FZ no low-end performance? Confirm or deny

[jdough7]

Hello again,

If you haven't spotted me elsewhere I'm in the market for a 2006 or earlier FZ6/SV650/Ninja650R. So far I have been unsuccessful in finding a dealer who would be willing to let me take a test ride. Therefore I have only have magazines to go by in terms riding impressions. The FZ is always complimented for its suspension, chasis, ergos, and overall refinement but the thing that always keeps it from taking the podium in comparisons is its engine. Being from the rev-happy R6 it is described as "Peaky" and requiring revs above 7K to really tap into it's power band. The publishers typically attribute this to it's fuel injection and the simple fact that it is an R6 mill. They'll even go as far to say that Yamaha meery used "band-aids" to tone down the motors touchy nature. Such as changing the gearing and a tighter throttle spring. End result, the motor is out of place in a standard configuration and "this is not a powertrain friendly to the inexperienced."

So, at the risk of drawing a lot of flack from all you loyal fazer-fans, please help me to understand just how much of an issue this is. I'm not going to be hitting the track every weekend, I'm a real world rider: usually short stints but ocassional longer tours are my norm. I take much greater joy in surgically negotiating the twisties than maxing out the spedo.

Do these traits of the motor detract from your corning?
Is the jerkiness so bad that you consider running every red light and stop sign so you don't have to accel out of the blocks again?

Have these issues been addressed in the '07 and newer generation? So much so that I might be happier looking for an 07 or newer simply for the improvements?

I must sound needier than a desperate high school sophmore with braces and acne. Sorry, but this is what happens when you can't just jump on and ride.

Thanks for all the help, ride safe
Jay

 

[reiobard]

the FZ is perfect for me, i also am a real world rider and love how the bike performs, it Does turn into a beast over 7K rpms but below that level it is certainly not lacking. It is a smooth ride but can get up and run if you want to wring it a little bit harder. I also do not find it peaky at all...

 

[wrightme43]

dude the bike rocks. We all love it. Its freaking fast when you want it, calm when you want it, and fun all the time. The mag writers get to ride brand new bikes all day, and find something about every bike, every year. Its how they get paid.

Just pick one and ride. The FZ will serve you well, so will any of the others.
Steve

 

[MRGM]

Those people who say the FZ lacks low end are a joke. The inline 4 is maybe 10blf lower than a twin in the low end, and that's not much. The top end makes up for all of it.

 

[bigdog9191999]

a buddy of mine has the ninja and it's ok. speed/power is close to the fz, but the usability i think is better on the fz, tame enough in the lower revs to not be bad and plenty up top,(yes you do have to get the r's going to geat big results, but the results are plentiful) the position on the fz is also a little more upright than the ninja and there are a few areas where the fz just feels better built. (and in my opinion the twin sounds like poo, esp. stock)

my .02

 

[SovietRobot]

If you shift at 3k then yes there is no "low end" power.
Every bike is different and with the FZ6 you'll learn where the power band is and how to effectively use it.

 

[FizzySix]

What you're describing is one of the aspects of its "do it all" nature that make so many fall in love with it. Under about 7k she's a wonderfully mild-mannered commuter or weekday joy rider. Once you get into the higher rpms on the weekends you unleash that beast and she shows her sportbike nature. It's a good thing.

It's not a bug, it's a feature.

If you don't like the lack of oomph at very low rpms (e.g. taking off from a stoplight or in slow traffic without revving it up) you can get a smaller front sprocket for about $30 delivered. Once installed the bike will climb from idle to whatever level you want a little more quickly, and cause you to ride around at any speed/gear combo running slightly higher rpms. As a lot of folks who do this say: "it feels like it should have come from the factory this way."

...but that will start a long and expensive hobby of modifying the bike to your tastes.

 

[tuningfork]

I found this to be a pretty accurate article about the 2007+ models that sums up the improvements (and should put to rest some of the internet rumors about lack of power and poor FI)

2007 Yamaha FZ6

Too bad none of the big magazines/sites have tested the bike since about 2005 from what I can find online.

 

[Ashley]

Jay, it's amazing how underated this bike is! I have an '07 that is very smooth and pulls strong in 6th gear all the way down from 2000 rpms. Then if you really want to get on it, it comes on nice and strongly around 6000 rpms. When you hit 8000, watch out! I ride a '03 Triumph Daytona 955 on the track and have been doing so for 5 years now. I have never taken my FZ6 to the track, but deep down I know I would do faster lap times on my FZ. And oh my, is it comfortable! Anyway, I just bought a dual sport (xchallenge) and need to sell my '07. It is advertized on the 'bikes for sale' section of this forum. Why don't you get a cheap flight to Indianapolis, watch the Indianapolis 500, (i'll get you a good ticket) test ride my FZ, buy it and ride it home! It needs a good home and I'd love to sell it to someone that knows this bike. Just about everyone on this forum will back me up. This is kind of a wacky idea, but hey, go for it!

 

[MarinaFazer]

jdough7;201404]Hello again,



Do these traits of the motor detract from your corning? No, the traits work well for an entry bike (after having started on a 250cc). Have yet to hit its limits...but I do like to red line it :thumbup:
Is the jerkiness so bad that you consider running every red light and stop sign so you don't have to accel out of the blocks again? No. Jerkiness is user error. I'm guilty of it too, but of course I'll never admit it! d'oh!

