Did the seat and other updates make the -07 a better bike?

[FZwede]

Im thinking of getting a FZ6 but not sure wich year. In leaning towards the -07 becaus of the updates they made.
Im abit curious about the seat change is this for the better? Im weigh about 200pound/90kg and about 6feet/185cm tall.

Are the overall changes they made for the 2007 model reason not to buy the earlier versions?

Best regards
FZede

 

[outasight20]

The seat is exactly the same. The brakes are a bit better (though the 04-06 brakes are damn good). Suspension is exactly the same. Helmet lock is a nice feature found on the 07-09 bikes.

The instrumentation (with analog tach) is much better on the 07-09. The revised fairing and blacked out chassis/wheels looks better on the newer models.

Having said that, I have an '05 and it's STILL an amazing bike. As far as performance and handling go, they are identical.

 

[fb40dash5]

I'd buy an S2, I wanted to, but I got impatient. Besides the front calipers and the analog tach it's pretty much all cosmetic, but it works. The swingarm adjusters don't look like they're straight out of the late 80's, and the rear subframe allows for more luggage rack options... like Givi V35s without a toprack.

The stock seat sucks every year.

 

[The_Paragon]

The swingarm adjusters don't look like they're straight out of the late 80's,

THATS BECAUSE THEY ARE!!

(My 1986 FZ600 had the same adjusters!)

 

[FZwede]

Thanks for all replies!

Regarding the S2 models it the fairing different than the non-S2? Haven't been to a dealer yet but it looks like it on pictures...

 

[Cloggy]

Im thinking of getting a FZ6 but not sure which year. In leaning towards the -07 because of the updates they made.
Im a bit curious about the seat change is this for the better? I weigh about 200pound/90kg and about 6feet/185cm tall.

Is the overall changes they made for the 2007 model reason not to buy the earlier versions?

Best regards
FZede

Firstly :welcome: to this great forum FZwede:thumbup:

I have a 2007 (European) FZ6 S2 and it has several differences to the S1 (2004-2006/7) version:

1. A better seat (only in Europe) (although I've never riden a S1, this one is very comfy for me and it also has better grip due to rougher edging).
2. better front brakes due to new calipers.
3. Swingarm design is more modern (cleaner look).
4. The instrument cluster is IMO better looking, and the tachometer is analogue and easier to read than the S1 LCD readout.
5. I believe that the S2 got an extra cat.
6. The S2 got a helmet lock.
7. The S2 (Fazer) in the Netherlands got ABS as standard but I'm not sure if this was the same all over Europe ?
8. The fairing has been changed, but I think it's a personal choice as to which one you prefer.
9. The engine/frame/wheels of most S2's are black not silver (but not all of them).
10. Some different colours were used (depending on the year of manufacturing).

So back to the original question do I think it's worth paying a big difference for a seat I'd have to say no, but IMHO depending on the price it might be worth paying the extra for all the differences (again depending on personal taste, and what is important to you).

(Edit: I forgot to add I'm about your weight/height, a bit shorter and a bit heavier.)

 

[fb40dash5]

THATS BECAUSE THEY ARE!!

(My 1986 FZ600 had the same adjusters!)

I know, I saw the sale thread for that old one (was that you?) and thought "Wow, those look familiar!"

 

[Cloggy]

Thanks for all replies!

Regarding the S2 models it the fairing different than the non-S2? Haven't been to a dealer yet but it looks like it on pictures...

Here's the FZ6 S2 (in the faster red ), with the european seat.

Here's a S1 model:

So yes the fairing is different.

BTW you can see the 2 types of tachometer in this thread.

 

[MattR302]

There's probably other comparisons, but this is one I remember seeing
http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-general-discussion/3932-fz6-model-year-comparison-05-vs-08-a.html

 

[The_Paragon]

I know, I saw the sale thread for that old one (was that you?) and thought "Wow, those look familiar!"

Yepp, that was my old bike. Sold it off and bought a 2009FZ6

On a side note. I like the S2's alot better in regards to asthetics. Much more refined looking. especially the front fairing. Didnt care for the S1 much at all.