1st Sport-Touring Moto

[CWB]

Good Morning.
I bought a beautiful '05 FZ6 and am having 2nd thoughts now.
The bike looks sweet and the engine offers plenty of power.

I'm coming from a CBR600RR \ GSXR750 and am doing my best to keep the FZ...

My main issue with it is the handlebars and ride position. (Precisely what I loved at 1st)
After reading up a bit the FZ1 handlebar looks like the best way to go.

Initially my thinking was I would really appreciate the relaxed seating and arm position but so far that is not that case. I have this feeling that I don't become apart of the bike as I felt with my others. Hard to explain, but I felt glued to the CBR.

Sitting so far upright creates this "top heavy\tipping" type feel when taking turns.

Has anyone else experienced this and did a handlebar swap offer a more stable\planted vibe?

Thank you!

 

[darius]

:welcome:
Nothing comes free. I've struggled with ergos. If you want a lower center of gravity and sport bike feel then FZ1 bar, oso2k plates and tank grippers will all help.

If you want standard/upright then the Renthal Road Medium is popular.

All needs to be well with the tires and suspension for it to feel good in the corners.

Plus the big factor of yourself getting to know the bike and getting comfortable trusting it.

If you didn't get a red one, that could also be the problem.

 

[FIZZER6]

I think you are expecting the FZ6 to feel similar to a supersport handling and that is just not going to be the case. The FZ6 is a "standard motorcycle" not a sport bike technically so it's never going to feel as glued to the road or precise handling as a CBR.

What the FZ6 does best is versatility. I've taken mine on an 1800 mile trip over 5 days camping along the way. Try doing 450 mile days on a CBR, you will probably not be able to feel your wrists or neck!

I guess the question is do you want a bike that can be fun when ridden in sport mode and versatile if you want to do some short touring rides without breaking the bank or killing your joints then the FZ6 is for you.

If you want super sport feel the FZ6 is not the right bike.

 

[Carlos840]

I just used Motorcycle Ergonomics to compare the riding positions, and i am not sure that the FZ1 bar will enough to get you what you want.

Check out this thread:

http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-mods/50793-fz6r-handlebars-drill-needed.html

It shows everything you need to know about the FZ1 bar.

The difference will be 2" less rise, and maybe one inch more reach forward.
It does make a big difference in feel, and makes tucking low a lot easier, but it is still not going to feel anything like a supersport.

Considering the price of the bar, it might still be worth experimenting with it though.

 

[justaguy]

I am coming from a café style motos but with the age getting up there that riding position for me is not comfortable anymore. FZ6 riding position I enjoy a lot more, sure the suspension and brake are soft compared to what I am use to but still very good compared to other motos and I can still drag knee.

Versital is what the FZ6 is about and why they are popular in other countries, Americas like Harleys and sport bikes but thats the reason the Standard moto has really never taken off here in america.

The top heavy tip over feeling you are getting in slow turns just means you need to learn how to ride (rimshot) :cheer:

 

[bdevries]

Sorry but I have to ask the question that everyone here is probably thinking to themselves... were you expecting an FZ6 to ride and corner like a CBR? Of course, the FZ6 is more upright.. thats the difference, comfort vs performance.. If you want to be laying over the bike and track it, buy a sport bike.. if you want to be comfortable, buy a sport tourer.. if you want both.. buy both!

 

[outasight20]

The FZ6 will NEVER compare to a supersport in terms of handling. I know what you are talking about when you say you feel like you aren't one with the bike. That is because it is a fairly tall, top-heavy machine. My dad's Ninja 500R feels more sporty and connected, and it's not even a supersport. But you will get used to the FZ6 if you give it time. It definitely takes some getting used to if you're coming from a more sporty bike, but it is just as capable, albeit not as confidence inspiring.

 

[CWB]

Thanks for all the input.

I really didn't know what to expect as far as handling but I expected better than what I'm getting. The bike feels so top heavy to me, due to a # of factors including my height\weight, how tall the seat and handles are, etc.

Sure it's not a super sport but being that it is considered a SPORT touring bike, that it would feel a bit more planted than it does.

