09 fz6r vs 06 fz6

[2wheelieadv]

Well, I had a chance to really ride my "new" 06 FZ6 on saturday for a while.
The FZ is doing everything right as my FZ6R bike, but doing it just a bit fresher. Fast and nimble, good braking. The R has more mid-range torque, the other one - more speed. It is really shines on a highway, and in higher rpm's.
I still like my R, but at over 52k miles, it deserves some rest, and work part-time

There is a speedo error which comes with all bikes and cars, but I think it's more pronounced here. Escalation is: under 30 mph is almost the same, 30 to 50 is about 2 miles difference, Above 50 is getting worse- 3 miles. 65 on speedo is really 61. 75 is actual 70, 90 is 82 and 100 is actual 91. 110 is 100. Above 110 is really bad as you can imagine. I normally can cure it with a bigger front sprocket, (or smaller rear which btw I have on the blue bike), but I'll loose even more torque which is not great as is, so I guess will have to live with it.

Still need to see how how the passenger likes it, although looks promising. Gona install the top case first.

 

[Carlos840]

Once you get into the habit of staying above 7000rpm your opinion of the bike will change...
Get used to keeping it between 8000rpm and 13000rpm, you won't even think about torque anymore!

Enjoy.

 

[JayyVee]

Man I'm really eager to hear more about your comparisons of the 2 bikes, as both are on my short list (#1 and #2) to buy over the winter once I find the right one @ the right price.

Can you speak to some things, like the difference in wind breaking (fairing vs half fairing), handling, general upkeep (so far) between the 2? Seems like the FZ6 has more top (more HP) but the 6R has more low end torque? Are either PC'd by chance? (Guess the FZ6 isn't, that capability started in '07 I believe?)

Thanks!

 

[2wheelieadv]

I bough the R in 2010 and rode it just about everywhere. Few times to Canada, Dragon, and other long distance rides. In dirt, gravel and mud. After 52000 miles it is pretty abused. I'll eventully take it in for a maintenance, and it will be good for many more. BTW it's not a first bike for me. I had ss bikes and cruisers before. I bought the R cas the price was right, but I felt at home the minute I set on it.
It is a perfecr do-it-most bike, and giving its low-end power and agility, it is most fun in twisties. Even though I went 3 down in rear sprocket for longer gearing, it had no issues pulling even 2up.
Now the cons. Not so comfy for a passenger, especially on long rides. It's windy, giving its narrow screen. That said, you can be fine with longer and wider touring one.
On a highway, more top end power would be appreciated, especially when 2up. I always missed the extra 20 ponies...

As for my new FZ6, yes, it is a tad livelier, better with passenger, and on highways.
It is also the same fun to ride. I don't feel difference with absence of fairings in terms of wind factor. Has better brakes. Little taller, and its sitting position feels more "commanding". As for the torque, that its only minus. I'm not in favor of riding at high rpm's, since it puts more stress on engine, more gas comsumption, and engine heat emition under your seat... (heated seat is on in the summer?). But if I go with -1 in the front, it may cure the low torque issue. Will see.

So that's what I can say for now.
Not sure what you mean by PC'd...

 

[JayyVee]

I bough the R in 2010 and rode it just about everywhere. Few times to Canada, Dragon, and other long distance rides. In dirt, gravel and mud. After 52000 miles it is pretty abused. I'll eventully take it in for a maintenance, and it will be good for many more. BTW it's not a first bike for me. I had ss bikes and cruisers before. I bought the R cas the price was right, but I felt at home the minute I set on it.
It is a perfecr do-it-most bike, and giving its low-end power and agility, it is most fun in twisties. Even though I went 3 down in rear sprocket for longer gearing, it had no issues pulling even 2up.
Now the cons. Not so comfy for a passenger, especially on long rides. It's windy, giving its narrow screen. That said, you can be fine with longer and wider touring one.
On a highway, more top end power would be appreciated, especially when 2up. I always missed the extra 20 ponies...

