D-Mac
Distance Rider
I've been searching for a new bike for a while now (actually, I'm OBSESSED with bikes of every type to be honest and spend about 12 hours per day thinking about bikes, working on bikes, and reading about bikes). This time, I want something that's fairly low maintenance for commuting and can be set up for light touring. I've had a small cruiser for a while (Shadow 750 ACE) and currently ride it 10-15K / year. Mostly for commuting, but a few longer trips too. Another cruiser is definately out of the question - I'm tired of chrome and want something that handles better.
In my search, I've ridden everything I could get on, including a BMW800S, Triumph Tiger, Suzuki Wee-strom, Kawa Ninja 650R, and lots of dual sports.
The FZ6 has been near the top of my list.....all I had to do was ride one. All of my previous bikes have been thumpers and V-twins, but I've been curious about an I-4 for a long time. Today I got a ride on an FZ6!! It was an '06. I know that I'm preaching to the converted, but I just wanted to say that it was FANTASTIC and put down a few of my thoughts.....
Ergos- very close to perfect. Very light pressure on my hands - perfect for me. Seat was comfortable for stock. Pegs are positioned well (I'm 5' 11") and the reach to the ground was fine. Tach on the '06 was hard to read, but overall I had no complaints. Windshield was stock, so I'd like something a tad higher. The windstream was clear though - absolutely no buffetting of any kind. Seating position reminds me of a V-strom, except without the buffetting. Worth noting too that I could actually see something out of the mirrors.
Handling - This bike is sooooo stable for being so light. Handling was wonderful. I know that anything beats a cruiser, but I was truly amazed here - you just will it to go somewhere and it does it....how did Yamaha connect the bike to my brain? This was the best surprise for me and I was giddy about the handling. Only the BMW 800S gave me a similar feeling of control, and it's obviously much more $$$.
Motor - I love this thing! I experienced none of the concerns about low-end pull that a few have moaned about. It pulls as well as my small cruiser, and gets to speed MUCH quicker. I only had it over 8K once (I admit it - I was a bit nervous....I'm not used to a bike that revs to high and I wasn't near any high-speed roads). As others have said, it's very well-mannered below about 8K and then after that it's a ROCKET
I experienced enough of a taste of the high-rev magic to know I'd never be bored with this bike! 20+K between valve checks has me smiling too.
Clutch - my only issue was with the lever. With my small hands, it was a bit tricky controling the friction zone since it's out so far. I'm sure I could get used to it, but I just wish it was set up better. maybe stiffer springs would help? (worked on my cruiser) Shifting was fine - makes a different sound when shifting than I'm used to (almost a 'pop'), and it's not buttery smooth, but it's above average. Finding neutral was easy too.
Finish - although this was a pre '07 model, I'd still say the finish on this bike is excellent. The bike I rode had about 8K on it, and it looked like new. Love that centerstand too!
My final conclusion. I'm definately getting one. What a wonderful bike. What a great price.
In my search, I've ridden everything I could get on, including a BMW800S, Triumph Tiger, Suzuki Wee-strom, Kawa Ninja 650R, and lots of dual sports.
The FZ6 has been near the top of my list.....all I had to do was ride one. All of my previous bikes have been thumpers and V-twins, but I've been curious about an I-4 for a long time. Today I got a ride on an FZ6!! It was an '06. I know that I'm preaching to the converted, but I just wanted to say that it was FANTASTIC and put down a few of my thoughts.....
Ergos- very close to perfect. Very light pressure on my hands - perfect for me. Seat was comfortable for stock. Pegs are positioned well (I'm 5' 11") and the reach to the ground was fine. Tach on the '06 was hard to read, but overall I had no complaints. Windshield was stock, so I'd like something a tad higher. The windstream was clear though - absolutely no buffetting of any kind. Seating position reminds me of a V-strom, except without the buffetting. Worth noting too that I could actually see something out of the mirrors.
Handling - This bike is sooooo stable for being so light. Handling was wonderful. I know that anything beats a cruiser, but I was truly amazed here - you just will it to go somewhere and it does it....how did Yamaha connect the bike to my brain? This was the best surprise for me and I was giddy about the handling. Only the BMW 800S gave me a similar feeling of control, and it's obviously much more $$$.
Motor - I love this thing! I experienced none of the concerns about low-end pull that a few have moaned about. It pulls as well as my small cruiser, and gets to speed MUCH quicker. I only had it over 8K once (I admit it - I was a bit nervous....I'm not used to a bike that revs to high and I wasn't near any high-speed roads). As others have said, it's very well-mannered below about 8K and then after that it's a ROCKET
I experienced enough of a taste of the high-rev magic to know I'd never be bored with this bike! 20+K between valve checks has me smiling too.Clutch - my only issue was with the lever. With my small hands, it was a bit tricky controling the friction zone since it's out so far. I'm sure I could get used to it, but I just wish it was set up better. maybe stiffer springs would help? (worked on my cruiser) Shifting was fine - makes a different sound when shifting than I'm used to (almost a 'pop'), and it's not buttery smooth, but it's above average. Finding neutral was easy too.
Finish - although this was a pre '07 model, I'd still say the finish on this bike is excellent. The bike I rode had about 8K on it, and it looked like new. Love that centerstand too!
My final conclusion. I'm definately getting one. What a wonderful bike. What a great price.
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