Trust me I know how to ride a bike and it's not that I can't ride this one, I have no less than 100,000+ miles on two-wheels. Been riding full-time since I was 16 years old, racetracks, area 51, BFE, etc.

I've owned the following bikes over my life-time so as you can see the FZ6 is about the most upright bike I've ever ridden.

(Not in any special order, but the Rebel was my 1st bike)
Honda Rebel \ F4i \ CBR600RR
GSXR 600,750,1000 \ SV650,1000
Yamaha YZF600R \ R6
Kawasaki 250, 500, ZX6R \ ZRX1200
Buell Cyclone \ Lightening

My comfort level comes from being "one" with the bike, I simply don't achieve that feeling on this machine.

Believe me, I'm trying to make it work but at this point I can either sell\trade it or start modding it in hopes we will become more compatible.

 

[CWB]

The FZ6 will NEVER compare to a supersport in terms of handling. I know what you are talking about when you say you feel like you aren't one with the bike. That is because it is a fairly tall, top-heavy machine. My dad's Ninja 500R feels more sporty and connected, and it's not even a supersport. But you will get used to the FZ6 if you give it time. It definitely takes some getting used to if you're coming from a more sporty bike, but it is just as capable, albeit not as confidence inspiring.

You've taken the words right out of my mouth & you seem to know precisely what I'm trying to convey.

I am in no way meaning to belittle the FZ6 in any way, just that from my personal experience I don't seem to be bonding with it the way I have in the past.

As well I appreciate the link for the FZ1 bars.
I haven't posted it for sale or anything, but I've got to figure something out.

Thanks again everyone!

The top heavy tip over feeling you are getting in slow turns just means you need to learn how to ride (rimshot) :cheer:

Sorry, that is an incorrect presumption.

 

[outasight20]

The FZ1 bars will make a noticeable improvement in your lack of "connection" with the bike. When I installed them I immediately gained confidence and was able to take turns much faster. Then a front suspension upgrade and rearsets will get you fully to a SPORT tourer, as opposed to a sport TOURER.

 

[Carlos840]

The FZ1 bars will make a noticeable improvement in your lack of "connection" with the bike. When I installed them I immediately gained confidence and was able to take turns much faster. Then a front suspension upgrade and rearsets will get you fully to a SPORT tourer, as opposed to a sport TOURER.

+1 to that!

The FZ6 is really undersprung in the front, new springs will do wonders to handling.

FZ1 bar helps to, and like the previous poster said, at least change the footpegs to some aluminium ones.
The stock rubber ones are so slippery they make it hard to feel confident in turns, nice grippy ones really made me feel a lot more in control of the bike.

 

[2wheelieadv]

Good Morning.
I bought a beautiful '05 FZ6 and am having 2nd thoughts now.
The bike looks sweet and the engine offers plenty of power.

I'm coming from a CBR600RR \ GSXR750 and am doing my best to keep the FZ...

My main issue with it is the handlebars and ride position. (Precisely what I loved at 1st)
After reading up a bit the FZ1 handlebar looks like the best way to go.

Initially my thinking was I would really appreciate the relaxed seating and arm position but so far that is not that case. I have this feeling that I don't become apart of the bike as I felt with my others. Hard to explain, but I felt glued to the CBR.

Sitting so far upright creates this "top heavy\tipping" type feel when taking turns.

Has anyone else experienced this and did a handlebar swap offer a more stable\planted vibe?

Thank you!

This bike needs getting used to. It took me several rides to get to feel it. Wider tank, different steering bar, taller...
Switch to fz1 bar and lower the front by few inches.
Give it another try and in time you'll see if it's you.

Several years ago I bought a 2007 model, but just couldn't relate to it. Sold after few months.
This time I got the 2006 and love it.

 

[MG-242]

The solution is simple and I can't believe no one hit on it - it's obvious you need two bikes for two purposes . But, in the event that doesn't work for you, start with making the much needed suspension changes and begin with the forks (as previously mentioned). I call it 'jittery and vagueness' and getting the suspension right will make a big difference.