First bike...FZ6 or FZ1 for a big guy?

[RJ2112]

Now, in my defense, I didn't make that statement. I merely asked a question regarding weight and bikes. You'd be surprised how many things are "different" when you're large, especially things that were designed for normal sized people (motorcycles, cars, clothes, you name it).

I appreciate the responses even though some of you were a bit quick to lash out. Keep in mind, I was asking these questions before I make a decision in an effort to educate myself and prevent a mistake. I've never understood why some people are so quick to criticize. If you don't agree or think it's utterly stupid that I was actually debating this, then tell me why. I'm here to learn, and logical reasons are much more persuasive than insults.

You've all helped assuage my concerns that an FZ6 wouldn't be strong enough to pull a large individual around on the street. Overall, this thread has actually been very helpful, and eased my mind about picking the FZ6. I think I'll be shopping around at dealers in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully I can get a great deal on an '08 or '09 (most likely '09, I can't find any '08s) Raven FZ6.

To all of you, even those of you who think I am a moron for posing the question, thank you! I'll be visiting this site often if I end up pulling the trigger on an FZ6.

I'll apologize for that specific generalization. It's a common mindset; if you weren't thinking it, I made an undeserved statement. The only way to gather information is to ask questions..... and be thick skinned enough to recognize truth when you hear it. Kudos to you. Remember all of this when you walk into the dealership.

The only thing I find silly, and it's a whole lot more widespread than just you, Mancolt, is the mindset that a 600cc bike is not sufficient. A bike that will run 140 MPH on level ground is plenty fast enough.

The level of performance this bike offers is well beyond what any motorcycle prior to 1960 had, no matter how much money you spent to buy it. This bike will run rings around a 70's Honda CB 750, and will run level with 1000 cc bikes from the 80's. And handles a whole lot better, as well.

There's no way around the fact that with you on board compared to the targeted weight the mfg spec'd the suspension for, the bike will not accelerate as quickly. I'm bumping against 200 lbs, with gear on right around 220.... the thing is plenty fast enough for me. I have beaten Turbo Carreras in stop light drag races, after intentionally giving the guy half the intersection head start. By the time we got to the pedestrian crossing on the far side, I was passing him.

Somebody that weighs 140 would outdistance me by a couple of bike lengths, at that point.

The suspension action depends on the chassis riding near the top of the available travel to allow good wheel control. The FZ springs are progressively wound -- they have a 'soft' section as well as a more 'stiff' region.

With my 220 combined on the bike, I completely absorb that 'soft' section. Instead of having 3.5 of the 4" of travel I was down to less than 2" without any road 'hits' or braking compression. You being another 80 or so pounds heavier, it would be more pronounced. Probably not bottomed out, but not where it's supposed to be for good control.

When you contact the aftermarket folks to buy heavier springs, they will assist you with determining which ones will allow you to have that 3.5 inches, or even closer to the full 4"..... more is better.

 

[Wavex]

The FZ1 has better suspension and better brakes... it also has more torque down low, which means that you wouldn't have to wind it up in rpms to get power out of it. With all that considered, and imho, I don't think either bike is "more dangerous" than the other... comfort/ergos, proper suspension, rider's brain, proper gear... are all major factors... engine displacement alone doesn't justify the "hype" above about not getting an FZ1 IMHO.

So if I were you, I'd sit on both, look at both, get insurance quotes for both and buy a used version of the one that fits me best ergonomically and visually. Then I'd try to learn everything I can about it and ride the hell out of it!!! (and read books, practice more, do track days!!!, etc...).

Good luck.

 

[VEGASRIDER]

To all of you, even those of you who think I am a moron for posing the question, thank you! I'll be visiting this site often if I end up pulling the trigger on an FZ6.

I thought this was a great question. You are smart for asking. This is what the forum is all about. Of course, it is public so you have to be careful and question someones credibility, but not saying that everyone who responded to your question gave any bad advice or misinformation.

As we say, the only stupid question is the one's you don't ask. But also don't forget to use the search tab, as a lot of your questions that you might have maybe already answered in a similar post.

 

[Mancolt]

It's ok, though. I prefer being big to being abnormally small.

+1. It can be a PITA sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Never said this earlier. :welcome:

Thank you!

Vegasrider: I found numerous posts regarding the FZ1 vs. FZ6 debate for a new rider. I just wanted some information more specific to my situation being a larger individual. It was my ignorance regarding bikes that caused me to think a 600cc would be lacking the power to get up and go and I am very glad I came to this forum and asked.

