Fz6 vs fz8

[2wheelieadv]

My friend is thinking of buying a street bike in addition or instead of his Kawa Vulcan 1600.
He likes the prices for older FZ6 or even FZ8 but can't decide which he'd like more. The FZ-09 is out of scope cas it's still new and the prices are significantly higher, so it can wait for few more years.
Anyone knows how the 8 compares to 6 and what are the +'s or -'s?
Thanks.

 

[FIZZER6]

My friend is thinking of buying a street bike in addition or instead of his Kawa Vulcan 1600.
He likes the prices for older FZ6 or even FZ8 but can't decide which he'd like more. The FZ-09 is out of scope cas it's still new and the prices are significantly higher, so it can wait for few more years.
Anyone knows how the 8 compares to 6 and what are the +'s or -'s?
Thanks.

FZ8 is a naked sport bike with no wind protection. The FZ6-S is more of a sport touring sport bike with a half fairing and good wind protection for a sport bike which is much better for highway riding. FZ8 is a bit more fun to ride if it's just a fun bike but you aren't going to find a nice FZ8 for $3,000 like you could with FZ6.


US FZ6-S 2006:

US FZ8:

 

[2wheelieadv]

I also think the 6 is a better all-around. Coming from a huge cruiser is gonna be a good change.
Personally, I'd go from 6 to 09, just the absence of the windshield and the touring factor plus 2up riding LD is kind of holding me back.

 

[FIZZER6]

I also think the 6 is a better all-around. Coming from a huge cruiser is gonna be a good change.
Personally, I'd go from 6 to 09, just the absence of the windshield and the touring factor plus 2up riding LD is kind of holding me back.

Hold on and wait till 2015! The FJ-09 is coming! Same engine as the FZ09 in a more sport touring package!

Hopefully the fairing is a little more substantial than in these renderings but we shall see!

Yamaha FJ-09

 

[2wheelieadv]

Cool bike. Resembles FZ6/1. Maybe the suspensions will be improved and I hope the ABS will be an option like in most today's bikes, (com'on Yamaha).

 

[FZSexy]

My friend is thinking of buying a street bike in addition or instead of his Kawa Vulcan 1600.
He likes the prices for older FZ6 or even FZ8 but can't decide which he'd like more. The FZ-09 is out of scope cas it's still new and the prices are significantly higher, so it can wait for few more years.
Anyone knows how the 8 compares to 6 and what are the +'s or -'s?
Thanks.

i think the FZ6 is a near perfect sport bike for riders of other types of bikes like cruisers and adv bikes. they have the v-twin or thumper, now they can have another experience but with the comfort they are used to. unless looking for a supersport or something like that. but the I4 engine is part of the point here, and the FZ6 has a good one. does any other common "street bike" go to 14,000tpm? this one does and is smooth on the highway. and the tank is BIG like cruiser riders are used to :thumbup:

the FZ8? i have no experience with the bike but can see it's a different sort of one from the 6. riding ergo's are different, it looks to have a lower stance. pretty sure it has more torque, but horsepower is near the same. top speed is also around the same. i would say they most likely perform similarly in some ways. hard to say without having rode a Fz8

that said i would take the FZ6 again simply knowing what i know of it now. over the FZ8 at more money, and some would say overall, less bike. yes it has more modern looks and a bigger engine...and in 2013 got adjustable forks in its final year in the U.S....but is the FZ8 a better bike? i'd say its different most likely, not better

the FZ6 travels and takes luggage well and will keep up with R6's to a certain degree. it's a fast bike, and more. i don't see the FZ8 like that. i see the FZ8 as a roadster with an oddball 800cc engine. would not pay more for one used. which is likely compared to the FZ6 on the used market

i can only speak for '07 - '09 models as i have one and they were changed somewhat. some might say improved. but i hear well of the others, too. your friend will know what he is buying. i think its a good pick over the FZ8 if it suits the rider. no regrets will be had, IOW

 

[beatle]

Hold on and wait till 2015! The FJ-09 is coming! Same engine as the FZ09 in a more sport touring package!

Hopefully the fairing is a little more substantial than in these renderings but we shall see!

Yamaha FJ-09

Want! Agree that the fairing on the sketches leaves a little to be desired, especially as it integrates (or doesn't) with the windshield. I also like the dual headlight. Much better than the naked bikes from Yamaha.

 

[iSteve]

I rode a FZ8 it's a nice bike. If I had a choice between the two and they were the same price I'd go with the 8 just because it has a little more torque on the bottom. But you really can't go wrong with either.

Fizzer6, you sure a FJ-09 is on it's way? That would definitely be in my garage next year if it is.

 

[VEGASRIDER]

Compromise, just get the FZ7

 

[FIZZER6]

Fizzer6, you sure a FJ-09 is on it's way? That would definitely be in my garage next year if it is.