As for my new FZ6, yes, it is a tad livelier, better with passenger, and on highways.
It is also the same fun to ride. I don't feel difference with absence of fairings in terms of wind factor. Has better brakes. Little taller, and its sitting position feels more "commanding". As for the torque, that its only minus. I'm not in favor of riding at high rpm's, since it puts more stress on engine, more gas comsumption, and engine heat emition under your seat... (heated seat is on in the summer?). But if I go with +1 in the front, it may cure the low torque issue. Will see.

So that's what I can say for now.
Not sure what you mean by PC'd...

Man thanks for the feedback on them, I've sat on both recently but hadn't had a chance to test ride them back to back. Glad to get real world input on both from someone with both!

PC - Power Commander - Tuning device; gives it more HP, and as I understand 'smooths' out that throttle (Been riding my best bud's FZ1 and if his throttle is any indication to the FZ6 - a bit overly-sensitive at first to get used to). On that point, how do both throttles compare to each other, and how is the friction zone of the clutch between the 2 compare?

 

[Carlos840]

As for the torque, that its only minus. I'm not in favor of riding at high rpm's, since it puts more stress on engine, more gas comsumption, and engine heat emition under your seat... (heated seat is on in the summer?). But if I go with -1 in the front, it may cure the low torque issue. Will see.

So that's what I can say for now.
Not sure what you mean by PC'd...

I honestly think that the whole "stress on the engine" is not worth worrying about.
This engine was built to handle 16000rpm for extended periods of time.
I have done hours at a time on the highway between 8000 and 12000rpm and the bike didn't even get warm or seem to care at all. No warm seat either.

Now regarding the -1 in front, i have done it to my bike and would not recommend it if you already don't like high rpms!
It really changes the bike and makes it even more rev happy, it's a lot easier to stay in the 8000 plus range, it's like it naturally wants to go there and higher!
If you like to stay in the sub 7000rpm you will be changing gear all the time!
With -1 in front i do 75mph in 6th at around 8000 rpm...

 

[2wheelieadv]

Oh, didn't use PC.
No, you won't get this punch of FZ1 on FZ6. But frankly, I doubt that anyone really needs it. From a getgo, the R wil keep up with non R for few secs, but then the non R will jump ahead and will loose the R. Clutch is very smooth on both bikes. I like to keep it low for instant pull, but it's matter of preference.
I'd say on a scale of 1 to 10, the R will get an 8 and none-R will get a 9.

 

[2wheelieadv]

I honestly think that the whole "stress on the engine" is not worth worrying about.
This engine was built to handle 16000rpm for extended periods of time.
I have done hours at a time on the highway between 8000 and 12000rpm and the bike didn't even get warm or seem to care at all. No warm seat either.

Now regarding the -1 in front, i have done it to my bike and would not recommend it if you already don't like high rpms!
It really changes the bike and makes it even more rev happy, it's a lot easier to stay in the 8000 plus range, it's like it naturally wants to go there and higher!
If you like to stay in the sub 7000rpm you will be changing gear all the time!
With -1 in front i do 75mph in 6th at around 8000 rpm...

Thanks Carlos. Will try doing that first.

 

[Carlos840]

Thanks Carlos. Will try doing that first.

No worries man, just rev this thing, it wants you to!

When i first got mine i was the same as you, didn't like to go higher than 7000rpm as it just sounded like it was going to explode in a burst of flames!
After i got used to the noise and the sudden pull you get past 8000 i could net get back to low rpm.
Now i try to keep my tach needle vertical, between 7000 and 9000 all the time and i never have to worry about torque or downshifting, just get instant power, even more so now that i have the -1 in front.

The fuel consumption doesn't really seem to be affected by the fact i keep it that high all the time either, i think it is just a lot happier up there than down in the 5000rpm range.

I think it really is just a question of letting your ear and your mind get used to the fact that this bike likes to be revved. Once you realise that you will be a lot happier with it, and so will she.