 

[lonesoldier84]

I'm 6'4" and 250 lbs. The FZ6 is great and leaves nothing to be desired, no problems whatsoever taking off. I've started accellerating from a dead stop and got up to 70 before I even realized it, without even trying. I've ridden 2 up and didn't have any problems. The FZ6 is a great bike and you won't outgrow it.

I've sat on the FZ1 before, and it seemed a little more cramped. You know that saying with sportbikes: "The bigger the engine, the smaller the bike."

+1

the FZ is a LITTLE bit too powerful for a new rider. I started on it and got in over my head quite a bit. The first couple months werent so bad because I was extremely careful.

The problems began when I started to feel more comfortable and eased up on the precautions a bit. Your confidence will outgrow your ability in a couple months and on an FZ6 you will probably get in over your head like I did just because its SO easy to pick up speed in places you may not want to.

Many people start on it though so it's really not THAT bad. If I could do it all over I would still start on the FZ6.

Also I am 6 foot 3 260lbs. (ill get it under 220 by summer )

 

[reiobard]

I am 5'10" and 250lbs, and the 6 is plenty for me.... That being said, my next bike will be an FZ1. I had a chance to ride one last summer and fell in love with it. I also have 5 years and close to 70,000 miles under my belt on 2 wheels (3 different bikes so far) and it took me a bit unaware about how much the FZ1 scared me, even with the experience that i have.



If i were you i would start out on the 6 and plan on moving up to the 1 in 2-3 years.

 

[FZ1inNH]

I had a chance to ride one last summer and fell in love with it. ........ and it took me a bit unaware about how much the FZ1 scared me, even with the experience that i have.

Do you wanna ride it again? If it scared you before, wait till you try it with the mods I've completed.

Also wanted to say that I agree with David here. No bike is the right or wrong size. True, a larger bike can get you into trouble a lot faster, but one is no more dangerous than the other IF said rider is smart in the head and doesn't short circuit between the noggin and the right wrist.

What a lot of folks don't seem to understand is that there are many more reasons to buy the larger bike beside going fast and more power. It may be true that an FZ1 has a ton of power, plenty of torque and can outrun many bikes out there, but... BUT, it can't corner like the smaller bikes, those little ones that can dive in much later, hit the apex quicker and WOT out of the corner. That little Ninja 250, in good hands, will smoke a lot of larger bikes in a corner. Because of it's speed (faster than the FZ1, it will kill you quicker in a corner, correct?)

IMHO, it's not the size of the bike, it's not the power the bike outputs, it's not anything other than the rider's self control and his/her ability to control that throttle.

Now, there are MANY new riders I'd not tell to go get an FZ1. There's just as many I'd tell not to get an FZ6. Those are riders I'd put on a Ninja 250 and STILL chew my nails. And this is where I agree with Tailgate. I think that if you can exercise control, the FZ1 is the better suited bike for you. Having owned both, I don't think the ergos are very far apart, certainly nothing that can't be changed with short cash. A man of your stature is going to find discomfort on most any bike so I'm guessing changes will be made no matter what you purchase.

If you were to come over to the sister FZ1 site, you'd have a lot of the same posts and questions.

No matter what you decide, you still have to keep that wrist connected to the brain! :thumbup:

 

[RJ2112]

Do you wanna ride it again? If it scared you before, wait till you try it with the mods I've completed.

Also wanted to say that I agree with David here. No bike is the right or wrong size. True, a larger bike can get you into trouble a lot faster, but one is no more dangerous than the other IF said rider is smart in the head and doesn't short circuit between the noggin and the right wrist.

What a lot of folks don't seem to understand is that there are many more reasons to buy the larger bike beside going fast and more power. It may be true that an FZ1 has a ton of power, plenty of torque and can outrun many bikes out there, but... BUT, it can't corner like the smaller bikes, those little ones that can dive in much later, hit the apex quicker and WOT out of the corner. That little Ninja 250, in good hands, will smoke a lot of larger bikes in a corner. Because of it's speed (faster than the FZ1, it will kill you quicker in a corner, correct?)

IMHO, it's not the size of the bike, it's not the power the bike outputs, it's not anything other than the rider's self control and his/her ability to control that throttle.

Now, there are MANY new riders I'd not tell to go get an FZ1. There's just as many I'd tell not to get an FZ6. Those are riders I'd put on a Ninja 250 and STILL chew my nails. And this is where I agree with Tailgate. I think that if you can exercise control, the FZ1 is the better suited bike for you. Having owned both, I don't think the ergos are very far apart, certainly nothing that can't be changed with short cash. A man of your stature is going to find discomfort on most any bike so I'm guessing changes will be made no matter what you purchase.