Multiple moto magazine articles are saying we should expect it to be unveiled during the winter trade shows in a few months.

 

[Dry Martini]

Speaking on the lack of wind protection on a naked bike, I have a Ducati monster and the lack of wind protection is not a problem, even at extra legal speeds. With a rain suit, I stay completely dry even in a downpour. So I would not let that deter you from looking at the FZ8.


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[FIZZER6]

Speaking on the lack of wind protection on a naked bike, I have a Ducati monster and the lack of wind protection is not a problem, even at extra legal speeds. With a rain suit, I stay completely dry even in a downpour. So I would not let that deter you from looking at the FZ8.


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No wind protection only becomes a problem when you have to do long rides on the highway. You will get fatigued in much less time having to push against the wind. When I ride my cruiser with full windshield and lower wind deflectors it's almost quiet enough to make a cell phone call at 70 mph and I don't have to worry about bugs in my face so I can go face-shield open when it's hot. 500 miles in a day is as easy as watching football on Sunday.

Wind protection depends on your intended use of the bike.

 

[Dry Martini]

No wind protection only becomes a problem when you have to do long rides on the highway. You will get fatigued in much less time having to push against the wind.



.

I
Long rides on the highway do not bother me, with or without wind protection. Why would I have to push against the wind? I am naturally leaning forward, into the wind.

I am not the only one that finds naked bikes fun to ride on long distances. There is a young woman on one of monster forums, who rides a monster as her touring bike.



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[FIZZER6]

I
Long rides on the highway do not bother me, with or without wind protection. Why would I have to push against the wind? I am naturally leaning forward, into the wind.

I am not the only one that finds naked bikes fun to ride on long distances. There is a young woman on one of monster forums, who rides a monster as her touring bike.



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My guess is you are on the uphill side of 30 then. Wait till you're 35, the fun starts to get outweighed by wanted to rest your aching spine.

 

[Dry Martini]

My guess is you are on the uphill side of 30 then. Wait till you're 35, the fun starts to get outweighed by wanted to rest your aching spine.

I am 52 and probably in the best shape of my life. I actually prefer an aggressive seating posture, to the "sit up and beg" of most cruiser style bikes.


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[2wheelieadv]

Personally I like the sitting position of FZ09, but when riding over 70-75 mph the wind starting to push me back. On the other hand, when I test-rode the Street 3Pl, with its flywheel at 80 I felt almost nothing.
I guess it's also depends on the wind direction too.

 

[phil_dennis90]

I actually just purchased a 2013 FZ8 from a third party after having my FZ6 for about a year. Have to say so far I absolutely love it. Definitely a little less of a touring bike but in my opinion a lot more fun to ride. The power in low/midrange makes it a blast.

On the other hand, I would say it is a bit less comfortable than the 6 because of the more aggressive riding position. Also insurance went up from 52/mo to 74/mo with the change.

Can't say either would be a bad choice, but I like being able to outrun my friend on her r6 up until triple digits on the 8

 

[Dry Martini]

I actually just purchased a 2013 FZ8 from a third party after having my FZ6 for about a year. Have to say so far I absolutely love it. Definitely a little less of a touring bike but in my opinion a lot more fun to ride. The power in low/midrange makes it a blast.



On the other hand, I would say it is a bit less comfortable than the 6 because of the more aggressive riding position. Also insurance went up from 52/mo to 74/mo with the change.



Can't say either would be a bad choice, but I like being able to outrun my friend on her r6 up until triple digits on the 8

I love the more aggressive seating position. You just have to support your upper body with your torso muscles and not rest all your weight on your arms/wrists.


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[FIZZER6]

I am 52 and probably in the best shape of my life. I actually prefer an aggressive seating posture, to the "sit up and beg" of most cruiser style bikes.


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Then you are simply a beast who feels no pain! How many 1 day trips over 200 miles do you ride on that bike?

 

[Marthy]

You kind of build up to the no screen thing. Going from the FZ6R with Puig Touring screen to the FZ09 with a little fly screen wasn't that bad. When it's windy, it's windy... I get beat up on both. The little fly screen on the 09 is just enough to relief some pressure from my chess but still have plenty of fresh/linear flow of air. That was the whole point of getting a naked ride. Hot has F in Florida in summer time!

I did a IBA Bun Burner 1500 on the 6R (1550 miles under 24 hrs) and when I went to the Smokies this summer with the FZ09, I had to come back home sort of in a emergency. I pound 900 miles in about 14 hrs straight, minus a stop for dinner. I won't lie I was beat but not any worst that I would have been on the 6R. On the last hour I was still going 70-80 MPH steady on I-95.

I compare that to getting use to a hard seat on long ride, need to work up to it. On the side note my shirt size (neck area) went up 1/2" after I got the 09. LOL