cc likely a lot bigger than the MX was. The FZ6 has been reasonably well rated for off-road abilities too. And it's a very well balanced ride for the street. Only thing I have noticed is that the FZ6 is a windy bike to ride, due to the lack of fairings and low windscreen for anyone over 5'9" or so. A touring screen helps, otherwise I just put it in with "the joy of motorcycling".