If you were to come over to the sister FZ1 site, you'd have a lot of the same posts and questions.

No matter what you decide, you still have to keep that wrist connected to the brain! :thumbup:

I'd go so far as to suggest a 1200 Bandit.

 

[Geoff]

No one ever "plans" on riding over their head. They end up riding over their head because they have a bike that is way more capable than they can handle.

Do NOT buy a FZ1 as a first bike.

Why?

It is very powerful and fast.

Since you are new, you will progress in your personal skills much faster in a bike like the FZ6 or SMALLER (Ninja 500 or the like) because they are so much more forgiving when (not if) you make mistakes while riding.

Most people think the FZ6 is too much bike for a beginner REGARDLESS of size. I agree. I am a better rider because I started on a 500 instead of a 600.

This Guy (Krid80) personally helped me decide on my bike when i picked it up awhile back, We know each other and trust me fz1 too strong for a first bike.

Thanks Krid

 

[Geoff]

Around here we have a course at the dealership and the college, I took the one at the college and they have a variety of bikes to try. Depending where you take it, it runs $200-$400, I took it before I bought my first bike which was an Fz6, which was a hair splitting decision, i considered even starting lower, but Im happy with the choice I made.

 

[Fz6Daveg]

Got to be a FZ6, fitted with Dunlop Roadsmarts. They are a brilliant tyre and give plenty of feed back.

The FZ1 is very powerful and a lovely bike but i must admit that after riding the FZ6 for a year now it is still a good all rounder and does what you need it to do

The FZ1 felt a bit cramped when i had one as a courtesy bike late last year.

 

[ozzieboy]

G'day mate. I might as well confuse you and throw my two bits in as well...lol.

I've owned an 07 FZ6 and now ride an 06 FZ1 and love them both:cheer:.

The FZ6 would probably be my choice between the two for somebody's first road bike, simply because it is more forgiving.

If you get bored with what it's got, go -2 front and +1 rear with a PCIII and aftermarket cans and it will pull like a freight train. It's also got the grab rails for the passenger.

The suspension on the FZ1 is adjustable, but the rear shock is still a piece of carp and will eventually need to be upgraded in my opinion.

The advantages of the FZ1 are the extra grunt (you won't get bored), and the better brakes. With an extra 125 lbs on board at the rear helping to keep the wheel grounded, the extra braking grunt will be pretty extreme.

The good thing about both bikes as a first bike is that, in RESPONSIBLE hands, they are not all that scary. The FZ's both bog down off the line if you keep the revs below 5k and this means if you don't go looking for the power band they are a kitten to ride.

If you go into the power band on either of them it can all happen very fast.

Why I'd recommend the FZ6 as a first bike. With WOT on the FZ1 in second gear at 8,000rpm the bike picks up my 235lb carcass effortlessly (never mind 1st), and doing nearly 100mph with the front wheel off the ground is probably not the best idea....you need that sucker for braking and steering.

The Rev limiter cuts in around 110mph in second and this has all happened in around 10 seconds. The throttle deserves serious respect.

I got on a GPZ 750 as my first road bike after riding dirt bikes back in the late 80's and put it though it's paces. Looking back it was a dumb move on my part.....no way was I a responsible rider at 19. I gave that thing everything it had. Be honest with yourself. If you can control yourself, you're a step up on young Mikey and could go either bike. If you're likely to let Mr. Hyde take over once in a while, I'd go with the 6. If you're a total balls'nall nutter like I was:BLAA:.....Get a smaller bike.

Whatever choice you make.....ATGATT, and stay safe.:thumbup:

 

[agp]

6' 1", 255 lbs and I'm happy on the FZ6. Now the following has nothing to do with the size of the guy on bike question but I thought I'd throw it out there as food for thought.

From what I've seen the percentage of depreciation is greater on the FZ6 than the FZ1. I don't know if this will change in the years to come but selling an FZ6 for near blue book seems to be a tough proposition right now. Feel free to correct me if someone has seen different trends in the US.

Either way you go I suggest waiting to see if you like the bike before you start modding.

 

[reiobard]

Do you wanna ride it again?

Yes.




And the bike didn't really "Scare" me, it was more of a holy crap there is a lot more power with this bike.

You will have to give mine a whirl this spring too, i am playing with some stuff this winter and will probably re-spring the rear next summer at some point.