Have these issues been addressed in the '07 and newer generation? "complaints" are all the same. Mushy front forks, not enough low end...I mean...why do you really want all the torque? keep it in first gear...I don't need tons of torque when I'm funneling through stopped traffic and splitting lanes. Don't worry...if you open it in first gear at 10mph...it's gonna go!
So much so that I might be happier looking for an 07 or newer simply for the improvements? They are very similar. If you have the cash, get a new one cuz it's got a better computer and 02 sensor and junk...but if you're on a budget, it hasn't really changed much.

I must sound needier than a desperate high school sophmore with braces and acne. Sorry, but this is what happens when you can't just jump on and ride.

Thanks for all the help, ride safe
Jay

Lastly, if this is your first bike, I've always advocated a 250cc. Get a 250 ninja and save some cash so that you can get all the gear for it. Then ride it for a year and upgrade. You can most likely 98% of the time get the same price back that you paid for it (minus 100-200 for use) so it's a great investment.

Here are some photos to make you green with envy!!!

 

[Manx]

I have to agree with the comments here.

My bike before the FZ6 was a Ducati 1000 monster, so I am fairly well acquainted with bikes with lots of low down torque. And tbh, it doesn't matter. You just ride to suit the bike.

As others have said, below 6k its mild mannered, which is nice if your commuting, and if you want to go faster, just keep the revs at 6 or above.

I doubt there is that much difference between any 600cc I4 really. If you want oodles of torque low down, you need a different bike. If you want a bike that can pretty much do everything, without breaking the bank, I'd be hard pressed to think of another bike that would match or beat the FZ6.

 

[Slow]

wow, who knew that an fz could lean that far lol

 

[Hellgate]

They suck at leaning, do not buy one. Buy a Harley they lean better because they weight more.

View attachment 16549

 

[jtarkany]

I have heard this question and complaint a few times and am always a little confused .

I agree with just about everything I have read in this thread thus far, now here is my 2 cents:

It does 0 - 60 mph at right around 3 seconds, 1/4 mile at around 10 seconds. You can ride the twisties (Canyon or Track) in 1st or 2nd gear up to 75 mph.

Basically, when most 'Torquey' bikes are in 2nd, we're in 1st, when they are in 3rd, we are in 2nd and so on .

 

[The Toecutter]

It's the perfect bike......end of story......:rockon:

 

[Slow]

I have heard this question and complaint a few times and am always a little confused .

I agree with just about everything I have read in this thread thus far, now here is my 2 cents:

It does 0 - 60 mph at right around 3 seconds, 1/4 mile at around 10 seconds. You can ride the twisties (Canyon or Track) in 1st or 2nd gear up to 75 mph.

Basically, when most 'Torquey' bikes are in 2nd, we're in 1st, when they are in 3rd, we are in 2nd and so on .

maybe off a cliff

1/4 mile is around 12 seconds.

 

[Ryan T]

I started out on the FZ6 and I've never looked back. I knew a 250 would be way to small and underpowered. I got my 08 new and spent two weeks practicing before going to MSF course. When riding there tiny bikes everything was all too easy. I was really missing my FZ6 during those days.

I searched and searched for the bike for me and the FZ6 came up on top. I was looking for the following: comfort, style, sportiness, fun to ride, price, and speed. I was impressed in all areas. I also looked at other makes but this was tops for me.

Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

 

[jdough7]

Wow, thank you for the education in how to get a lot of responses quick. Just call into question the performance of a bike on it's own forum. LOL.

Thanks tho everyone. This is what i expected. I know the writers tend to get a little anxious about getting out on the tracks (can't blame them) but IMHO i don't think I'll go wrong with any of the bikes i'm looking at, based on my research. But given my 6'3" frame with the 34" inseam, it seams the FZ would be the most accomodating. Plus i like it's styling better than the rest. perhaps the only reason I'm as hung up on the others as I am is because I'm coming off a Vulcan 750, and fancy myself a fan of a rumbling, torquey twin over a screaming 4 banger. But I'm sure I could learn to love it.

Ashley, you're proposal is not so absurd. I work for the airlines and could travel for free out to Indy to check out your bike. PM me with your bike's info or where you have it posted on the net if there is anymore info than what you have posted in these forums.

Tuning fork, thanks for the good article. You guys oughta be earning a commission, reading this makes me wanna go out and throw down my cash right now.

 

[joe1971]

Lacking in the bottom end? never understood that one My favorite is when they want to bash it because it doesn't come into "it's power until 7k rpm" but they never fail to mention that the fz is making a lot more power than the twins at that point. Around town I tend to cruise about 4k at 25, its very easy to get along with then.


When you head out to the twisties for some play time the bike feels really smooth above 8k no snatchy throttle, no peaky power, just a willingness to give more. This bike really likes to be road hard, but is just plain happy to pack you around town on your errands, to work or whatever.

As far as comfort goes well my Bro owns an 07 meanstreak and that's supposed to be a comfy ride. But about the time he needs to get off and stretch I'm just getting warmed up, you can get off to stretch when you get gas, anyway that's about all I need.