 

[Hellgate]

I recommend you buy the FZ6 first, pick up a nice used one, there are some great deals out there. Check the For Sale section here. I remember a few for under $4,000.

Once you get your bike take the riders school. As others have said dirt bike have nothing to do with street bikes and the cars that will kill you. I had a Solider in my unit who bought a beautiful CBR600 as a first street bike. He'd ridden dirt bikes for years. Sure enough he crash exiting the highway, went over a curb, crashed, jacked his ankle up so bad he had to leave the Army.

I began riding in about 1981 when I was in high school, road raced as an expert up until 1988. In that period I rode at least 85,000 miles. Then I took a 19 year break from riding. When I started riding again two years ago I was in a similar situation as you; FZ6 vs. FZ1. I'm glad I bought the FZ6, it had plenty of power to be fun and help me re-learn street riding.

Face it, you will fall, it happens. Do your learning on a smaller, used bike, sell it in a year or two and get that "dream" bike. Or you may find the FZ6 is your dream bike.

Ozzie has a very good point on passanger grab rail;, the FZ6 rails are very good, and you want your girl to feel like she isn't going to fall off the back!

Good luck, be safe, and have fun!

 

[Mancolt]

Thanks alot guys! These suggestions have been incredibly helpful and now I'm in the process of looking for a bike. Now I'd like some opinions regarding these bikes and prices at dealers near me:

Year Bike Condition Miles Price
2007 FZ6 Used 4,400 $4,399
2008 FZ6 New 0 listed at $6,999 (trying for $5700ish)
2009 FZ6 New 0 $6,099

I really like the idea of the used 2007, seems reasonable to me. But then again, I don't know how quickly motorcycles depreciate or what I should expect to pay for a used 07 FZ6 with 4.4k miles. My concern is that being new to motorcycles, I don't know what to look for on a used bike. What tips/recommendations would you guys give me when looking at a used bike to determine condition? Would you recommend new or used? The $6,099 for the '09 is the best price I've come across so far for brand new. I'm thinking that the dealer with the 2008 FZ6 might come down on his price considerably when he finds out that a dealer 13 miles away is selling a new 09 for $900 less...

Opinions/feedback would be greatly appreciated. I want to go "shopping" this weekend and might pull the trigger if I find a bike and price I like.

 

[Erci]

My concern is that being new to motorcycles, I don't know what to look for on a used bike. What tips/recommendations would you guys give me when looking at a used bike to determine condition? Would you recommend new or used?

This covers everything when it comes to buying used:
Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide

I would absolutely recommend buying a used one. FZ6 with 5k miles is practically brand new and will cost at least 2k less than the best deal on a new one. Just as with cars, biggest depreciation hit is when you buy it brand new and roll it off the lot.
Should you drop the bike (this being your first one.. silly mistakes can happen), it won't *hurt* as bad if it's used.

 

[08fz6]

weight wise. The first year I had my bike I was 260pds, my g/f 120Pds. No problems, Stock suspension. Only thing I noticed was at night time the head light was shining higher and lighting up review mirrors in cars. That was with the rear shock cranked all the way up. Like said wouldn't be a bad thing to buy a fz6 get some experience then move on to a fz1. I would recommend having the suspension done! Best of luck with whatever route you take!:thumbup:

 

[ozzieboy]

This covers everything when it comes to buying used:
Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide

I would absolutely recommend buying a used one. FZ6 with 5k miles is practically brand new and will cost at least 2k less than the best deal on a new one. Just as with cars, biggest depreciation hit is when you buy it brand new and roll it off the lot.
Should you drop the bike (this being your first one.. silly mistakes can happen), it won't *hurt* as bad if it's used.

That all sounds like pretty good advice to me.

The only thing that would make the decision harder if I was in your shoes is the warranty. Not that I've heard of too many people needing to use it...lol...And at 4000miles, that 07 has just been run in for you. It'll be nicely loosened up, and the money you save can go on upgraded suspenders for your 2up riding.

I can't help you with price though. Over here it'd be closer to 9 grand for that 07...lol.

Sounds like you've made the FZ6 choice anyway. Hope you stick around after your purchase. Loads of info and a pretty friendly atmosphere round here.

Cheers
Mike

 

[Tailgate]

Well, the '07 sounds like a terrific price, BUT, is it the fast pullover blue or slow red? The 4k miles is ridiculous for an '07. I wonder if it's been garaged or abandoned outside, faded, cracking, abused.